Not sure if this is "Building" or "In the Garden" Forum, but here goes.
I need to build a small retaining wall, approx 450mm tall. I have dug out and laid footings 450mm wide by 200mm deep, min 150mm below ground. The wall I intend to make will be from heavy frost resistant blocks, double skinned, two blocks tall. I have the following Q's and observations. (Ground is heavy Devon clay)
1) When you use these blocks for a double skin, should there be a mortar layer between the skins or should they butt up?
2) Should the second skin overlap the first by half a block?
3) I plan to use wall ties for more strength.
4) I think I need weep holes to alleviate hydraulic pressure, do I do this by leaving a gap in the mortar or use an SDS drill when finished and insert some 22mm copper every metre? (if I leave a gap in the mortar, this may conflict with Q2..)
5) I plan to put a damp proof membrane behind the wall to stop water leaching.
6) The Blocks will be faced up with Patio Slab material.
Thanks for any help!
I need to build a small retaining wall, approx 450mm tall. I have dug out and laid footings 450mm wide by 200mm deep, min 150mm below ground. The wall I intend to make will be from heavy frost resistant blocks, double skinned, two blocks tall. I have the following Q's and observations. (Ground is heavy Devon clay)
1) When you use these blocks for a double skin, should there be a mortar layer between the skins or should they butt up?
2) Should the second skin overlap the first by half a block?
3) I plan to use wall ties for more strength.
4) I think I need weep holes to alleviate hydraulic pressure, do I do this by leaving a gap in the mortar or use an SDS drill when finished and insert some 22mm copper every metre? (if I leave a gap in the mortar, this may conflict with Q2..)
5) I plan to put a damp proof membrane behind the wall to stop water leaching.
6) The Blocks will be faced up with Patio Slab material.
Thanks for any help!