Subject: retaining wall, 12 feet high
From: "Edwin Fehre"
Date: 15 Nov 1996 11:52:59 GMT
My neighbor wants to build a poured concrete retaining wall 12 feet high,
207 feet long along his property line 5 feet from my house. The wall is a
replacement for an existing railroad tie wall which, after 24 years, is
deteriorating and in danger of collapse.
The proposed wall, while it may be structurally sound, would be hideous in
appearance and would knock 25% off my property value. I therefore have to
challenge this proposal at our next board of adjustment meeting. At this
hearing I would like to present aesthetically pleasing alternatives.
The wall should blend into the surrounding area, which is presently heavily
landscaped. It also would have to pass a professional engineer's scrutiny.
A wall of landscape ties would be aesthetically pleasing to me since it
could be easily planted and overgrown with ivy. What would an engineered
design for a tie wall consist of? How long can pressure treated lumber be
expected to last?
I have seen some of the interlocking block systems but they don't seem to
be prone to natural growth.
Does anyone have information about so-called "green" retaining walls? I
have a sketch of one which uses concrete units to create a wall face of
earth-filled troughs which could be planted. Can these designs be
engineered to go 12 feet high? Could anyone refer me to a manufacturer?
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Subject: Re: retaining wall, 12 feet high
From: "David B. Andrews"
Date: 15 Nov 1996 18:27:08 GMT
I am a civil engineer specializing in geosynthetics. I can provide you
with additional alternatives that utilize vegetated wall faces.
Additionally, costs are dependent on the wall system. Modular block
walls, though less expensive than concrete cast in place, are more
expensive than some other geosynthetically reinforced walls.
One additional option that you may want to consider is a geotextile
wrapped face retaining wall where the wall face consists of vegetated soil
wrapped with a geotextile or erosion control blanket. Depending on the
desired batter of the wall, different vegetation should be considered
since some vegetation cannot grow on very steep slopes near vertical.
Design practices and safety are easy to prove. AASHTO, FHWA, Corps. of
Engineers, and many other private and government organizations have used
these retaining walls for over 16 years. Should you need specific design
methodologies or case histories, please call or email me.
I work for Synthetic Industries, a manufacturer of geotextiles and erosion
control products.
The least expensive approach would be a geotextile wrapped face retaining
wall. Another alternative is to consider a steep slope if enough room at
the top of your neighbors yard.
My address and telephone number is:
David Andrews
Marketing Engineer
Synthetic Industries
4019 Industry Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37416
800-621-0444
David_Andrews@sind.com
