How Much Does It Cost To Pour A Concrete Retaining Wall?
How Much Does It Cost To Pour A Concrete Retaining Wall?
When it comes to retaining walls, the cost varies based on the features and upgrades you choose. A basic concrete retaining wall can cost between $10 and $50 per square foot, while more elaborate features may cost more.
One thing to remember is that the cost of a retaining wall includes material and labor costs. So, the total cost to install a concrete retaining wall will be a combination of these two.
You expect a whole concrete retaining wall to cost between $3,000 to $10,000 on average.
There are a few variables to take into account when estimating the cost of a concrete retaining wall. These include the wall’s dimensions, the thickness of the wall, the type of concrete used, the cost of labor, and any special finishes or features.
Generally, a basic concrete retaining wall can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per square foot.
Note that concrete retaining wall is a cost-effective way to keep your property safe and secure. So, if you’re considering installing one, talk to a professional about your options. They can help you figure out the best way to get the job done and save money.
How Do You Build A Concrete Block Retaining Wall?
The building of concrete block retaining walls is explained in detail, including the step-by-step procedure, materials, benefits, applications, and construction inspection.
Retaining walls are widely used to keep soil mass or back fill materials. It is built in numerous engineering projects to fulfill diverse goals.
Reinforced concrete retaining walls, segmental retaining walls, gabion walls, and concrete block retaining walls are all retaining walls. Here’s how you can go about it;
Level The Surface
Measure and mark the location of your retaining wall on the construction site. Remove soil and level the area where the retaining wall will be erected with a flat-bladed shovel.
In some circumstances, this may need extensive excavation as you dig back into the hillside to create a level surface; however, in others, you will only need to make a short flat trench where the bottom row of stones will sit.
Aim for a flat, level, and compact platform to lay the bottom row of retaining wall blocks.
A short 2×4 can be used as a screed, scraping off the soil with a sawing motion to create a flat surface. A long 2×4 with a level on it may be used to verify the level of a wide surface.
Create The Foundation
A retaining wall will be sturdy if built on a permeable foundation. The porous layer will aid drainage on the finished wall and make levelling the first row of blocks simpler.
Cover the space where the first row of blocks will be set with a 2-inch layer of sand or gravel. Smooth and even out the foundation layer with a long 2×4 and a level.
When retaining walls are taller than four blocks, the foundation must be compacted using a hand tamper before advancing.
Place The First Block
Set the first block into the foundation layer, starting at one end of the wall. Firmly press it down, but not so hard that the foundation layer is squeezed away.
Check the level of the first block with a level in both directions: side to side and front to rear.
Finish The First Block Course
Lay the next neighbouring block, using a 2×4 and level to ensure it is flat and properly lined with the previous.
Aligning from block to block in this initial row is critical; as you add courses of blocks upward, any disparities between lower blocks will be passed to upward courses, frequently with devastating ways.
Continue using the next blocks to finish the first course of the wall. After each block, double-check that the row is still level and aligned with your intended arrangement. The angled sides of retaining wall blocks allow for softly curved walls if desired.
Determine The Next Course Of Action
The following rows of blocks are put in a “running bond” brickwork pattern, with seams on consecutive courses offset by one-half block. This design will be much stronger and more sturdy than vertically aligned seams.
Before cutting and installing the half-width end blocks on the ends, install all complete blocks for the second course.
Cut The Half Blocks In Half.
A masonry chisel and hammer can be used to cut the half blocks at the ends of the alternate rows. The backside of retaining wall blocks has a V-notch groove that allows the blocks to be easily cleaved in half.
Place the block on its side, face down, and insert the tip of a wide masonry chisel into the groove.
To divide the block into two pieces, strike the end of the chisel sharply. You may need to strike the block multiple times until it breaks.
A hand maul is ideal for striking the chisel, although a framing hammer will suffice.
