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How To Build Retaining Walls

November 30, 2020

retaining walls in a fieldRetaining walls can add beauty to a landscape and enhance the value of a property. In addition, the wall can retain slopes to create usable, level ground. For stability, all large retaining walls should be constructed with approved plans and permits. Before beginning construction, it’s important to secure approved plans, permits and contact Ms. Utility. How to build retaining walls, can benefit you, your family and home’s appearance.

Plans

For retaining walls taller than 3 to 4 feet, building codes generally require a building permit and structural wall design. These wall designs are prepared by a qualified licensed professional engineer. Professional engineers (P.E.) licensed in the state of the project must prepare these final wall designs. Some jurisdictions require the wall engineering plans to be provided engineered approved, as part of the retaining wall construction package (design/build). In such a case, the designer provides the retaining wall product type, location, layout, grading and soils information. With the plans complete, the P.E. will affix his professional stamp to the plans.

Permits

permitted work completed by dirt connections team

If you are considering having a retaining wall built on your property, you’re probably wondering if you will need to file for a permit. As a general rule when remodeling your home or property, a permit is usually required. Permits are granted for additions, alterations or when new construction is involved. When building a retaining wall, your local building department can inform you if an engineering plan is needed for the project.

Contractor Selection

Bidding contractors estimate the materials, labor and final engineering costs. When a contractor is awarded the project, they may be required to retain a qualified, licensed engineer to provide on site inspections during the construction phase. This may require a final stamped engineer’s report with wall completion.

Ms. Utility

811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website a few business days before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.

Excavation

The depth you need to excavate depends on frost depth as well as the wall and soil type for your locality. Check with your building department for retaining wall requirements.

Types of Walls

  1. Mortared or concrete walls in heavy-frost areas require footings dug below the frost line.
  2. Nonmortared walls should be built on a gravel-filled trench dug below frost line.

If you live where it doesn’t freeze and your soil drains well, you may be able to just scrape away topsoil to form a base for nonmortared walls.

Dump Truck Haul Off

truck dumping virginia fill dirt on construction site

When excavating for a retaining wall, you will often generate fill dirt, that will need to be hauled off site.

Dirt Swell Rate

The volume of excavated soil will increase from its natural state(bank) to its disturbed state (loose). Excavating soil and piling it up will loosen it and the volume will increase. This is due to void spaces/air pockets added to the material (loosened material). If you need to remove the excavated material it would help to know the swell percentage for the soil you are excavating. I use 1.2 times the excavated material quantity.

Dump Truck Hauling

On an average of 12 cubic yards hauling capacity should be allotted for each dump truck.

Footings & Foundations

Shallow vs. Deep Footings

Footings are generally classified according to whether they are shallow or deep. The depth of deep footing is equal to or greater than its width.

  1. Shallow footing can be used when constructing retaining walls on soil that is strong enough to bear their loads.
  2. Deep footings are required when constructing walls on soil of a low load-bearing capacity.

Retaining wall footings can be comprised of plain concrete, reinforced concrete, or masonry, and cover a large surface area in order to distribute the full weight of the wall to the soil.

Retaining Wall Blocks

First Block Course

Your first retaining wall course needs to be level and plumb. This is important, as all other block material courses are set on top. This is easier when your footing is level and installed properly.

Continue Building

Now that you have the first layer in the rest is easy. Just add one block at a time and stagger the seems on the blocks.

Make sure the blocks sit snugly on the other blocks. Sometimes rocks and dirt will get in between them and mess up your nice level wall. Don’t let that happen. Use a broom to sweep the blocks thoroughly between rows.

Footer Drain

Drainage for your retaining wall is critical, as hydraulic pressure can cause a wall to fail. For walls of any size, landscape fabric is necessary to stop soil from washing through the wall and drainage lines. When and if this happens erosion above and behind the wall can create catastrophic failure.

Weep Holes

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Weep holes in building exterior masonry walls (brick or stone) are a drainage system that is used in cavity wall or rain-screen wall construction methods to get rid of water that has penetrated the outer wall skin or surface.

Drainage

massive soil erosion that has occured due to poor soil drainage but the homeowners are completing a topsoil project to fix it

Most retaining walls are impervious, which means water cannot pass through the wall itself, efficient drainage is crucial. When drainage goes unaddressed hydrostatic pressure will build up behind the wall and cause damage such as bulging or cracking. There are a number of ways to ensure proper drainage of water from behind a retaining wall:

  • First, is to make sure your landscaping contractor backfills at least a foot of space behind the wall with gravel.
  • Second, is having a perforated pipe installed along the inside, or backfilled, bottom of the wall.
  • Third, is to ask if weep holes will be needed to allow water to drain through the wall.

