wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Plant the stakes firmly in the ground. For more tips, including how to create a footer for your concrete wall, read on! Do I need a concrete mixer truck when making the concrete wall? Afterward, place the forms and pour the concrete to shape your wall. (see below for more information on contraction joints). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The wales also provide a place for you to tie connecting wires and attach braces for additional support. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.quikrete.com/pdfs/projects/footersforwalls.pdf, https://www.building.govt.nz/about-building-performance/news-and-updates/codewords/codewords-issue-85/concrete-foundation-wall-reinforcing/, https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/concrete-construction/curing-in-construction, https://www.constructionknowledge.net/public_domain_documents/Div_6_Woods_Plastics/Partial%20Carpentry%20pdfs/Forms_Concrete_%20Army_FM5-426.pdf, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYjuihv0Yq4&feature=youtu.be&t=192, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNOS1c1_rxw&feature=youtu.be&t=46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNOS1c1_rxw&feature=youtu.be&t=51, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9SYu7GOPl0&feature=youtu.be&t=20, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StHByflpz_k&feature=youtu.be&t=99, https://structx.com/Material_Properties_011.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyXiuiwhVNM&feature=youtu.be&t=88, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyXiuiwhVNM&feature=youtu.be&t=303, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. With this high level of technicality comes incredible versatility. If you’re building a retaining wall on a slope, consider adding extra boards underneath the forms for extra support. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It will weaken your wall, so don’t overmix your batch of concrete. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you’re building your own forms, you will probably need to do plenty of cutting. In addition to basic structural requirements, wall dimensions (generally member thickness) are also affected by the required minimum reinforcement cover. Pro tip: Your concrete slab will last longer, with less cracking and movement, if it's built … You can do this by laying each stringer form so the even, bottom side of each stringer is flat on the ground and the zigzag side of the stringer is oriented with its points facing up. Without proper drainage, the backfill can become saturated, which has the dual impact of increasing the pressure on the wall and lessening the resistance of the backfill material to sliding. The additional brace boards need to be about 12 in (30 cm) long. Then, begin mapping out the construction area with a tape measure. You also have to consider that most concrete suppliers will generally charge you a light load fee for anything under 7 yards (typically between $100 and $200 on top of the material cost). Then, pour your concrete inside the form using a chute or hose attached to the mixer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This is because they are more susceptible to termite and water damage in comparison to more robust wall systems. Since this project will be labor-intensive, recruit at least one other person to … When the form is full, smooth out the top with a screed or trowel. Cover the form with a curing blanket and leave it for 4 days. This will prevent the frame from sagging when you pour the concrete. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The braces aren’t exactly part of the forms, but they provide much-needed stability to the forms. Be aware of any utility lines or other obstacles in the area. Remember to coat the inside of your form with fresh motor oil (paintbrush works) for easy release. Here's how everything looked after the concrete cured and a little bit of rain. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Building Forms for Concrete Walls Tools and Materials. Counterfort retaining walls have counterforts spaced at center-to-center distances of about 30% to 70% of the total wall height. The concrete retaining wall needs to be settled in a trench. Cut a piece of plywood 4 1/2-inches wider than the thickness of the wall system. Pickaxe. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. unlocking this expert answer. Try tying them to the wall so the wires don’t slip into the concrete as you pour it. Dig a trench, then tamp down the soil and lay a base layer of rock dust. In some cases, a footing key is included to increase resistance to sliding. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Expansion Joints: Vertical expansion joints are incorporated into the wall to account for expansion due to temperature changes. Make sure the soil is level before you begin pouring concrete. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Slide brackets onto the ends of the rods so they can’t slide out of place. Weepholes should always have some kind of filter material between the wall and the backfill to prevent fines migration, weephole clogging, and loss of backfill and caving. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wrap wires around the studs in the forms to tie them to the shoe plates. 10 March 2020. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember, you wont be leaving the mold on there until it's fully cured - just long enough for the concrete to set up to the point that it won't collapse under its own weight; usually only one to three hours. In general, the top of the stem of any cast concrete retaining wall should not be less than 12 inches for the proper placement of concrete. References. