Driveway Retaining wall to brick or block?

[Big Rick]

Hello All,

I am building a 12m long retaining wall to level out a slope so a car can be parked on it.

The max hight of the wall will be 400mm to 100mm

It is also on a slight hill.

Am looking at putting cowra pebels as a surface.

I was originally looking at boral pyrmont blocks but than found the tasman system which are more than half the price so im leaning towards the tasmans which work in much the same way as the pyrmont except they have lips instead of interconnecting pins.

I was also thinking about putting allot of bricks i have spare to use.

If i was to use the bricks should i put in a agie drain the same way as i would for the tasman blocks.

What footing would i need to put down?
Can i get away without using reo?

The bricks i have are sold bricks which are about 30 years old

Links for the tasman system
http://www.ibs.com.au/tasman-more-information.html
http://www.islandblock-paving.com.au/how-tos/instretain_tasman.html

The cost of the tasman blocks would be about $534 + gravel

Any ideas or help would be much appreciated

Happy New year guys.:U

[Cavemanvic]

Big Rick,

Car parked above or below the wall?
Pebble surface is not structural so it is up to your wife's approval.

I've done some nice stuff with Boral's 'Heathstone' Standard blocks and 'Ravenastone' Rockface caps.

These manufacturers have done all the engineering calculations for you so if you follow their instructions exactly it will work. Their web site looks pretty good. However if you do it yourself with bricks & mortar then you must engineer it yourself. Proper drainage would be essential as would be good footings for any wall. The block walls are flexible but a brick & mortar wall is not so will crack.

Nice new year project for you.

[Big Rick]

Thanks Cavemanvic,

Car above the wall.

Yeah i was thinking that the blocks would be a bit better, Is there any real difference between the boral interlocking pins and the tasmans tongue and groove set up?

[Cavemanvic]

The car above the wall will tend to load the blocks so they push away from the car. Make sure your usual parking position is at least a metre away from it.

They both look almost identical. Your price is so good go for the Tasmans. It'll look great!