Gravel Backfill

Backfill simply refers to the soil directly behind the wall. For proper drainage, the first 12 inches of space behind a retaining wall should be filled with crushed stone or gravel. This is so that when water gets into the space, it does not become bogged down in soil but instead can flow down the wall to the drains or weep holes. Many designs allow for the top six inches of space behind a wall to be filled with native soil, so that the area can be used for planting.

Structural Fill

Soil compaction is most important for creating strength, but it also makes the dirt less permeable and reduces the ability of water to seep into the space behind the wall. The soil behind the layer of gravel backfill is the target for this step. Proper compaction involves the use of a plate compactor or similar tool, not just stomping on the soil with your boots.

Final Grading

retaining wall by dirt connections

Once the wall has reached the desired height, clean off the last course of block in preparation for the cap or coping to finalize the wall. This can be accomplished by brushing with broom or hosing off. Once units are dry and clean, use construction adhesive for a mechanical bond. Cap may be flush or overhanging as required by aesthetics and design.

You can now apply the final grading material. With this complete, you can add seed and straw or sod.

Inspection Approval

Make sure to get your final inspection approval. When this is complete, the building department will close out your permit.

How To Build A Retaining Wall – Recap

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Dirt Connections
Dirt Connections
4.5
C Hannon
C Hannon
16:27 02 Jan 19
Chuck is a master communicator. Great quality dirt, quick responses to all my inquiries. highly recommended. Will be using Dirt Connections again in the future for more fill/top soil needs.
Daniel Chaney
Daniel Chaney
20:57 22 Nov 17
Chuck Moore at Dirt Connections really goes above and beyond to help his customers with all their trucking needs! My company, Benchmark Utility Services, has used Dirt Connections for many jobs and they always deliver for us!
Chris Mihm
Chris Mihm
20:49 08 Sep 16
Dirt Connections is amazing. I had a few people string me along promising good quality fill dirt but never delivering. Dirt Connections showed up at 7am the next morning! We discussed my unique needs. He told me I needed twice as much as my contractor suggested. He was correct. Dirt showed up same day! Would strongly recommend.
John D
John D
22:45 16 Sep 16
Chuck did a great job getting fill dirt for my project. He was able to help me meet a deadline. Highly recommend.
DJ Sweater
DJ Sweater
15:54 23 Feb 16
Chuck does a great job at taking care of customers. He walked us through the whole process, and made us feel at home about our siding and brick repair. I am going to call Chuck and Dirt Connections about our future bathroom and concrete driveway remodeling as well. Great guy, great company, thanks Chuck!
Jonathan Gessert
Jonathan Gessert
18:01 17 Dec 15
I gave Dirt Connections a call about a week ago to see what they could do about remodeling the bathroom at my house. Chuck answered the phone, was extremely polite and knowledgeable, and pointed me in the right direction! I thought the quote was very affordable, and will be recommending him to my friends. 5 out of 5 stars.
Sandra Maxey
Sandra Maxey
21:50 03 Feb 16
If you are looking for quality home improvements, this is the company for you. They were on time, courteous and went beyond our expectations with the addition they did for us. Would recommend them highly and definitely use them again!
David C. Roseman
David C. Roseman
15:16 29 May 18
My experience with Dirt Connections has been excellent. Chuck Moore is quite professional, and his personal service and attention to detail in arranging the right fill material is impressive.
mpgary21090
mpgary21090
14:10 04 Jun 18
We used this company to haul dirt for a pool dig out of Bethesda Md. They did an outstanding job. Thank you Chuck for making this work on short notice.
Michael Loper
Michael Loper
23:03 16 Jun 18
On behalf of the Trustees of Bruen Chapel United Methodist Church, I see hallmarks of this project (filling a 6 foot sinkhole) by Dirt Connections as the contractor's extremely prompt response and the thorough accomplishment of the work. The project was wrapped up much faster than I had estimated, given the issues that heavy rain has caused all over Fairfax County.
Miri Birk
Miri Birk
21:35 16 Jul 18
Excellent service. Quick delivery. good clean fill dirt. And the price was right.
Laura Bryan
Laura Bryan
17:38 01 Aug 18
I worked with Chuck who was VERY accommodating. He worked hard to get me clean fill which is not guaranteed. He was easy to get a hold of and quick to respond. If I ever need dirt again this is where I will go.
Brett Gerard
Brett Gerard
15:02 15 Aug 18
This is the second time I've worked with Chuck. The service is stellar A+, very organized, on-time and they are flexible on delivery. The fill dirt is clean. Chuck goes above and beyond to service his clients and most of all I appreciate they level of communication. This level of service is difficult to find in NOVA.
Chuck Jones
Chuck Jones
13:48 24 Aug 18
LandArt Associates, LLC utilizes Dirt Connections services whenever performing projects in the Northern VA/DC area. We have used them on small and large projects and the service is always outstanding. It is always a welcome relief when you have a company that is consistently dependable.
