All Access Construction

Archives: January 2014

Drainage: Does My Retaining Wall Need It

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Drainage System and the importance of it ….

We all know the damage water can do. When designing a retaining wall there are many factors that goes into it .One of the most important parts is a drainage system other’s include compaction, geo-grid and leveling pad some times called the footing   Without proper drainage this WILL happen and cost you this $$$$$$….. Don’t believe us read this : Improper drainage on Blanden Rd in Oakland hills causes retaining wall to collapse…

 

Retaining wall failure...

Notice no drain rock or drain pipe…

  • improper drainage will cause your retaining wall to fail...
    Improper drainage will cause your retaining wall to fail

 

No drainage : This will happen

In order for any retaining wall to function properly and remain sound ,a drainage system should be a integral part of the wall. Drain rock and perforated pipe should be used to create an effective drainage system.

With our retaining walls we add a minimum of 12 inches of drain rock from the back of the wall to the top of the wall . The perforated pipe is use to divert the water away from the retaining wall .

So as my friend Bruce at  http://www.davisons4seasons.com/ look at it as very cheap insurance….

drainage contractor bay area..All Access 510-701-4400

drainage contractor bay area

drainage contractor..All Access 510-701-4400

Over 100 tons of drain rock

At All Access Construction we try to keep it as simple as possible. Remember any of our retaining walls can be built using Keystone, pave stone, Allen block, Belgard ,Redi-rock block system , Versa-Lok or any other system you may think of.

Who is All Access Construction:

From stamp concrete to retaining walls, irrigation system to pavers. All Access Construction is one of Bay Area and Northern California’s most well–respected concrete and retaining wall contractors. Why? Because we believe our work “Starts with commitment, deliver with quality, and finish with success. Make an appointment online or the old fashion way 510-701-4400. Finding us have never been easier. Go ahead play with your smartphone!!!!!!!!!!!

 Drainage Contractor san francisco bay area

 

 

 

Is compaction important for my retaining wall?

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Compaction, Geo-grid , and proper drainage,  important factors that’s makes a retaining wall last forever.  IF ANY OF THE THREE IS NOT DONE CORRECT YOUR WALL WILL COME DOWN !!!!

So What is Compaction?

Compaction is the process of rearranging soils to consolidate the space occupied by  the soil particles while forcing out excess air and water.

Why is it important?

Properly compacted soils help to strengthen the internal strength of the soil mass by aligning the soil particles together and increasing the coefficient of friction when a load is applied to the soil, and reducing undesirable settlement. Most compaction must meet the the so called standard proctor test of 95%. Of course we pass the test below (check out the video)

Compaction Test Bay area

So what type of equipment do you need to pass this test?

1. Vibratory plate: Vibratory machines send waves of motion through the soil to re position and consolidate the soil particles. Vibratory machines work well in non cohesive soils; soils comprised of at least 50 percent sand or gravel. Walk behind one’s can weigh from 250 pounds and up..

Retaining wall company using Vibratory Plate

2. Jumping Jack: (check out the video) This piece of equipment is not for the weak . It will give your arms a true workout. This is use best for cohesive soil such as clay. As the video shows above it jumps up and down about 700 times a minute and weighs about 150 pounds. We always flip a coin on who is going to use it for the day…lol

retaining wall contractor uses jumping jack

3.Sheep Foot: This beast can weigh up to 5000 lbs. (check out the video)This machine is also use for  cohesive soil such as clay. You normally can compact dirt in 8 inch lifts. When using this machine is best to stay at least 2-3 feet from the wall the vibration can push the retaining wall out some.

Retaining wall company using sheep foot

4. Equipment: Sometimes the sheer weight of the equipment will compact the soil. We use the excavator along with a sheep foot roller  (check out the video)to get to our 95%: This excavator weighs close to 19,000 pounds.

Retaining wall compaction sf bay area

 

This is how it looks after the equipment went back and forth. We back fill and compact over 1000 yards. For every 13 yards of fill dirt it compacts down to 10 yards !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Compaction soil bay area

Who is All Access Construction:

From stamp concrete to retaining walls, irrigation system to pavers. All Access Construction is one of Bay Area and Northern California’s most well–respected concrete and retaining wall contractors. Why? Because we believe our work “Starts with commitment, deliver with quality, and finish with success. Make an appointment online or the old fashion way 510-701-4400. Finding us have never been easier. Go ahead play with your smartphone!!!!!!!!!!!

retaining wall contractor san francisco bay area

 

 

Geogrid: Do I need it for my Retaining Wall?

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GeoGrid what is it ?

Geogrid is a geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. Geogrids are commonly used to reinforce retaining walls, sub-bases or sub soils below roads or structures. Soils pull apart under tension. Compared to soil, geogrids are stronger in tension. This fact allows them to transfer forces to a larger area of soil than would otherwise be the case.

Ok… Ok…. that’s the technical term…Hell I don’t even understand it (lol).

Retaining wall Contractor oakland

Geo-Grid All Access Construction

You may have to cut the geogrid at different widths depending on the plans…

When theweight of a retaining wall units along is not enough to retain soil loads geogrid will provide the additional soil reinforcement necessary for your wall stability.  A properly design wall can be constructed to heights exceeding 30-40 feet.

Retaining wall Contractor oakland

That’s still a little too technical so here it is….

It’s safe to say pretty much any retaining wall over 4 feet or with special requirements might need geogrid (Check with your local building department or engineer).

At All Access Construction we try to keep it as simple as possible. Remember any of our retaining walls can be built using Keystone, pave stone, Allen block, Belgard ,Redi-rock block system , Versa-Lok or any other system you may think of.

Who is All Access Construction:

From stamp concrete to retaining walls, irrigation system to pavers. All Access Construction is one of Bay Area and Northern California’s most well–respected concrete and retaining wall contractors. Why? Because we believe our work “Starts with commitment, deliver with quality, and finish with success. Make an appointment online or the old fashion way 510-701-4400. Finding us have never been easier. Go ahead play with your smartphone!!!!!!!!!!!

Retaining wall Construction

Need Geo-grid or a coke?

Need Geo-grid or a coke?

retaining wall contractor san francisco bay area

 

 

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