Subterranean steps

[seasickstevie]

I'm digging down outside to give stepped access to the cellar.

This means the ground level will be almost head-hight for someone (a small person) at the bottom of the steps.

As the driveway comes up to the side of the steps, I'm concerned about a vehicle's weight so close to the retaining wall.

How should I build the retaining wall?
I was going to use 216mm hollow block & fill with concrete.
Is there any other reinforcement measure I can take?

Advise gratefully received as always.

 

[gday2uk]

You could put reinforcing bar in the concrete in the hollow blocks.

 

[stuart45]

The bars can be hooked into the concrete foundation. For extra strength you can get blocks that will take horizontal bars as well as the vertical. When you join bars or where they meet they should be well tied.

 

[seasickstevie]

Thanks gday & stuart.

I like the bars in the block idea.

If I can't find the block with accommodation for horizontal bars, I suppose I could cut grooves in the tops of them with the whizzer.