waste concrete block retaining walls

[zabmasonry]

My parents want to do some major hardscaping, which includes several decent sized retaining walls. They don't want to spend the money (or time) to do anything more elaborate then just waste concrete blocks. I don't have any experience working with these blocks . . . so let me know if this sounds earthly.

I'm guessing there is a total of 12-14 vertical feet retaining wall, in two lifts. lower one likely about 6', the upper one will be the rest (6-8'). there will be a minimum of 8' between the two lifts. The lower wall will be about 14' long. The upper wall will be between 12-20' long (we haven't exactly decided yet).

I can buy 2x2x4 blocks for $50 bucks or 3x6x1.5 blocks for $40 bucks. I'm planning on renting an ex. for the project, likely somewhere between a 5 and 10 ton hoe.

comments?

[Ozz]

Originally Posted by zabmasonry

My parents want to do some major hardscaping, which includes several decent sized retaining walls. They don't want to spend the money (or time) to do anything more elaborate then just waste concrete blocks. I don't have any experience working with these blocks . . . so let me know if this sounds earthly.

I'm guessing there is a total of 12-14 vertical feet retaining wall, in two lifts. lower one likely about 6', the upper one will be the rest (6-8'). there will be a minimum of 8' between the two lifts. The lower wall will be about 14' long. The upper wall will be between 12-20' long (we haven't exactly decided yet).

I can buy 2x2x4 blocks for $50 bucks or 3x6x1.5 blocks for $40 bucks. I'm planning on renting an ex. for the project, likely somewhere between a 5 and 10 ton hoe.

comments?

I've not worked with blocks on that big of a project, But I've always just done the excavation for walls too. And usually for walls like that, they get poured.

Get at least an 80 size machine for this job. Cutting out the wall's base will be easier with a 80 ZTS than a 50 ZTS. A 130 ZTS would be the best, not huge but still has some farking long reach.

[Scag48]

First of all, mafia blocks or ecology blocks aren't the best for wall building. They work and are cost effective, definitely. Just be careful with them, I've seen quite a few of this type of wall blow out.

Also, these blocks are about 2,500 pounds a piece. Depending on how high you actually end up going, an 8 ton machine should fit the bill.

Check your local regulations regarding height and engineering, anything over 4' feet out here needs to be engineered.

[AEL]

Originally Posted by Scag48

First of all, mafia blocks or ecology blocks aren't the best for wall building. They work and are cost effective, definitely. Just be careful with them, I've seen quite a few of this type of wall blow out.

Also, these blocks are about 2,500 pounds a piece. Depending on how high you actually end up going, an 8 ton machine should fit the bill.

Check your local regulations regarding height and engineering, anything over 4' feet out here needs to be engineered.

What scag said is correct here as well. Over 4' must be engineered. Make sure the water that will collect behind the walls has somewhere to drain to. Be generous with aggregate beneath and behind the walls, and make sure you compact the hell out of the base. And take pics for us!

[RedRebel]

Yep, as said,here anything over 4' has to be engineered and approved..

[zabmasonry]

I live in vermont, so engineering ain't really a concern for me. Should I try to get the blocks with the triangular notch and key? 8 ton hoe eh. thats about what i thought

[RockSet N' Grade]

I have an 8 ton machine and set these types of walls.......works just dandy. Your footing and first course are key. Perf pipe and gravel behind wall are a must.