The 2x8 s were used to keep the concrete in the forms.
Retaining wall concrete footer.
The wall we built was a weekend long project and an exhausting one at that.
A retaining wall is used to stop soil or dirt in one area typically elevated from moving down to a lower area.
If you are building a segmental retaining wall then you will not need a footing.
If you are new to this type of project here are a few tools and materials that you may need as well as some steps to help guide you through the process.
You can use plywood instead.
Because of this the footings will need to be built to create a sturdy base.
The retaining wall is 60 feet long 20 1 2 high and 7 1 2 wide and we ordered 5 yards of concrete but only used 4 1 2 yards.
Wood retaining walls 14.
Do this by multiplying the width of the footer by the depth and multiply that total by the length.
The retaining wall footing supports the weight of the wall and the soil behind it.
However for even the most modest block structure to have enough rigidity to bear pressure and weight it needs proper footing.
Soil bearing and stability 8.
Designing the cantilever wall stem 9.
If you plan to use brick cinder block or stone that will include the use of mortar then a concrete footing is recommended.
Materials tools and site.
The footing is usually made of poured concrete but in some situations homeowners may instead opt to simply use tamped earth or a gravel base.
Concrete blocks are a common building material for a variety of outdoor projects such as retaining walls and out buildings like garages and tool sheds.
A solid block wall needs a solid footing.
Without a footing the retaining wall may collapse.
Calculate the amount of concrete per cubic yard needed to fill the footer to ground level.
Gabion walls 16.
Forces on retaining walls 6.
Pier and pile foundations 11.
Segmental walls are constructed using individual blocks designed for stability without mortar.
Cantilevered tilt up walls 13.
Building codes and retaining walls 5.
A footing is an underground concrete structure that a building wall or retaining wall rests upon.
Step 1 check local government ordinances.
How to build a concrete wall prep work.
We used 2x 8 for the concrete forms because we are using them in another project after the fence is built.
One key aspect of retaining wall construction is preparing a solid footing or foundation.
It is important when you are building footings for a concrete retaining wall to make them sturdy.
It took a day to rip out the old collapsing retaining wall to dig farther into the hill to provide room for the backfill gravel and to help unload materials.
The concrete helps stabilize the structure and can prevent sagging or sinking.