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Expert Interview. When it comes to pouring concrete, everything starts with the forms. You can also stake the area, stretching string between each stake. Contraction Joints: These are vertical joints or grooves formed or cut into the wall that allows the concrete to shrink without noticeable harm. For large walls, 4 inch weepholes are common. Whether you need a wall as a property marker, a support structure, or to hold back soil or water, you can make one by building wood frames called forms. Make sure you keep it suspended with a sky hook while you're doing the pour. How to Build a Concrete Wall Figure A: Cross-Section of a Retaining Wall A cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it's built on. Despite the fact that they outperform typical concrete masonry units in almost every measurable category, ICF walls like those built with ICF Blocks are actually more affordable to build with. Remember to leave space between the soil’s surface and the footer. Measure from the edge of your concrete footing to the point where the outside face of your wall will be. If you work the other way, the screw ends will stick out into the concrete you pour, affecting your wall. [metaslider id=3618] We start by drilling multiple ¾ inch plywood We drilled approximate 18 – 9/16 holes in ¾ inch plywood. Granular backfill material offers the benefits of good drainage, easy compaction, and increased sliding resistance. Remove existing plants, top soil and other debris that may be in the way of construction, Ralston calls this process grubbing. Hydrostatic pressure can cause or induce retaining wall failure, or at least damage. Drainage of water as a result of rainfall or other wet conditions is very important to the stability of a retaining wall. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How to Form a Homemade Concrete Wall Step 1. This slide show will walk you through the process. The footer needs to be below the frost line, which is about 1 ft (0.30 m) below the soil’s surface on average. When installed properly, concrete offers much more room for customization than any other retaining wall material. Position the concrete using a ramp and control the flow by using a splashboard. One area that can be commonly overlooked, or at least underestimated, is the necessity to drain the backfill of rainwater and/or groundwater. Wood planks for forms (size depends on footing size) Screw gun and 1-inch screws. Try using a store-bought concrete patching mix. For more tips, including how to create a footer for your concrete wall, read on! If your footing has rebar in it, 12 inches will be plenty for even a six or eight foot wall. If you already have a concrete base in place, you do not need to create another one. The layer of stone helps prevent the concrete from shifting and cracking over time. Creating a wall is big work, so consider contacting a professional for help or advice to ensure you get a stable structure. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Measure the width of the blocks, and then finish marking off your area by staking off the width and then completing the length for a 3D representation. Place the nails about 2 in (5.1 cm) from the top and bottom edges of each stud. Use a table saw and a miter saw for this step. Create contraction joints every 4-6 feet. To help pack and level the concrete properly, tap the forms with a hammer or mallet. A good footer is as tall as the wall is wide. Weepholes should have a minimum diameter so as to permit free drainage. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If your frame is tall, you may need to begin installing the connecting studs before adding more boards. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Depending on the length of the mold and how many external braces are required, I like to stick with whatever will make disassembly easiest without having to pry against your fresh concrete - a trim nailer is usually sufficient, but plain old all-purpose construction screws also work fine. This can add several inches to the wall's thickness dimensions, and can vary depending on the severity of exposure, soil type and reactivity, etc. Drill holes in the plates as needed to attach the wires. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The plywood needs to be of forming quality. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Builder's choice, on that one. I already have a thin wall. Rest the frame pieces against a solid surface to prevent them from falling. Designing any retaining wall requires knowlegde and understanding of the force generated by the pressure of the backfill against the retaining wall, called lateral earth pressure. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Copyright 1999-2021 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, A step-by-step guide to pouring concrete walls, Give poured walls a decorative look and texture, Create rounded caps on new or existing walls, Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room, Four common types of concrete retaining walls, Form liners for cast-in-place vertical concrete. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can bond new concrete to old concrete, but it usually isn't a good idea if your wall is in bad shape. If you happen to see holes or other signs of damage, fix them as soon as possible. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. These basic soil parameters include: Once the lateral earth pressures are known, the wall is checked for stability. Keys are used to increase the shear resistance at the joint. If you have to wait, pour a store-bought concrete bonding adhesive onto the settled concrete so the next layer bonds to it. Step 1: Mix… If you see a lot of damage, consider replacing the entire wall. A.: Forming curved surfaces can be accomplished by using plywood, which can be bent to the desired radius. Determine how long and wide you wish the wall to be. If the forms slip out of place, you’ll be looking at a concrete mess instead of a solid wall. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The failures also clearly demonstrate the lack of knowledge or design that is required by a successful retaining wall design. This will make a concrete cap that will cover the length of a CMU block, and will … If you need to, plant stakes and run string tightly between them. Renting steel forms may seem like it would cost more in terms of both time and money, but it’s important to realize just how much the high quality of steel forms will benefit your project. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Check your local government’s municipal code for an exact estimate. Assemble your concrete form. Adequate spacing between weepholes allows uniform drainage from behind the wall. Pack down as much of the concrete as you can before scraping off the excess. Concrete Project Part 3: How to set up forms for a concrete retaining wall - YouTube. Pour concrete of specified strength in the forms and properly vibrate it to ensure compaction of the concrete. