Any concrete experts here? I need to place a garage next to (under)a retaining wall
MikefromtheMountainsofUtah
| Posted in General Questions on
The new custom garage will be placed as close to this retaining wall as possible. The location will be next to the garage, at the base of the wall. NOT ABOVE.
Unfortunately I do not have the design or engineering of the existing concrete retaining wall.
Rather than placing a footing, and then building an inaccessible wall next to the retaining wall, is it possible to place a footing and stem wall up to the existing retaining wall, connected to the old wall? Then have the back wall of the garage be the stem wall?
Also, to move forward should I start with a concrete contractor or go straight to the engineer?
Thanks for your help!
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Replies
You need an engineer for this one. Retaining walls are special animals and are not to be dealt with lightly.
Large and tall retaining walls, more than likely have really wide footings to the uphill side, buttresses, deadman anchors, geogrid reinforcing, lots of rebar, etc. and/or a combination of some of them. Not having the original plans, I will definitely hire an Engineer for this job.
ADD: It's possible that the local Bldg. Dept. has a copy of the plans and permits that you could check out for information. More than likely, there is your wall's Engineer design included in it.
Thanks guys!