I need help on replacing an old tie wall with new ties.

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i need step by step info on how to replace a a tie wall w/ new ties. i need materials, approx. cost time it will take and stuff like that. please help me if you can i need it for my eagle project for scouts. thank you, alex

-- Alex Shipman (FalcnWrastler05@hotmail.com), May 05, 2002

Answers

It would help to have info on the length and height of the wall and the terrain around the wall. Has the current wall failed (been displaced away from the backfill). Will the terrain allow for simple drainage away from the wall?

-- Darren (df1@infi.net), May 05, 2002.

The size of the wall will be the biggest factor in your question. To answer your question with another question, why is the wall being replaced? If it is due to deterioration is there a better alternative than wood ties? I think that there are better alternatives than ties to build permanent retaining walls especially if it is a large wall. I wish you success on your project and your scouting career.

-- Emil in TN (eprisco@usit.net), May 06, 2002.

Alex, The height and length of the wall would be helpful, so would the type of material the wall is holding back (sand, clay, etc.). Basically, wall construction is pretty simple: 1) always start construction at the lowest elevation the wall will include 2) Set your first course completely below grade, keep it level 3) Have each course "step back" 1" to 1 1/2" from the course below to establish the batter of the wall. This is important, never build a wall straight up and down. 4) Run a "dead man" into the slope on every other timber. If you can T off the ends of the dead men, all the better. 5) Whenever possible keep the joints near the middle of the timber of the course below. 6) Every timber should have at least 4 spikes (or rebar) 7) Spikes should be long enough to go through 2 timbers 8) Back your wall with gravel and drill weep holes for every other course. Hope this helps, I know it sounds a little confusing but if you think it out on paper it all comes together. I've built retaining walls like this for years, They're bomb proof. As far as materials go, if this is for an eagle project I suggest you contact some local contractors. Most are pretty generous when they see a good kid working hard on something. Good luck.

-- JJ Grandits (JJGBDF@aol.com), May 06, 2002.

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