Foundation for small railway sleeper retaining wall

[Tom JE]

Hi All,

I want to build a small sleeper retaining wall in my garden to surround, what will eventually be, a small seating area. I have already dug out the area that needs retaining (all three sides - see picture) and at the highest point the bank is no more than 40cm. I will install the sleepers, no more than two sleepers high, fitted on their narrow side and against posts.

I was planning on digging a shallow trench around the perimeter (see attached picture) and filling with sand so that I can easily adjust the levels of the heavy sleepers. However, I have since read that either a semi-wet concrete mix or gravel would be better alternatives. I'm leaning towards the gravel to aid with drainage.

Has anybody got any experience with this? And advantages of using either?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[r896neo]

I was just doing the same earlier today and i used weak semi dry concrete. 5 gravel 2 sand 1 cement.

The screws/bolts will provide the retaining strength so all you need is something to keep it out of the mud. I prefer semidry concrete as it will never move about like gravel could although for that height i would be happy enough to use gravel if you prefer

 

[Tom JE]

Thanks, a semi-dry mix is do-able so I'll give that a go.