Retaining wall can help a homeowner in multiple ways, and it is a structure that increases the stability of a slope and prevents the soil from being eroded. To prevent soil erosion, many experts recommend constructing a retaining wall in hilly regions. If you visit the hills, you can observe their agricultural practices, management, and other necessary steps to conserve soils. Here, we will reveal the steps to construct a retaining wall landscape so that you can conserve your land from being collapsed.
Steps to Construct a Retaining Wall Landscape
Necessary equipment for constructing a retaining wall
- Shovel
- Hand tamper
- 2- or 4-feet level measuring tool
- Geotextile
- Gravel and coarse sand
- Construction adhesive
- Perforated pipes
- Cement
- Blocks
Steps to build a retaining wall
Step – 1
In the first step, you have to excavate the land by measuring the height and width of the base. Greater height means that the base should be strong to provide support to the wall. Don’t forget the shear strength, resistance, and stresses relationship because one is related to another. Water can reduce the shear strength of the soil and cause a massive landslide if nobody takes the necessary steps to prevent soil erosion. Excavate the soil based on the calculations.
Step – 2
Once the trench excavation is done, it is time to compact the soil. Soil compaction increases the density, which increases the shear strength of the soil and can provide enough support to the structure. Compact the ground with the hand tamper and make sure the compaction is uniform. Once this is done, you have to prepare the sand and gravel. Place the geotextile in the trench and pour the coarse sand, stones, and gravel there. Compact them once again.
Step – 3
Once the compaction of the sand and gravel layer is done, it is time to check the level by using the 2- or 4-feet level. This level measuring tool has a bubble inside it, which can be used to observe the slope. Level the ground if you notice that the ground is a bit sloppy.
Step – 4
It is time to insert the first layer of the blocks. Place the blocks carefully and after placing three or four of them, make sure that they are leveled. Perforated pipes are used to ensure the drainage is good because, sometimes, many homeowners don’t want to concentrate on the drainage. As a result, hydrostatic pressure arises, which pushes the retaining wall and causes a crash.
Therefore, before placing the second layer, insert the perforated pipes between the gaps, and use cement to fill the unnecessary gaps. Once the perforated pipes are placed, use the construction adhesive on the first layer of the blocks and place the second layer of the blocks on it. If more pipes remain, you can use them in this layer also. Repeat the same process while building the third and fourth layers. Don’t forget to check the level of each layer after placing them.
The final step is backfilling. Please try to avoid native soil for backfilling because soils expand themselves after absorbing water and shrink upon drying. This wetting and drying process can create pressure, which can destroy the retaining wall. By following this simple procedure, anybody can build a retaining wall for home improvement.