Shannon Frazier
Shannon Frazier
23:18 04 Sep 18
Our delivery was placed in the wrong location. Chuck made sure the mistake was corrected quickly and went the extra mile. Very responsive and professional. Highly recommend.
VIRGINIA TICER BAECHLER
VIRGINIA TICER BAECHLER
16:19 29 Sep 18
Chuck Moore and his staff have helped our family with multiple projects, including moving, snow removal, and water remediation! They're always willing to help, and they do so quickly and professionally! We would strongly recommend them to anyone needing any of their services! Thank you for everything, Chuck!!
Chris Myers
Chris Myers
14:00 09 Dec 18
Great service, great dirt, all around great experience! They even helped me think through what I needed to do after the dirt arrived.
Christian Chopitea
Christian Chopitea
22:31 11 Dec 18
Working with them was a remarkable experience, starting with the communication, punctuality, the delivery and the quality of soil. Everything was coordinated precisely to my expectations. Highly recommend if you are in need of soil.
Taylor Pereira
Taylor Pereira
14:25 12 Dec 18
Chuck is the man! He’s been working with my husband and our trucking business for months and has never let us down! Awesome guy, great businessman, and a great connection to have.
mike row
mike row
14:47 09 Jan 19
Chuck took the time to walk me through the entire process. He met with me multiple times and was on site the first day the dirt was delivered to help coordinate dirt placement. I would not hesitate to use him in the future.
Thomas Mathew
Thomas Mathew
19:18 13 Feb 19
Chuck was great to work with! Responds quickly and very flexible to meet any request. Highly recommend!
Heather Lowell
Heather Lowell
14:37 06 Mar 19
I had such a fantastic experience working with Chuck at Dirt Connections, and I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone for any project. I contracted with Chuck to remove an old pool at our new home. During our first call, he clearly explained both options for the project, and he was the first contractor I brought out after we closed on the home. Chuck was so helpful and informative, and the price he quoted me so reasonable, that I didn't meet with anyone else. I honestly didn't (and still don't) think there could be anyone more customer-oriented or easier to work with than Chuck and his workers/subcontractors. The guys who came to the project site were so kind, helpful, respectful, and communicative. They checked in with me on each step, and at the beginning and end of each day. They cleaned the site thoroughly at the end, including pressure washing my driveway, and even my husband (who'd wanted to keep the pool) had to admit they did an amazing job and graded the yard so well afterward. I even found out after they'd left on the last day that the guys had hauled my empty trashcans back up from the curb for me just to be nice! Chuck knows his stuff, hires great people, and is so kind and easy to work with. If I had the opportunity again, I would definitely work with him on any project his company handles. Highly recommended!
James Imoehl
James Imoehl
12:05 12 Mar 19
Dirt Connections is great! Chuck is reliable and responsive and was able to get me all the dirt I needed for my job. Also willing to discuss other projects and reasonably priced. Overall great team and plan on using them again!
Dean
Dean
12:50 25 Mar 19
If you're looking for affordable fill dirt/top soil, excellent customer service, and responsiveness - Chuck at Dirt Connections is your guy! Our dirt needs made our project stressful, but Chuck was there to walk us thru the whole process and ensured we were taken case of, and he was available to answer any questions - even during evening hours and on Sundays. If you come across Dirt Connections during your search - look no further, Chuck is your guy. Thanks Chuck!
Bill Dawson
Bill Dawson
12:32 27 Mar 19
Chuck was great and very friendly. He worked with me to get an order filled quickly and the dirt was delivered as promised. Chuck kept me in the loop during each step of the way. Definitely recommend working with him.
Alfonso Guillen
Alfonso Guillen
22:14 15 Apr 19
Great professional company, contracted for for some gravel and grading to extend driveway and did an outstanding job. Thank you very much for the work done!!!
Sue Noe
Sue Noe
18:09 02 May 19
I didn't need as much dirt as the driver brought. He was so nice and friendly and delivered just the amount I needed. Very easy to work with from start to finish!!
Nick Rosenau
Nick Rosenau
16:14 24 May 19
I had a wonderful experience with Dirt Connections. It couldn't have been any easier or faster. Chuck contacted me immediately after I placed my order and had the dirt delivered to me in less than 24 hours. I would highly recommend this service!
Michael Burkhardt
Michael Burkhardt
11:47 11 Jun 19
