Retaining Wall Advice

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  altomic on 14/02/2022 - 01:23

  what results did you get from googling your question ?

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  asbindia on 14/02/2022 - 01:30

  I didnt really get much :( got some ads for Landscaping companies but I dont think they will do much in regards to confirming in writing whether its needed or not… I checked out a few Structural Engineering Companies and a couple did state retaining walls…. Was just wondering if there was a cheaper yet safe way to go…might end up spending 1k+ just for someone to say, Yes you need a retaining wall 🤣

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  Euphemistic on 14/02/2022 - 06:52

  +2

  How much cut and fill? How high would any retaining wall be?

  A structural engineer, or some other sort of engiineer will write you a report. But will probably absolve liability to some degree. You aren’t going to get someone to take full liability (but that’s not really what they are for)

  If it’s less than 1m get a landscaper to build a wall. Typically you can build a couple of 1m walls without a formal design and without approval. If it’s more than 1m, or several 1m walls you’ll need engineering and probably council approval.

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  Caped Baldy on 14/02/2022 - 07:22

  Get some pics?

  A retaining wall might not be needed depending on the slope grade. Probably easier to smooth out the soil over a large area, compact, and turf it.

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  87percent on 14/02/2022 - 07:49

  I thought you normally do the retaining wall FIRST, so all the machinery can get in and out?

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  Hithere on 14/02/2022 - 08:19

  Your Council's Engineering Department should be able to advise you on their local requirements.

  You may get away with a batter of the slope or even a simple terrace if the cut is not too great.

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  frostface on 14/02/2022 - 10:18

  +1

  Chances are your block of land has been cut and filled to suit your engineer's design for a stable foundation. You can normally batter at a slope that is in 1:4 (14 degrees) as the worst soil types can handle 14 degrees, but there are a few depending factors such as proximality to building foundations or fence footings as you can't leave your foundations too exposed (google angle of incidence footings). If your slope is greater than 1:4, or if you've got any concerns on how it's been left by the builder, speak to the engineer who designed your house's footings and get them to review if you need retaining walls.

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    frostface on 14/02/2022 - 10:24

    +1

    I would email the engineer with photos saying "I'm concerned there's no retaining walls" - they'll either say it's fine (which means you've got it writing it's all good for $0), or he'll say we didn't review the need for retaining walls which then you'll need to fork out some cash to get it reviewed and potentially designed.

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  NoFingIdea on 14/02/2022 - 11:06

  +1

  Need pictures to understand your scenario…
  It depends on a whole range of factors, depth, slope gradient, buildings built where the land is cut (how close they are etc), soil reactiveness - the list goes on.
  No engineer will take liability on your behalf, however they will provide you with a recommended course of action. I'd prepare yourself for at least a $1000 - $1200 bill for an engineers report.

  Generally speaking if its under 1m high and not on the boundary you don't need the wall engineered and don't need council approval as this isn't really considered a retaining wall but rather a "garden bed". Most of the time people put these walls up to create usable space rather than an uneven piece of land.

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  asbindia on 14/02/2022 - 23:42

  Wow…thanks for the amazing feedback so far…. Was pouring down here today but will try and get some pics tomorrow or Wednesday!

  The cut and fill was under 1m for sure as the builder charges for anything more than a 1m slope 😂

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  asbindia on 14/03/2022 - 00:32

  Hey guys… Finally got a chance to get some pictures

  https://ibb.co/0D2NK40
  https://ibb.co/DQNKfFH
  https://ibb.co/ScnVxdh
  https://ibb.co/TgnRW0n
  https://ibb.co/M7BfR7k
  https://ibb.co/jMmhgPb
  https://ibb.co/2Znmtwt

  Thanks for all your help!!!