Quick retaining wall footing question

[deefadog]

I have dug out a flat area in my garden (gone down about 1 meter) and i have hit the hardest subsoil ever - clay and large stones, completely solid - Now i need to dig out the trench for the foundations for the retaining wall. Is it ok, in some areas to not go so deep with foundations, as the ground is literally solid as a rock? Or should i spend the time with a hammer drill (well those bigger hammer action drill machines, which i have) and chip away until i can get the depth? seems daft to remove solid stone to only fill it back up with concrete, but thought i'd ask

Thanks

 

[Shytalkz]

If it's clay and it's that hard, then it sounds like it's desiccated - got any trees nearby?

 

[deefadog]

Nope no trees, shrubs not even a blade of grass What is desiccated anyway?

 

[Deluks]

What is desiccated anyway?

Coconut is!

Do I win a prize?

 

[Shytalkz]

Dessicated in this sense means clays where the moisture content is lower than its plastic limit (well, you asked...!) and it's kin hard to excavate, as you've found out. If it hasn't been affected by vegetation, you should be ok down at that level.

 

[deefadog]

Excellent, so can i build straight on top of this, or should i try and at least get and inch or two down (oo er missis)

 

[wsdconst]

i would try to dig down as much as possible just to give the footing some protection from the elements ie frost

 

[Shytalkz]

Think he just might have finished it by now....hint, check the date

 

[deefadog]

LoL, thanks for the reply, but yes all dug out now - actually need to update my pics as the garden is 90% completed.

 

[wsdconst]

Think he just might have finished it by now....hint, check the date

ok good point i ll remember that next time clever clogs. thought posts might be deleted after this long