| Many Austin
homes are located on hillside lots that limit the amount of usable
outdoor space. DIRTCO expanded the back yard of this property adding
more level ground and a safe play area. |
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As with
any land project, respecting the property line is important. |
| By clearing
the brush and checking the soil conditions, the proper methods and
materials can be selected. |
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After locating
and marking the position of the retaining wall, the crew begins
digging a trench to serve as the footer. |
| While part
of the crew completes the footer, the limestone blocks are brought
in and distributed along the length of the wall site. |
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Additional
concrete was poured along one side to contain the project and provide
a base for fencing. |
| Concrete
for the footer is mixed at the site and finished by hand.
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String lines
are set to mark the location and level of the first course of stone.
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| A visual
inspection from above confirms the first course will be positioned
properly. |
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The naturally
occurring stone provides a solid base for the fill that will sit
on top. |
| One key
element of the first course is locating the corner and building
up the grade. |
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Although
the Bobcat loader was used to bring the stone to the back yard,
moving the heavy blocks down the slope to the wall can only be done
by hand. |
| The first
course includes weep holes at the base to provide adequate drainage. |
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Each additional
course is set back slightly for greater strength. |
| Large stone
is used for the majority of the fill which will allow water to percolate
down for drainage. |
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Controlled
drainage is achieved by incorporating rolls of filter paper.
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| Smaller
stone, gravel and top soil cover the filter paper for the final
component to proper drainage. |
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As the construction
nears the final elevation, the DIRTCO crew can make use of the Bobcat
to move raw materials. |
| Adding an
angled contour at the end increases the strength of the retaining
wall. |
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Each phase
of the construction is inspected for structural integrity, fit and
finish. |
| The final
wall construction shows the high quality of masonry work done by
the DIRTCO crew using the large blocks of native stone. |
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The same
stone is used at one end to create steps leading to the base of
the wall. |
| The slight
curve in the center of the wall improves the structural strength
and will add to the rigidity of the ironwork that goes on top.
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As the top
layers of soil are spread over the newly level area, the crew begins
cleanup. DIRTCO always leaves the site clean and ready to use. |
| The final
grade slopes gently away from the house to prevent water from running
under the building. |
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Thoroughly
compacting the soil reveals any settling and prepares the ground
for sod. |
| With the
sod in place, the area becomes a usable back yard. |
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Sod also
takes care of areas worn by construction traffic. |
| The retaining
wall is capped with an ironwork fence for safety without spoiling
the view. |
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The ironwork
turns at the corner to meet a cedar privacy fence. |
| The angles
in the ironwork created by contours in the stone wall provide additional
strength. |
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Viewed from
below, the completed project shows DIRTCO's quality construction. |
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Call DIRTCO Construction
at 512-844-4366
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DIRTCO
Home Page
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