Similar to our Free Gravel Driveway Construction Blueprints post, we’ve decided to put together a free construction plans package for a geogrid reinforced retaining wall. These plans are not to be considered engineered drawings and may not be suitable to your unique site conditions. You should always consult with a qualified geotechnical engineer before building a retaining wall of any size.
See below for your free reinforced retaining wall construction drawings!
Download: Free Reinforced Retaining Wall Construction Drawings 8.5″ x 11″
Download: Free Reinforced Retaining Wall Construction Drawings 11″ x 17″
The retaining wall shown in these free retaining wall construction blueprints is built using Allan Block Classic 6 Degree block units. The recommendations and plans can be used by substituting other blocks – but you should always consult with the block manufacturer and a local geotechnical engineer before beginning construction for final recommendations.
Take a quick look at the plans and see our How To Build A Retaining Wall With Geogrid post to help you along just a little bit more!
Useful Definitions
There are some terms commonly used in retaining wall construction that may be confusing for someone not experienced in retaining walls.
Wall Batter
Wall batter is simply the measurement of the retaining wall’s face from a vertical line drawn at the base of the wall.
Geogrid
Geogrid is a ground reinforcement and soil stabilization product. It comes in many different types, but in the context of retaining walls you should only be looking at uniaxial (one-way) or biaxial (two-way) geogrids.
What Supplies and Equipment Do I Need?
Assuming you already know where the retaining wall alignment (where the retaining wall will be installed), the first thing you should decide is the type of retaining wall you want to build with. There are a lot of options out there, but see below for a list of the blocks we’re experienced with and recommend:
This list is by no means exhaustive – there are a lot of good retaining wall blocks out there.
Recommended Retaining Wall Construction Products
In our drawings package and accompanying How-To article, we recommended the following products based on our experience in construction and design. If the items listed below aren’t available in your country, we’ve selected the best options in your region.
Recommended Geotextiles
Super Geotextile
This product is made by an American company in Wisconsin and they’ve got a wide variety of roll sizes and thicknesses to choose from. For a small retaining wall, you can use the 4 oz thickness. You’ll need geotextile for your drainage blanket – a critical part of your retaining wall.
Recommended Geogrids
Bi-Directional Geogrid (biaxial)
This two-way geogrid is perfect for a homeowner built residential sized wall. For small, straight walls, a biaxial grid is preferred as you won’t need to cut it in segments. You can just unroll it along the top of the blocks for each layer you need to install geogrid into. Make sure that the roll width you get satisfies the Geogrid Length rule!
Geogrid Length = Wall Height x 0.8
Only valid for small walls with no loads or slopes above or below the wall. Should not be used as a substitute for engineering advice.
Uniaxial Geogrid (One way)
Uniaxial, or one way, geogrids are only strong in one direction. This means that it can only reinforced your wall if you orient it correctly. To make sure that its oriented correctly, ensure that the thicker/stiffer strands are perpendicular to your wall face. This means you will need to cut the geogrid to the required length repeatedly, and lay the pieces side by side for the length of the wall.
Recommended Tools
Construction Twine
Nylon twine. Useful for marking out the footprint of your retaining wall and for maintaining a straight block line while building the wall..
Stakes
You’ll need stakes to attach your twine to. Simple to use, but extremely useful.
Fabric Scissors
You’ll need fabric scissors to cut the geotextile filter fabric.
Conclusion
Let us know if you have any questions! You can contact us here.