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Is your kid begging for a dog? Just know the waler forming system is one of the many ways to form a concrete retaining wall the right way. That’s important when you are building a wall … Cast concrete retaining walls may be constructed with any or all of the following joints: Construction Joints: These are vertical or horizontal joints that are used between two successive pours of concrete. If you add too much water, the concrete turns a little soupy. Use batter boards and string together with a plumb bob to... Form Boards. Call a contractor experienced with concrete pours to ensure you get a wall that will last. Drainage systems usually utilize weepholes and drainage lines. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you can’t find any, you can always cut them yourself out of scrap boards. 2 x 4’s and 3/4″ forming plywood works best. Prized for their strength and versatility, concrete retaining walls require precise construction methods. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Drainage lines are often perforated and wrapped in geotextile or buried in a granular filter bed, and serve to carry water to the weepholes from areas deeper within the backfill. Last Updated: October 30, 2020 Circular saw (wood and abrasive blades) Wheelbarrow. Some mixes require less than the usual 28 days to fully cure. To build a concrete retaining wall, you’ll need to know their uses and whether or not you need an engineer’s and a permit for construction. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) Image Credit – technologyinarchitecture.com. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Building a wall out of concrete is delicate work. By using our site, you agree to our. After that, cut the wires and remove the forms. To build a retaining wall, begin by planning and marking out where you want your wall to be. Install spacers to ensure that the top leg of each dowel is held at least 1 inch from the forms. Part of your planning should be to determine how much concrete you'll need to complete your project - remember, there are 27 cubic feet in a yard and an 80lb bag of concrete mix typically yields just shy of 2/3 of a foot. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To determine the lateral earth pressure, several soil parameters must be known in order for a qualified engineer to assess a particular wall design and its overall stability. Applying motor oil to the surface of a wood form often makes it easier to remove. If you would rather not build your own forms, try renting or purchasing used ones from a builder. Set the loop on top of your wall for now. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. of compacted base, 1 in. Can I pour concrete over this? Cut it 19 1/2-inches long. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. ICF Decorative Concrete Retaining Walls Forms are Cost Effective. Smaller pieces are much easier to handle and can be joined together later. The need to experience high pressure of concrete solution conditions use of prefabricated cladding panels, insulation and other materials as materials for the construction. If the wall exceeds four feet in height, footings should be poured separately. The exact length depends on the size of your wall. Marking chalk, along with any of the other supplies you need for the wall, are available at most hardware stores. Fill the stone to a depth of at least 12 inches and to a width of at least 12 … Finish the surface of the wall as desired. This article has been viewed 350,362 times. You can build up the low side or dig the high side into the slope and add a low retaining wall to hold back the soil. Keys are almost always formed in the base to give the stem added sliding resistance. After the wall is sized, each wall member is checked for adequate strength and steel reinforcing is determined. Steel forms don’t warp like wood forms do, so you can count on a straight wall if you set them up correctly. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Concrete Retaining Walls. Pour the mixed concrete to form your horizontal wall, from the end to the center. How do I join two pieces of plywood together? The form will be lightweight and strong. Steel rebar. Do I need to put gravel down before I pour my concrete? Expansion joints should be located at intervals up to 90 feet. Cast concrete retaining walls may be constructed with any or all of the following joints: Construction Joints: These are vertical or horizontal joints that are used between two successive pours of concrete. They not only provide strength and reliability of the design, but do not allow the penetration of moisture … Yes, you don't want the concrete to crack when the ground shifts under it. You can patch damaged areas. (picture 1) Find out if they're really ready. Taller walls need longer braces for extra support. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To form a concrete wall, first set up plywood boards on either side of your concrete footer and attach them together with wire. The footing key is generally an extension of the stem and extends below the bottom of the base. A concrete wall needs to be built on top of a concrete footer in order to be stable. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You could also rent a small mixer. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Use these numbers to purchase the amount of cinder blocks you will need. This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Instead, skip to setting up the form. For proper drainage, put coarse gravel behind the wall and create weep holes using rows of 2-inch plastic pipes or 3-inch drain tile inserted into the wall. That's something that you have to decide for yourself based on the thickness and linear footage of your wall. Does the form need to be treated so concrete won't stick to it? If you want to build a concrete retaining wall, you should consider pouring the wall rather than making it out of concrete … For a 4-ft. tall wall, excavate a trench deep enough to accommodate 4 to 6 in. How much concrete would I need to build a 1 foot high by 25 feet long by 8 inches thick wall? Plywood can be … This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. We are using Symmons forms on this job, but the general principles are the same. Have a. Masonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws.