How to Create a Concrete Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall with concreate can be a good idea. After all, concrete will ensure that the wall is durable and lasts for a long time. At the same time, concrete can help in the prevention of flooding. The maintenance required for concrete walls is lower as well. In short, the benefits of concrete retaining walls are considerable.

Be that as it may, you should check the local regulations before creating concrete retaining walls Melbourne. There are laws governing the height of walls. If you want to create a retaining wall that exceeds a specific height, you will have to get a permit for the construction. Typically, the height of a retaining wall that an amateur is allowed to create is a few feet. As such, you may have to hire a professional if you want to create a taller wall.

The Instructions to Create a Concrete Retaining Wall

Creating a concrete retaining wall requires you to follow certain guidelines carefully. Otherwise, you can end up ruining the landscape. That entails a significant expenditure and amount of effort in breaking down the wall and rebuilding it. As such, make sure that you are following the given instructions with care.

Trench

First, you have to dig a trench. Make sure that the depth is lower than the frost line as applicable to your locality. You can find out about the frost line from the local building authorities. You should also ensure that the trench is wide enough to sustain the wall.

Forms

Once the trench is ready, you have to create the forms. For this you will require plywood panels. Cut them so that they are around three and a half inches taller than the desired height of the wall. Then, you will have to apply a coating of motor oil to the plywood. This will make the panels easier to remove once the concrete has dried. Use 2x4 lumber studs for nailing to the panels while maintain a space of around 24 inches.

You can then set the form in the correct places. Ensure that they are perfectly level. Brace the panels with the help of stakes and outriggers. Use your foot to push the forms into their correct places as you are driving the stakes.

Rerod

In order to fortify the wall, you will have to add rerods. Drive them into the ground while maintain a space of 18 inches between them. You can then tie the rerods to the spreaders with the help of wire. You should tie the horizontal ramrods to the vertical ones while maintaining a space of 18 inches between two. The vertical rerods should protrude by an inch if you are planning to cap the wall as well.

Concrete

Once ready, you can start pouring the concrete. You should tamp out the concrete so as to get rid of the air bubbles as you are pouring. You can then make the surface smooth once complete.

Finish

After the concrete dries, you can get rid of the forms and install the perforated drainpipe.

If you are worried as to how the wall is going to turn out, you can hire a contractor specializing in concrete retaining walls Melbourne. Make sure you hire the right one however.