Best Practices for Zero Retaining Wall Failures - Stair Considerations

Adding stairs to a retaining wall application is a common way to add additional functionality.

For walls with steps built into the wall, additional compaction requirements and wall rock should be included into the project specs.  A minimum of 6 in (15 cm) of wall rock base material should be installed beneath each tread block, treating each course as a wall base course. With this additional base depth, minimum compaction requirements for standard wall construction should still be followed.(ref. BP, Chapter 6.13)

Allan Block is working to achieve our industry initiative of Zero Wall Failures. With our Best Practices Manual and experience in the industry we are trying to expand the knowledge base for the design of segmental retaining walls (SRW's) by communicating and educating the professionals in the industry.  To see the full Best Practices Manual, visit allanblock.com to download today and keep an eye out for more industry Best Practice recommendations here.