Major retaining wall issues

[David P. Valley]

When you are a professional licensed builder, you'd think that your priority would be to use quality materials and proper procedures in installing a major retaining wall. If not, your shoddy installs will bite you in the @$$ sooner or later.

This entire retaining wall is falling apart and needs immediate attention.

[dbelmont]

Often even experienced builders just fail to account for the forces they are trying to hold back. Looks like this was a pretty wall when it was new.With no indication of any ties running into the hill. And not much in the way of setback against the force.

Was it grass above the wall or is their a parking lot?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by dbelmont

Often even experienced builders just fail to account for the forces they are trying to hold back. Looks like this was a pretty wall when it was new.With no indication of any ties running into the hill. And not much in the way of setback against the force.

Was it grass above the wall or is their a parking lot?

Donald,

There's a commercial parking lot above this wall. I can tell you that this wall looks like it was laid with no drainage or any sort of tie backs.

[Bruce M. Graham]

And these block have instruction on how to install.


How's that chimney doing?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by bgraham

How's that chimney doing?

They are temporarily holding it in place with a nylon strap...


Now I'm waiting for the strap to let go.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by dvalley

They are temporarily holding it in place with a nylon strap...
Attachment 28365

Now I'm waiting for the strap to let go.

That is just WRONG David.

Everyone knows that that particular repair call for Duct Tape.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Let me guess...when the client booked the inspection they said something like, "My husband has some concerns about the retaining wall. Be sure not to miss that during the inspection."

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Those were good pics of a poorly constructed retaining wall David.
Very obvious it was done by an amatuer or a Contractor in disquise.

Retaining walls of this caliber are usually engineered. Even when using a pre-engineered retaining block system.
Tie-backs, filter fabric, stone, drainage, backfill, just a few of the elements envolved.
Nice photos.

Marcel

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Let me guess...when the client booked the inspection they said something like, "My husband has some concerns about the retaining wall. Be sure not to miss that during the inspection."

Not quite, but you'd be surprised how many clients ask me if obvious failing retaining walls need to be upgraded.

Like this for instance....


or this...


or this...


or even this one...

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Those were good pics of a poorly constructed retaining wall David.
Very obvious it was done by an amatuer or a Contractor in disquise.

Retaining walls of this caliber are usually engineered. Even when using a pre-engineered retaining block system.
Tie-backs, filter fabric, stone, drainage, backfill, just a few of the elements envolved.
Nice photos.

Marcel

Tell me about it Marcel.

It's amazing to see people go with the lowest bidder, not knowing that you get what you pay for.

When it comes to installing a very expensive retaining wall, people should be doing their homework before hiring fly-by-night idiots to install a two-three year retaining wall.

[Steven C. Meyer]

Don't blame the contractor. blame the owner, looking for the cheapest bid.
Ya get what you pay for, and in this case, he got what he paid for!!

It's "pay now for a quality job' or "pay later to fix it"!! Many people are penny wise, pound foolish. I have no sympathy for the person who had this abortion installed, he got his just deserves!

[David P. Valley]

UPDATE: This defective (unsafe) wall (see post #1) is now torn down and ready for a brand new retaining wall. I'm hoping they do it right this time.

[Bruce M. Graham]

any updates on that chimney, since things are coming down.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by dvalley

They are temporarily holding it in place with a nylon strap...
Attachment 28365

Now I'm waiting for the strap to let go.

How about an update on the chimney?

[Nick Gromicko]

Some nice retaining wall graphics: http://www.nachi.org/gallery/exterior/masonry