Your guys aren't just getting it done, they're getting it done right! Careful planning and excellent execution! I'm looking forward to seeing this entire project through. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and God bless you!
Never realised how technical dirt could get. I'm amazed by your content and the professional way your team approaches the job. I learn something new each time I watch one of your uploads . Shame UA-cam doesn't have a bigger thumb's up button.
I went all Bobcat in the end. The New R2 series available today are incredibly improved and like you say, buttery smooth with serious mechanical improvements and stability. I like how you show us all the different equipment and input... thanks!
Stan, this is where your content shines above the rest. Your expertise is evident and the informational level steps up. This is only my personal opinion, but I like it when you take us here. Thank you very much for helping us understand the retaining wall construction process! Nick, North West Farmer
@@Dirtmonkey Thank you bud and it’s nice to have you along in the videos as well as commentating them. Thank you and you too stay safe and can’t wait 👍🏻
It’s nice to see some one ho knows how to do it right with the grid and back fill is just about as important as the block work start to finish top notch all the that will never move I did one it was 360’ long with 3 set backs of 8’ and 24’ high still standing 15 years now and you are right it’s the pins that make.the job last good job guys
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek ya sitting back now retired watching you do the work same weather here in Mass starting to get cold one more log on the fire keep up the good work
I'd have to argue that one because if the wall is backfilled with drainage aggregate all the way to the top like I have done in the past...then the water will find it's easiest way out and that's down through the rock to the drainage pipe which let's the water out quicker if it builds up behind the wall instead of building up pressure against the wall seeping through the cracks in the block...but yes the wall is designed to let water pass but if your drainage ditch is installed properly it will find the pipe ...I've always had to do at least five foot of 3/4 inch stone all the way up to subsoil grade and fabric over the top of gravels before subsoil is placed...
That geogrid has to be a game changer. It probably effectively ties things together so the wall has double the equivalent thickness or something like that.
Will attest to versa lok wall blocks, ours has been in for 5 years, no issues minus that effervescent stain in one or two spots. Local university has a 12 tall foot wall about two hundred long, been up since 2006 ( more than likely earlier than that, is only first time I have ever seen it). Looks as good as new.
Hey Stan, great content, learning a ton. Quick question: would there be any reason to not backfill a wall completely with gravel vs. 1 or 2 ft of gravel and then dirt? I have a 5ft wall with grid, and have enough material on site to do this, just not sure if the reinforcement zone can just be all clear gravel. Appreciate the feedback!
Love it Stan. We don't have a versa-lok distributor within 500 miles. It's likely an alternate manufacturer would make my project more affordable. Fortunately it isn't a 9 foot+ wall.
I had grilled hamburgers, grilled corn, baked potatoes. All homemade by MRs. Dirtmonkey and she is a dang good cook. Just wrapped up eating dinner myself. Enjoy the vid tonight! 4 vids coming out this week with the bonus extra on Thursday.
It's hard to describe the warm fuzzy feel of seeing the geogrid and pins go in with the blocks and be well assured that the wall won't have a blowout slide after it's done. Excellent work indeed
Hey Stan just a question. I believe in one of your earlier videos you said never go more than two courses before backfilling. What changed that we can go up to four courses now? Besides speeding up the process.
on a typical project we will go 2 courses then rock it to stabilize it but we have always been able to go up to 4 courses before needing backfill and compaction. so we put in 2 courses, lay in the drainagae material which keeps it from tipping back but don't do the full backfill until 4 courses are up. Thats when we want to make progress fat. On smaller walls we typically build and backfill at the same times.
When you say that those are the only solid blocks with pins, is that because the Keystone Standard retaining wall blocks have some voids in the backside? Or simply the only large block systems with pins in your area?
Hello there from Brownsville, TX I really enjoy the vids especially the break downs they have inspired a lil project here at home keep up the vids great job I do got a question I'm thinking of doing a small addition to one side of my driveway using pour mold the quikrete walk maker basket weave pattern 10' 10' how much base do u suggest and wat u think of the easy joint sand
That fabric looks like what ppl crews used under the temperarry stone access road they made through are fields while replacing old wooden power poles with metal one's
Stanley, I’m starting a retaining wall project, will 3/4 minus quarry rock work well for the drainage rock behind the retaining wall? I know it packs really well so it would probably work well for the footing but wasn’t sure for behind the wall. I can also get 3/4 minus river rock to use behind the wall, it doesn’t have the small fine particles so it would probably drain better. What are your thought? Thanks so much for your videos. Tom
If you're using block with just the thin lip on the bottom holding everything together, would it be a good idea to CAREFULLY clean each layer as you put it in and use construction adhesive in between each layer of blocks to reinforce that small lip leaving gaps in the glue string to allow water to escape from behind the wall?
