SDFConstruction

I am thinkning of building a Railroad Tie Retaining Wall to level off my sloping yard. The largest section of the wall will be aprx: 80' long and 5'-6' high. My question is>>> Does anybody have any knowledge of using I-beams driven vertically in the ground and slipping the ties between the beams? Is there a particular name for this type of wall? Would it be worth it cost-wise for retaining that much earth or should I go with the standard stacking system using rebar and nails? I don't build a lot of walls so any input would be great. TY, Shaun

P.S.
I doubt it, but is there a block wall system that would be cheaper than tie wall system. No labor cost, I will be doing this myself with friends\family.

willworkforbeer

Are you really a General Contractor? Lot of things make me think not, biggest one is that you have friends. Seriously though try a diy forum.

genecarp

Agreed, no mention of dead men (its a dead giveaway). G

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BobsLandscaping

Wood, of any kind, makes for a sorry retaining wall. I won't build one. Use an engineered concrete block and build it to ICPI standards. You'll enjoy it for many years to come.

Kgmz

I hope you know that the code will not allow a retaining wall higher that 4 ft. unless it is engineered. If you are a contractor you should have known that.

SDFConstruction

Thanks people, I know what deadmen are. Anyways, I am a contractor, but I NEVER build walls. Thats why I don't know what I'm talking about here. Tough crowd...

tkle

Terracing might be more practical. I would be worried about ties stacked that high. Much would depend on soil. I would seriously look to block. Even if you laid it yourself and it looked like crap. Sometimes something is better than nothing. That brings us back to the ties. They are cheaper where the cost of block can be prohibitive. The I beam method sounds workable if footers were used, but unless you really like the look of ties the price would go up. I-beams aren't cheap.
If you're going by code, a tie wall would have to be engineered, where many jurisdictions have engineered details readily available for masonry walls. Often online. Orange county block Orco has stamped details online as well that many cities will accept here.
Ties won't last.

SDFConstruction

Thanks TKLE. It was all just an idea but I guess block it is then.
P.S.
If I build it, it won't look like crap

diamondprolawns

look in to a modular retaining wall block i love the blocks made by diamond pro they lock behind one another and are the s@#* all i use!! pics on my website diamondprolawns.com

diamondprolawns

stay away from any block that has a plastik clip to line them up...its a joke and a big part of my rebuild work...i love them...job security!!!

PMbrian

I’m surprised you can build one this high without an engineer. In my area this would require an engineered set of drawings and county permits.

Tscarborough

Yes, even if terraced it has to be engineered.

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It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.