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Gravity Block Retaining Walls

Gravity block retaining walls are an extremely effective and economical way to support soil. These retaining walls are built with massive, interlocking cement blocks, each block weighing around a ton. Blocks are engineered to fit together securely without need for mortar or pins. The shear mass of the blocks combined with the strong linking bond & durability of material makes them last a lifetime or better. (Read more about how gravity walls compare to other types of retaining walls here.)

Gravity Block Retaining Walls in Construction

Gravity block walls play an essential roll in residential and commercial construction as well as road and driveway construction. Our road and driveway article describes the importance of grade. Shortcuts are often taken to save money but gravity block retaining walls provide an affordable option for getting the job done right.

When building on a hill, gravity retaining walls create level ground where there was none. They require minimal space and excavation compared with other retaining walls.

Gravity Block Retaining Walls in Landscaping

In instances were the house is already built a gravity retaining wall can open up level areas for lawns, gardens and recreational spaces. They are the most practical and lasting way to shore up earth. Gravity walls can also be surprisingly pleasing aesthetically. Facing sides may be decorated with attractive patterns such as River Stone seen in these photos.

Why Choose Taylor?

As experts in the field with over 40 years experience we understand the value of doing it right the first time. When it comes to retaining walls we know when they are necessary and when the natural grade is stable. We calculate the amount of counter weight the wall must maintain and always consider proper drainage in our installations.

Gravity retaining walls are relatively quick and easy to install but require big equipment. At Taylor Site Development we own our machines. Our cranes and excavators are at the ready allowing us to schedule your job quickly and at competitive cost.

Gravity Block Retaining Walls

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Commercial Construction in Southern Oregon

Commercial construction in Southern Oregon & the US in general can be a maize of stipulations and specifications dictated by contract law.  The commercial contractor/builder must be able to write up estimates and quotes in accordance with building codes. He also knows that the language in the contract is enforceable and sets the client’s expectations in regards to quality and timeline for completion of the project.

Getting up to speed with all the legal jargon of commercial contracting was a steep learning curve for me as a 23 year old young man. Up till then, I had primarily worked for homeowners doing grading of land and driveways.

The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Construction

Someone once asked me, “is there really any difference between commercial and residential construction?” I said, “yes in commercial construction there are more rules to follow.”

Commercial work must comply to ‘public contract rules’. The commercial contractor works under strict scrutiny. The property and the structure he builds will be open to the Public and thus falls under the dictates of The Americans with Disabilities Act.

The rules to build by as written by the ADA are voluminous and strict. The cost of missing just one aspect of an ADA construction specification can be very expensive. There is no comparable risk posed by residential building codes. The stakes for getting it right in commercial construction are just that much higher!

Becoming an Expert in Commercial construction in Southern Oregon and California

Because of my 42 years of experience in commercial construction in Southern Oregon and Northern California, clients now seek my advice in every aspect of the commercial construction process, from start to finish. Owners consult with me in setting up their team of design professionals, forming construction budgets, and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act stipulations.

I’ve come a long way from the 23 year old contractor overwhelmed and intimidated by the legal jargon and strict stipulation inherent in commercial construction in Southern Oregon. Now, as an expert in the field, I am pleased to be able to offer consultation as well as construction from a deep understanding of the regulations and best practices that are absolutely essential in the field.

More about us.

commercial construction in Southern Oregon

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Road and Driveway Building Tips

Build Your Road or Driveway Right the First Time

The most important part of a road or driveway is the base foundation. This is the part you can’t see once the road is built! With these road and driveway building tips, you will be able to have a meaningful conversation with prospective excavation contractors, choose the right one with confidence and  build it right the first time!

Avoid the temptation to go with a low-ball bid unless you’re certain the contractor will create a proper foundation and not cut corners. Everyone wants to save some money but Old Man Winter is sure to expose the hidden shortcuts of a poorly built road or driveway and it will cost much more in the long run.

The road and driveway building tips below fall into two main categories: building a road or driveway with a proper sub structure and ensuring that the road or driveway repels water.

Here are our rural road & driveway construction tips for Southern Oregon and beyond.

Building a Road or Driveway with a Proper Substructure

  1. Build on a strong, native interface. The road and driveway contractor must know how to read the ground and choose the best path for the new road. He bases his decisions on the natural grades and the qualities of the earth.
  2. Set the sub structure or base over geo textile. Geo textile aka “road fabric” is made of synthetic fibers and strengthens the road exponentially.
  3. Compact the native earth. A vibratory roller will consolidate the base soils and remove air pockets. This compacted base will be much firmer and will also prevent absorption of water.
  4. Compact again after topping the native soil with structural rock. Spraying with a water wagon or truck will tighten and “key in” the structural rock.

Ensuring that the Road or Driveway Repels Water

  1. Avoid low areas where water will pool. This goes back to looking at the lay of the land and choosing the best path for the road or driveway. If you must build through a low area, bridge it with fabric and a thick section of rock. A dry casting of Cement along the bottom of the outside edge will also seal, repel and strengthen, minimizing potholes.
  2. Cut in the road so that water flows off to the sides. The middle of the road or driveway should be slightly higher than the shoulders.
  3. Create a bar ditch adjacent to the road’s shoulder. The bar ditch runs along either side of the road and carries away runoff.
  4. Pay attention to the ground adjacent to the road because this is the ground that will have to carry away drainage water.
  5. Slope the bank properly. If the land on the side of the road slopes down towards the bar ditch, make sure that the slope is not too steep. The grade should be no greater than 2:1. This means that for every foot of rise as the ground slopes up from the road, it is graded back two feet away from the road.
  6. Don’t skimp on converts. Culverts are placed to carry impounded water from the higher side of drive to the downhill side. A culvert should always be considered a money saver! The cost of installing one is minimal compared with on going maintenance costs when the culvert is missing.

In conclusion:

Unfortunately, it is all too common for excavation contractor to bid low in order to get the job and then to cut corners. Uninformed homeowners see the equipment working and the finished road looks good. They don’t realize that costly liabilities are concealed under the nice looking surface. It’s like putting frosting on a cardboard cake. It might look great but it will not stand up to the test of time.

So build your road or driveway right the first time and save money and headache in the long-run.

Mark Taylor, is a General Engineer Contractor. He has been designing Rural Drives in challenging terrain for 40 years. He also holds patents for his innovative waste water pump station components.  Call Today (541) 779-3565 and build a long lasting Taylor Made road or driveway! More contact info here.

Road and Driveway Building Tips

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