Are you subexcavating all the way out of organic soils, or to a set elevation below your wall? Most of the work I do (heavy civil works) I have to get rid of all organics but it looks like some might have been under your wall.
I’ve got a big job (for me anyway) 300’ of 6’ and 280’ of 4’ tall. Only products we have access to in our area are keystone stone gate which is solid and pinned or belgard castle manor which is also solid and pinned. Engineering put 5 layers of Geogrid for the 6’ with 2 buried courses. 12” of drain rock behind but we are going 18”. Any thoughts or suggestions? Love the videos and you guys are the reason we branched out into hardscapes! Thanks
5 layers of grid on a 6 foot wall is definately not taking any chances. Sounds like their may be a surcharge on the walls from a slope or structure that they are compensating for. Or are those really small blocks? I don't use either one so I am not familiar with the blocks but know enough about engineering to understand about the geogrid.
On sketchy slopes I loved my old bosses terex pt100g forestry that thing I sware couldn't tip over backwards and could handle a bunch of weight out front on a steep slope
Yo Stan, very good question for you as I was doing some volunteer work on a gravel road that's packed damn near like concrete. My box blade is the best I have with ripper/scarifier shanks to break up the surface and I'm not gonna destroy my rotary tiller. What cheaper easier way is there other than an expensive power/Harley rake could be used to break up the hard packed gravel and dirt ground? Equipment I use is a jd1025 compact tlb
Wait until it rains and then go out there right after. the water will soften up the surface and let you move material easier. But you will have to time it so its not pure mud your working with.
@@Dirtmonkey I honestly think you'd have a blast regrading the road with your Harley rake due to the massive amounts of pot holes and the washed out pot holes.
Stan compaction compaction and then more compaction is the key with the grid that’s a big wall there wasn’t a problem with the engineering changing from a 9 to a 11’ wall but I guess if the slide plane is taken out of the equation everything will be fine.
We had the excess grid lengths already in place, I talk more about that during this mini series. But your right about the slide plane. The grid lengths were long enough to eliminate that as a possibility and built into the engineering.
Is there any advantage to using Gabions versus retaing wall block? Ease of use, more reliable, stronger, less BS with drainage? Love to see you do a Gabion wall someday.
Your guys aren't just getting it done, they're getting it done right! Careful planning and excellent execution! I'm looking forward to seeing this entire project through. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and God bless you!
Thank you sir!
@@Dirtmonkey What was the cost of the job if you dont mind me asking? I'm guessing $15-30k
Never realised how technical dirt could get. I'm amazed by your content and the professional way your team approaches the job. I learn something new each time I watch one of your uploads . Shame UA-cam doesn't have a bigger thumb's up button.
I went all Bobcat in the end. The New R2 series available today are incredibly improved and like you say, buttery smooth with serious mechanical improvements and stability. I like how you show us all the different equipment and input... thanks!
Stan, this is where your content shines above the rest. Your expertise is evident and the informational level steps up. This is only my personal opinion, but I like it when you take us here. Thank you very much for helping us understand the retaining wall construction process! Nick, North West Farmer
Wow, thanks Nick! Feedback like that keeps me going brother.
Awesome video Stan. The step by step is great to see the transformation of the project.
More to come!
I love these videos. Looking forward to the other videos on this project. Thanks Stan...
You bet!
Fot the first time in 7 years, my boss joined the mowing crew fir a day! It was awesome! Hope you had a great monday! Keep up the great work!
How was it working with your boss? was it cool or nerve wracking or something else?
@@Dirtmonkey Can you do a Versa Grid Vs Geo Grid Video?
Thank you Stan for another awesome video god bless thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos
Very welcome. and thank you very much for tuning in and going along on the adventure.
Good to see these videos back, retaining walls and other block things are kinda cool
I totally agree.
These guys are the best at what they do. Wish you guys were in CT. Love all the videos. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the videos. I cant wait for the series
Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks to your videos we where able to have the knowledge to ask all the needed question for our new retaining wall .
