Rairoad Ties For Retaining Wall?

[bigtiller]

RR ties are a problem when they need cut. They are full of sand, rock and other embedded debris that will dull any saw blade. You can cut one in half easily with just about any saw you have. The second cut is a little harder to make until you get about half way through when progress stops. After that you need a new blade.

 

[ddbackhoe]

Lowe's...basic tan retaining wall block (6x16) item # 76920 on sale for $1.12 each

Menard's 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 (item # 1793862) on sale for $1.99 each
Menard's 3 1/2 x 8 (item # 1793591) $0.98 each

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought my stacking blocks at Home Depot with a discount welcome to the neighborhood coupon...

Had them delivered which was nice... the Home Depot Fork lift set the 3 pallets down right where I needed them.

The first course being level and following the contour is essential... the rest just stocked on top.


Don't remember what I paid... no mortar or water required.

 

[prichard]

Lowe's...basic tan retaining wall block (6x16) item # 76920 on sale for $1.12 each

Menard's 5 1/2 x 11 1/2 (item # 1793862) on sale for $1.99 each
Menard's 3 1/2 x 8 (item # 1793591) $0.98 each

Check the specs on those. A lot of what they sell HD and such are only made to go a few courses high.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ And they're not the appearance I want for this project. I just want a smooth faced wall. I don't think they'll block water pass-through either since they don't really interlock side to side.

 

[ultrarunner]

Check the specs on those. A lot of what they sell HD and such are only made to go a few courses high.

Yep... anything here over 36" requires a set of plans with engineer stamp to conform to city building code... but, so does pulling and resetting a toilet, changing out a window frame or swapping out a gas range/cooktop

 

[texas42]

^^ I don't think they'll block water pass-through either since they don't really interlock side to side.

Do not try to hold back water behind any wall. Hydrostatic pressure behind most any retaining wall is a recipe for failure. Most well constructed retaining walls have a method of allowing water to drain thru wall or a collection system to relieve water from behind wall.

 

[tractchores]

Pay now or pay later. I'm just finishing a huge project that has cost a fortune to replace a bunch of RR tie walls. They don't last nearly as long with today's wood treatment either. Save yourself a headache and get something that isn't wood even if it's a bit more now. Another not as pretty option is stacking concrete bags and anchoring them with rebar to get a concrete bag retaining wall. Pricing will be close to that of a RR tie wall.

 

[jfh28]

agree.....drainage behind/thru the wall is critical......I've seen wire cages filled with 3" stone that might suit your purpose as a retaining wall.......also if the ground is sloping down to the wall the forces will be much greater then if the ground is relatively flat behind the wall so there's that to take into consideration too......Jack

 

[ddbackhoe]

Check the specs on those. A lot of what they sell HD and such are only made to go a few courses high.

The OP said 36 height.. And my ulterior motive was that not everything is as expensive as you might think. Some people develop a mental block and convince themselves that there is only one cheap solution to a problem.

 

[ddbackhoe]

....I've seen wire cages filled with 3" stone that might suit your purpose as a retaining wall....Jack

They are called gabion baskets, we usually use those for severe erosion control areas. IMO, not the most attractive things.

 

[newbury]

See if you can buy a couple of used highway barriers.
/edit - repurposedmaterials Concrete Highway Barrier -15' -Located In Texas | repurposedMATERIALS sells them for about $250@. If you can move them it's a quick solution. But since you don't put your location in I don't even know if you are in the US.

 

[ddbackhoe]

See if you can buy a couple of used highway barriers.

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

 

[newbury]

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

Is that price for a new or a used one?
I've occasionally seen used ones at a local gravel plant but never asked about price.

 

[aczlan]

Is that price for a new or a used one?
I've occasionally seen used ones at a local gravel plant but never asked about price.

The other thing that is common around here are what are sometimes called "mafia blocks" most cement places have them, they are 2' high, 2' wide and 2', 4' or 6' long. They are heavy though.

Aaron Z

 

[ddbackhoe]

Is that price for a new or a used one?

Whatever is sitting on the lot. Sometimes the new ones look used. They are normally leftover/return to plant from the readi-mix operation. They get poured into barrier and block (2x2x?) molds.

 

[MikeInEburg]

They are called gabion baskets, we usually use those for severe erosion control areas. IMO, not the most attractive things.

Actually, there are some very attractive gabion basket installations. It's ALL about what filling stones are used and how the basket is filled. Gabion installation is very forgiving, will last for a very long time and will allow water to easily pass thru.

In the end, there is no quick, easy or cheap retaining wall. Like others, I've used railroad ties - I'll never use them again.

 

[Diggin It]

If not in a hurry, I can get them from the local concrete/precast plant for $100 each. A 12’ Section weighs ~ 5,000 lbs., a 20’ comes in around 8,000

I don't have a crane.

 

[nimblemotors]

Did you do the math on just pouring concrete? Maybe used ties as forms?

 

[RidgeHiker]

Have not read through the thread so this may be a repeat. On the west coast many of the railroad ties are treated with creosote. Depending on age and wear of ties it can smell strong, especially in hot weather, and is not healthy. If you expect to be spending time in the shed ties may not be the best idea or may need to put plastic over front side as well.