Retaining wall drainage
#1
08-09-18, 06:23 PM
Retaining wall drainage
I am building a 3.5 foot retaining wall using blocks with locking lip. I put 4 inch perforated pipe at bottom of base. Then backfilled with 57 limestone. I have one row to go. But it rained last night. And when I went out to work on wall I noticed water at the base of the wall. I have clay soil. I was wondering if that is ok. Or if I can add another drain pipe along the base of wall on the outside. By the way, I have about 2 feet of backfill behind the wall and the blocks I am using are 8 in. Tall, 18 inches wide at the front, about 80 pounds each. Thanks
#2
08-10-18, 01:53 AM
Member
It sounds like you have it right, you say you saw some water, exactly where was this?
Would say not unusual to see some water after a rain!
Would say not unusual to see some water after a rain!
#3
08-10-18, 05:34 AM
Group Moderator
Clay holds water very well so it's not unusual to see puddles after a rain. You want the ground sloped so the water drains away but I wouldn't do anything drastic like installing drain pipe on the outside of the wall.
If you will be planting grass or other plants atop the retaining wall I usually stop the stone about 8-12" below final grade so there is soil for the plants.
If you will be planting grass or other plants atop the retaining wall I usually stop the stone about 8-12" below final grade so there is soil for the plants.
#4
08-10-18, 08:13 AM
Retaining wall drainage
The water was coming out from behind the wall, through the base blocks. And settling. There wasn't a lot of water. But when I vacuumed the small puddle, I could see more water coming from behind the wall.
#5
08-10-18, 08:47 AM
Group Moderator
That's one of the nice features of pre-cast block retaining walls. They tend to have good drainage. I think that's part of why they work so well.