Glad to hear it helped. Did your new wall turn out good?
I've been waiting for this series! Thank you Stan
Hope you enjoy it!
same here, wondered what happened.
Awsome vid as always! Can't wait for the rest!
Thanks again!
Hey Stan thanks for takin time to video this for us. Always learning something. Long time subscriber. Craig. Pa.
Glad to help Craig. Thanks for being a long time sub!
Thank You AS a professional to the next. Thank you for your time and the knowledge you pass on to other people. Thank You.
I appreciate that! Little things go a long way. That helps to hear so thank you
Nicely done video again! Thank you.
Thanks for watching the progress Jason!
Can't wait, Stan....I want to learn, thanks!
Great!👍
Great stuff as always, Stan.
Glad you enjoyed it
Been waiting for this video. thanks for posting!
Hope you enjoyed it! and there will be 3 more this week.
Very Informative as usual Stan.
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi I just saw your retaining wall called
Crazy neighbour
Brilliant job you and your lads did. Be very proud of your work
Great Work Stan. You have a good Crew.
I am blessed to have an awesome team for sure.👊
Looking forward to this series!
Very cool. 4 in total this week and 3 next week.
Been a long time coming! thank you Stan!
More to come!
I love these project videos.
Thank you. Plenty more to come.
Stan ….. I’m watching! I wish you and your team the BEST!
I had wondered what happened to Sam. Glad to see him back and this project. Thank Stan.
Hes been busy for a long time on this one.
Good video, can’t believe how much work goes into a wall like that
Its pretty intensive.
Excellent work and thanks for sharing this with us take care
hayden its always nice to have you along bud. Stray safe and enjoy the upcoming mini series.
@@Dirtmonkey Thank you bud and it’s nice to have you along in the videos as well as commentating them. Thank you and you too stay safe and can’t wait 👍🏻
Stan great vlog! Man the care you guys put into yhese walls.
Glad you enjoy the projects Robert. Thanks for tuning in.
I've never seen so much dirt without rocks in it. Amazing!
I heard a new saying from you, "boogered up." 😂 I am watching this for the second time. Fascinating video. Thank you! 😊🙏
😁. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in tonight and there are 4 vids coming this week. A bonus one is on Thursday.
Another 👍👍👍👍👍video. Thanks Stan🤗
My pleasure!!
It’s nice to see some one ho knows how to do it right with the grid and back fill is just about as important as the block work start to finish top notch all the that will never move I did one it was 360’ long with 3 set backs of 8’ and 24’ high still standing 15 years now and you are right it’s the pins that make.the job last good job guys
That sounds like a pretty substantial project you tackled there.
Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek ya sitting back now retired watching you do the work same weather here in Mass starting to get cold one more log on the fire keep up the good work
Great video Stan I really enjoyed this video 🇺🇲 another job well done 🇺🇲
Glad you enjoyed it
Looking good Stan
Thanks Robert!
Cant wait to see the new excavator Stan is getting just for us to all see! Only $100k for our enjoyment…What a nice guy!😉
I kind of need it to for my jobs😂
Yup, I would not use certain blocks especially at that height. Nice work and good choice of block...
Nice video man !!
Ok ready for the next one Stan. 👍
Coming soon! 4 total this week with a bonus vid on Thursday.
Forward thinking and planning i like it
great job
ive been waiting for this vid!!!
there will be 4 vids total this week with a bonus one on Thursday. all on this project.
Man I’ve been waiting for this episode for a long time let’s go
The newest one just released tonight as well so if you have a chance - check it out.
I'd have to argue that one because if the wall is backfilled with drainage aggregate all the way to the top like I have done in the past...then the water will find it's easiest way out and that's down through the rock to the drainage pipe which let's the water out quicker if it builds up behind the wall instead of building up pressure against the wall seeping through the cracks in the block...but yes the wall is designed to let water pass but if your drainage ditch is installed properly it will find the pipe ...I've always had to do at least five foot of 3/4 inch stone all the way up to subsoil grade and fabric over the top of gravels before subsoil is placed...
Love the videos Stan
Thanks Clay!
Brilliant video.
Thanks man 👊
Love the videos
Thanks!
Good video my friend hope the Project goes ok god bless 💯👊💪🔥
Thanks for tuning in bro!
