Small Poured Concrete Retaining Wall
In this photo increte contractors installed a poured in place decorative concrete wall system called stone crete that creates deep relief stone walls with a variety of available textures and colors.
Small poured concrete retaining wall. Many contractors shy away from poured concrete preferring to use cmu block with a plastered face. If you want to build a concrete retaining wall you should consider pouring the wall rather than making it out of concrete blocks. The depth to the bottom of the base slab should be kept at a minimum of two feet. Tall wall excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in.
Of compacted base 1 in. Retaining walls are a specially engineered structures that hold back or retain lateral sections of soil water or other organic materials. The risk of cracking in poured walls and the difficulty in repairing them makes block and plaster a more forgiving choice. This simple retaining wall utilizes a beautiful travertine stone cap upgrade.
Mix enough concrete to complete the wall all at once. Retaining walls can be constructed using a variety of materials from poured concrete and large timbers to natural stones even bricks. If you add too much water the concrete turns a little soupy. Purchase some concrete mix and pour it all into a mixer with a ramp or hose.
Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks. Poured concrete retaining walls can also be decorative and reproduce the look of stone or masonry. Cross section of a retaining wall a cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it s built on. A skilled concrete contractor can use textured stamps to create patterns.
Good concrete has a gray uniform consistency. It s entirely possible to build a retaining wall without reinforcing the concrete though not advised as the reinforcing will allow you to use less material so long as the concrete always works in compression this is how the first concrete dams were built or indeed many roman buildings. Pouring a concrete retaining wall is not that difficult and this easy to follow how to guide will show you just what to do. For diy purposes opt for manufactured blocks that are.
Retaining walls are very helpful in the prevention of erosion as well as preventing the collapse of higher level ground onto a part of your building driveway patio or landscaping area. Concrete can also be poured into shapes that mimic the look of masonry retaining walls so it appears your wall is actually made up of individual stone blocks instead of poured concrete. Perhaps the finest examples of poured concrete walls can be seen every day along freeways where these structures are constructed on a massive scale. In general the top of the stem of any cast concrete retaining wall should not be less than 12 inches for the proper placement of concrete.
Stone crete is used for sound barrier walls retaining walls subdivision entry walls or wherever a beautiful deep relief stone wall is desired. How to build a concrete wall figure a. Texturizing or stamping poured concrete can also create a unique look for your home.