What should I put behind a retaining wall?

Backfill refers to the dirt behind the wall. In order to provide proper drainage, at least 12 inches of granular backfill (gravel or a similar aggregate) should be installed directly behind the wall. Compacted native soil can be used to backfill the rest of the space behind the wall.

How do you backfill behind a retaining wall?





Steps For How to Backfill a Retaining Wall

  1. Lay your base of compacted native soil (about three inches deep).
  2. Tamp the soil to ensure that it is secure and firm.
  3. Fill the next six to twelve inches with aggregate or gravel.
  4. Tamp the gravel or aggregate to ensure a sturdy base.

How do you put a drain hole in a retaining wall?

This can be done by placing one pipe near mid-height of the wall, and another pipe near the footing of the wall. A cohesionless, granular soil should be used as backfill to allow water to penetrate the soil to reach the drains or weep holes mentioned above.

How install AGI pipe behind retaining wall Australia?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Allow for enough material to cover the sides of the trench and to overlap on top of the stone backfill a minimum of 6 inches above the crown of the pipe. Make any necessary fittings.

What kind of rock do you use behind a retaining wall?

Crushed or smooth stone, well graded, compactable aggregate, ranging in size from 0.25 in. to 1.5 in. (6 to 38 mm) is the ideal wall rock size.

Do I need a drain pipe behind retaining wall?





A drainage pipe might be needed if: The retaining wall is at least four feet high or taller. Clay or other poor draining soils are behind the wall. There are buried water sources within 50 feet of the retaining wall location.

What size gravel is best for drainage?

½ inch to 1-inch gravel

In general, you want to aim for ½ inch to 1-inch gravel for drainage. Areas that will see especially heavy flow may need larger gravel. Or, projects without drainage pipes may also need larger gravel. For example, a French drain without perforated pipe needs 1 ½ inch gravel.

Can you backfill a retaining wall with pea gravel?

Whether you’re building a retaining wall on a slope or a border to prevent erosion in a garden, backfilling with pea gravel creates a barrier solid enough to hold soil.

What is the best backfill material?



Backfill refers to the material used to refill an excavated hole, and it is typically used to strengthen and support a structure’s foundation while also promoting better water drainage. Stone is a great choice for backfill because it’s durable and offers great drainage; however, some stones work better than others.

Should I put plastic behind retaining wall?

I always run the thicker black plastic behind retaining walls. Preserves the timber sleepers a bit more and stops dirt and weeds coming through the inevitable gaps. +1 for geotex on the ground and up the soil you want to retain, then aggregate between fabric and wall, with drain at the bottom.

Do you need landscape fabric behind retaining wall?

You should use landscape fabric behind a retaining wall because the fabric supports the bricks, wood, or other materials that make the wall. Wet soil can push against a retaining wall, weakening it. By placing a strip of landscape fabric under the soil, the wall won’t have as much pressure on it.

How much scoria do I need for a retaining wall?



Adequate drainage is essential to ensuring your wall has a long service life. Place between 100 and 150 mm of scoria behind the lower part of the wall, and lay a drain coil on top of this. The ends should discharge outside of the wall, or into a storm water drain if suitable.

Is scoria good for drainage?

Details: Drainage Scoria is ideal for drainage. Drainage Scoria is also used for back filling aggie pipes and layering under ground to help wet areas drain better.

What type of gravel is best for retaining walls?

crushed stone

Our experts prefer crushed stone for the base rather than naturally occurring gravel dug from a pit. Crushed stone is a little more expensive. However, it provides better drainage, and because of the sharper angles on the stone, it requires less compacting, and once it’s compacted, it stays that way.

How do I stop water from coming in my retaining wall?



How to Prevent Water From Seeping Through Retaining Walls

  1. Apply LIquid Waterproofing Membrane. …
  2. Allow the Membrane to Cure. …
  3. Measure the Retaining Wall’s Length. …
  4. Add a Layer of Gravel. …
  5. Position the Perforated Pipe. …
  6. Connect Drainage Pipes. …
  7. Cover the Pipe With Gravel. …
  8. Cover With Dirt.


Do I need weep holes in retaining wall?

Install (or Add) Weep Holes



They protect the structural integrity by allowing underground water to seep through, preventing pressure build-up. Every retaining wall should have them.