Wow a lot of work! Don’t think I will be doing jobs this big in my yard! Lol
That geogrid has to be a game changer. It probably effectively ties things together so the wall has double the equivalent thickness or something like that.
The geogrid is what allows us to build tall walls.
Great project.
Thank you!
Will attest to versa lok wall blocks, ours has been in for 5 years, no issues minus that effervescent stain in one or two spots. Local university has a 12 tall foot wall about two hundred long, been up since 2006 ( more than likely earlier than that, is only first time I have ever seen it). Looks as good as new.
They are the only blocks we use.
I love the content, and I’m sorry I have missed like 2 videos but I will catch up
Hey Stan, great content, learning a ton. Quick question: would there be any reason to not backfill a wall completely with gravel vs. 1 or 2 ft of gravel and then dirt? I have a 5ft wall with grid, and have enough material on site to do this, just not sure if the reinforcement zone can just be all clear gravel. Appreciate the feedback!
first class all the way ,this is a lifetime plus job
We sure hope it outlasts all of us.😃👍
Good stuff! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
County material makes a pin together solid block. I also only use pin together blocks. Although boulder walls are more fun to build.
Keystone makes a pinned block but those aren't solid. I will look into those ones you mentioned.
Outstanding
Very cool. I enjoy the process and the meticulous way the guys are putting the job together. Keep up the outstanding work.
Thanks 👍
Never a dull moment
a new day- a new adventure.
Love it Stan. We don't have a versa-lok distributor within 500 miles. It's likely an alternate manufacturer would make my project more affordable. Fortunately it isn't a 9 foot+ wall.
Whatever product you use I wish you the best of luck with it!😃👍
Today its smothered chili verde burritos with rice and beans. Dirt Monkey has become my dinnertime entertainment. 👊😆👍
I had grilled hamburgers, grilled corn, baked potatoes. All homemade by MRs. Dirtmonkey and she is a dang good cook. Just wrapped up eating dinner myself. Enjoy the vid tonight! 4 vids coming out this week with the bonus extra on Thursday.
It's hard to describe the warm fuzzy feel of seeing the geogrid and pins go in with the blocks and be well assured that the wall won't have a blowout slide after it's done. Excellent work indeed
Sounds like you recognize the process and the importance
Very educational.
Glad to hear that- thank you!
Have I not seen most of this project?
Anyway I want to see the finished job.
A difficult one for sure. Cheers 🇨🇦
This is a new one. We started this last month- this week we wrap it up
Nice video bro 👍
Thank you very much!🙏
My bobcat t66 takes slopes like a champ
Yeah. Been wondering about this project.
This week is the wrap up and finale on it and then next week we build a paver patio on it.
Good Video, thanks for shaaring.
Thanks for watching!
“The wall wouldn’t have failed by any means, just would’ve been exposed” basically saying he could’ve halfway cheated but chose not too. Much respect
Versa- Lok walls are awesome. Ive installed quite a few
Our teams favorite by far.
@@Dirtmonkey I wouldn't doubt it. There's so many positives i dont think id even consider another system. Its what i recommend for every wall i do
great minds think alike.
I was beginning to wonder if you were going to get back to this project. I've missed seeing Sam. Keep them coming.
More to come.👍
I'm stoked for this . Will it be daily uploads , or will it be on the normal schedule?
2 more vids this week. One tomorrow and the last one Friday.
Hey Stan just a question. I believe in one of your earlier videos you said never go more than two courses before backfilling. What changed that we can go up to four courses now? Besides speeding up the process.
Probably because of the weight of this particular product. Some retaining walls blocks weigh 20 pounds ish, some 80 pounds ish, some over 100!
on a typical project we will go 2 courses then rock it to stabilize it but we have always been able to go up to 4 courses before needing backfill and compaction. so we put in 2 courses, lay in the drainagae material which keeps it from tipping back but don't do the full backfill until 4 courses are up. Thats when we want to make progress fat. On smaller walls we typically build and backfill at the same times.
When you say that those are the only solid blocks with pins, is that because the Keystone Standard retaining wall blocks have some voids in the backside? Or simply the only large block systems with pins in your area?
keystone you have to core fill. They have those voids you mentioned but at least keystone are pinned.