We hired Dirt Connections for an inground pool demolition and they were fantastic. These are good folks that made us feel confident that the job would be done well and it was. It wasn't cheap but it was definitely money well spent.They came out to survey the job for an estimate within a couple days of my request. Chuck was very personable and professional, clearly describing everything they would be doing and answering many questions I hadn't even thought of. The next day I had the proposal in my inbox with the cost and, again, clearly describing the job and what I could expect from them and it was very easy to read and understand. Very shortly after I accepted the proposal Martir called and we arranged payment (made very convenient) and he got the permit request in right away. As for the crew, they were on time or early, answered any questions I had, were a pleasure to have around, and were right on schedule completing the job. They were thoughtful as well, among other touches making sure to grade the new dirt (soon to be new yard) so rain water would flow correctly to avoid pooling and when they left on the last day everything was cleaned up including sweeping the dirt off of the end of the driveway.
Daniel Tanner
Daniel Tanner
17:04 06 Aug 19
I contacted Chuck because I needed 15 loads of dirt for a rather large project in my backyard. I can’t say enough good things about my experience. Not only did he save me thousands off what I was quoted by local companies in Stafford County. His follow up in making sure everything was on time and completed is a rarity in today’s world. If you need dirt and you live in northern Virginia I highly suggest calling them.
Matt Plunkett
Matt Plunkett
15:45 17 Nov 19
I had a great overall experience working with Chuck. I spent weeks searching for a company that could strengthen and raise my foundation approx. 2 inch. Dirt connections was able to execute this job on time, beyond expectations, and at a fair price. Chuck is very knowledgable and has a ton of experience in the industry. He cares about the success of the customer and is honest with expectations. I would definitely recommend Dirt Connections for your foundation/structural needs. I plan to work with them on future projects.
Frank Herring
Frank Herring
14:21 28 Feb 20
Chuck and Co. were responsive and careful to help develop the scope of the need for my project. The instructions to receive the load were explicit and they made sure I knew what I was getting. The delivery (1/2 truckload) was timely and as promised.
Jackson Taylor
Jackson Taylor
01:11 07 Apr 20
Chuck and his team were simply great. I needed fill dirt for repairing some torn up pastures. I got 30 truck loads and Chuck was always responsive and informative about the process and details. I will definitely use Dirt Connections again.
Matthew Gill
Matthew Gill
17:53 15 May 20
Chuck over at Dirt Connections is excellent. He quickly arranged for a drop off of fill dirt, and was courteous all the while. On the day of the drop off, I requested an alteration to the original order, which he took in stride. Chuck is not only honest, but he comes across as a good person - the opposite of which I had read about fill dirt movers. I highly recommend anyone needing dirt for their yards/jobs to use Dirt Connections.
Thomas Kagan
Thomas Kagan
17:06 16 Jun 20
Special thanks to Chuck for helping me plan my patio project, He took time out of his day to e-mail me the details of what it would take for me to build a DIY brick patio. This was all at no cost, he was just trying to be helpful. I'm saving his contact info and will be using him for all furture services.
Brad Bauer
Brad Bauer
15:43 28 Jun 20
Worked with Chuck to get 3 loads of fill dirt delivered in short notice. Drivers were good and dumped exactly where I asked. No issues. Will be ordering more!
Wilfido Gonzalez
Wilfido Gonzalez
00:40 11 Aug 20
I meet Chuck and he is a very professional person he let me know how to do my project with professionalism I am very happy to find him and I can recommended him to anyone who needs his services he will direct you on the right path ones again thank you chuck for your help I will call you again for any future service.
David Snyder
David Snyder
16:51 01 Sep 20
This review concerns my use of Dirt Connections, 11325 Random Hills Rd #360, Fairfax, VA 22030. I first them in 2018. I spoke to Chuck Moore and have dealt with him on various projects over the past two years. In all, I have received 60 truckloads of fill dirt. After spreading all that fill dirt, I also ended up with a pile of ricks that I couldn’t use. I then called two different places for estimates to remove the rocks. One estimate was foe $2500 and the other was for nearly $3000. No Thank You!At that point - around the first week of August, 2020 I contacted Chuck Moore as I was in need of about 10 more truckloads of fill dirt. As I was discussing this with him I snarked that I didn’t need to add to my $3000 pile of rocks. From that moment on my life just got a lot better. Chuck expressed his concern and asked if he could come to my house and look at the rock pile. I agreed and when he saw the rocks he said he would take care of the problem. On Sunday, August 30, 2020 Chuck showed up at my house with a bobcat and a rock bucket and completely solved my rock problem.It is so very rare to encounter people like Chuck any more. It seems that many if not most businesses have carried “caveat emptor“ to the extreme. Not so here. It has been my privilege to deal with an honorable human being - Chuck Moore. Thank you.
Gary Van Horn
Gary Van Horn
22:10 21 Oct 20
Dirt Connections was a pleasure to do business with. Their customers service was outstanding. I needed 25 truck loads of backfill and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Highly recommended.
fiona mahar
fiona mahar
15:52 21 Aug 20
Price competitive and good customer service. They coordinated with our crews to make sure they delivered the dirt we ordered right when we needed it.
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