Concrete vs. Cinder block

[2manyrocks]

There are different ways of building a retaining wall depending on how much earth is behind it, expected water drainage issues and the slope. Depending on what you have, you might not need to add anything. We just don't know without more information. A picture of your site would probably help everyone in knowing what you're actually dealing with.

The fabric covering for drains is called geotextile fabric. By the time you pay box store prices for the thinner "landcaping" material, you probably could have bought the thicker geotextile material from a building supply store or local farmers coop.

The installation of drain pipe is another area where careful workmanship makes the difference between a working drain and a nonworking drain. The general idea is to use the geotextile fabric as a wrap to keep sediment out of your drains which are set in drainage gravel. The fabric encloses both the pipe and the rocks to keep sediment out and the drain running free. Sounds duh to say this, but the drains need to be pitched correctly when installed to drain water. Sometimes they aren't installed with the correct pitch.

 

[yooperdave]

I have engineered hundreds of retaining walls over the past 22 years as a professional engineer.

This is my opinion: Either use segmented retaining wall blocks battered back with geotextile or use cast-in-place concrete. Cinder or standard concrete blocks should not be considered if durability or appearance are issues. Going cheap initially may backfire on you as a future fix will really start to get expensive.

The design and detailing should not be taken lightly for a 10' high wall. It is in your best interest to get a professional engineer who knows what they are doing. Get some references.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[Builder]

You guys ever hear of ivany block walls? We use them when structural integrity is a big issue. If you finish the inside of your basement walls, the issue of block & mortar joints no longer matters. You can add a parge or stucco finish to the outside and it looks as nice as bare concrete.

York Building Products Company