Hello there from Brownsville, TX
I really enjoy the vids especially the break downs they have inspired a lil project here at home keep up the vids great job
I do got a question I'm thinking of doing a small addition to one side of my driveway using pour mold the quikrete walk maker basket weave pattern 10' 10' how much base do u suggest and wat u think of the easy joint sand
we don't use it much so I can't say a whole lot about it. sorry
15:15 now you got me curious. I want to see some of your walls from 2001!
I was looking forward to a 10 part series on this wall. 😭
4 parts on the wall and 2 parts on the patio on top of this wall. pretty much the biggest series I have ever done.
That fabric looks like what ppl crews used under the temperarry stone access road they made through are fields while replacing old wooden power poles with metal one's
its a heavy duty woven permeable fabric
Been waiting for the return of this video update.
There will be 4 parts to the wall this week and then 3 parts to the pavers next week.
@@Dirtmonkey This is interesting as hell. I am really enjoying these videos.
Awesome! Should be a fun week then.
Stanley,
I’m starting a retaining wall project, will 3/4 minus quarry rock work well for the drainage rock behind the retaining wall? I know it packs really well so it would probably work well for the footing but wasn’t sure for behind the wall. I can also get 3/4 minus river rock to use behind the wall, it doesn’t have the small fine particles so it would probably drain better. What are your thought? Thanks so much for your videos. Tom
Good vid
Thank you very much!
Great video which geogrid do you use and where do you order it? Also, what geotextile do you use?
Would really like to see you do some videos using Redi Rock.
If you're using block with just the thin lip on the bottom holding everything together, would it be a good idea to CAREFULLY clean each layer as you put it in and use construction adhesive in between each layer of blocks to reinforce that small lip leaving gaps in the glue string to allow water to escape from behind the wall?
You should look into getting a bobcat E20 or E26 mini excavator with quick couplers and a thumb. It will change your life!
So that's what the real John Travolta is doing!
Are you subexcavating all the way out of organic soils, or to a set elevation below your wall? Most of the work I do (heavy civil works) I have to get rid of all organics but it looks like some might have been under your wall.
No organics are left below the wall. This wall actually had a soil correction done on it to get out the unstable organic material.
I’ve got a big job (for me anyway) 300’ of 6’ and 280’ of 4’ tall. Only products we have access to in our area are keystone stone gate which is solid and pinned or belgard castle manor which is also solid and pinned. Engineering put 5 layers of Geogrid for the 6’ with 2 buried courses. 12” of drain rock behind but we are going 18”. Any thoughts or suggestions? Love the videos and you guys are the reason we branched out into hardscapes! Thanks
5 layers of grid on a 6 foot wall is definately not taking any chances. Sounds like their may be a surcharge on the walls from a slope or structure that they are compensating for. Or are those really small blocks? I don't use either one so I am not familiar with the blocks but know enough about engineering to understand about the geogrid.
When you said it wouldn't fail, he is just going over and above.. I heard.. 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑😂
Nice treehouse
How much does that cost
How much did this project cost?
On sketchy slopes I loved my old bosses terex pt100g forestry that thing I sware couldn't tip over backwards and could handle a bunch of weight out front on a steep slope
Thats how we feel about the ASV
11ft in one rise? never knew that was possible!
Yo Stan, very good question for you as I was doing some volunteer work on a gravel road that's packed damn near like concrete. My box blade is the best I have with ripper/scarifier shanks to break up the surface and I'm not gonna destroy my rotary tiller. What cheaper easier way is there other than an expensive power/Harley rake could be used to break up the hard packed gravel and dirt ground? Equipment I use is a jd1025 compact tlb
Wait until it rains and then go out there right after. the water will soften up the surface and let you move material easier. But you will have to time it so its not pure mud your working with.
@@Dirtmonkey I honestly think you'd have a blast regrading the road with your Harley rake due to the massive amounts of pot holes and the washed out pot holes.
I would. I think grading is my favorite work of all time.
Stan compaction compaction and then more compaction is the key with the grid that’s a big wall there wasn’t a problem with the engineering changing from a 9 to a 11’ wall but I guess if the slide plane is taken out of the equation everything will be fine.
We had the excess grid lengths already in place, I talk more about that during this mini series. But your right about the slide plane. The grid lengths were long enough to eliminate that as a possibility and built into the engineering.
Is there any advantage to using Gabions versus retaing wall block?
Ease of use, more reliable, stronger, less BS with drainage?
Love to see you do a Gabion wall someday.
I love gabion walls. Strong durable, great drainage built in.