I am still in the planning phase of my construction project and am gradually considering requesting the earthworks for the foundation pit. In this context, a trench for geothermal collectors is also planned.
My plot has a slight slope from west to east (approximately 1.0 - 1.5 meters (3.3 - 4.9 feet) of elevation difference over about 25 meters (82 feet) width). I am thinking of retaining the eastern side of the property with a natural stone wall along about 25 meters (82 feet) in length. This wall would gradually increase in height towards the south, reaching around 1 meter (3.3 feet) up to a maximum of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet). The rest of the property could slope gently down to the south, leaving a green strip of about 15 meters (49 feet) wide that is owned by the municipality. If the municipality objects, I would consider retaining this with a natural stone wall as well.
My plan would be as follows:
1. Excavation for the trench (total length about 60 meters (197 feet), depth 1.75 meters (5.7 feet), width 2 meters (6.6 feet))
2. Installation and securing of the brine pipes in the trench
3. Backfilling the trench and excavation of the foundation pit
4. Use the excavated soil from the foundation pit to level the plot (retaining some material for backfilling)
5. Construction of the natural stone wall and possibly some final grading
Does this approach make sense? If so, how should I handle the topsoil? Should I remove it completely and set it aside to redistribute later on the clay soil? (With an area of 800 m² (8,611 square feet), that is quite a significant amount).
My plot has a slight slope from west to east (approximately 1.0 - 1.5 meters (3.3 - 4.9 feet) of elevation difference over about 25 meters (82 feet) width). I am thinking of retaining the eastern side of the property with a natural stone wall along about 25 meters (82 feet) in length. This wall would gradually increase in height towards the south, reaching around 1 meter (3.3 feet) up to a maximum of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet). The rest of the property could slope gently down to the south, leaving a green strip of about 15 meters (49 feet) wide that is owned by the municipality. If the municipality objects, I would consider retaining this with a natural stone wall as well.
My plan would be as follows:
1. Excavation for the trench (total length about 60 meters (197 feet), depth 1.75 meters (5.7 feet), width 2 meters (6.6 feet))
2. Installation and securing of the brine pipes in the trench
3. Backfilling the trench and excavation of the foundation pit
4. Use the excavated soil from the foundation pit to level the plot (retaining some material for backfilling)
5. Construction of the natural stone wall and possibly some final grading
Does this approach make sense? If so, how should I handle the topsoil? Should I remove it completely and set it aside to redistribute later on the clay soil? (With an area of 800 m² (8,611 square feet), that is quite a significant amount).
N
nordanney27 Jan 2016 14:40You can do it that way. However, the question is whether you will be satisfied using clay soil as backfill – keyword: rainwater infiltration.
I would have the clay excavated soil removed and replace it with suitable fill material. We also struggle with clay soil here; on some currently undeveloped plots, practically no rainwater infiltration occurs once the soil reaches a certain saturation point. If no measures are taken, you will have a lot of issues in the garden later on...
I would have the clay excavated soil removed and replace it with suitable fill material. We also struggle with clay soil here; on some currently undeveloped plots, practically no rainwater infiltration occurs once the soil reaches a certain saturation point. If no measures are taken, you will have a lot of issues in the garden later on...
D
Doc.Schnaggls27 Jan 2016 16:53Hello,
with a potential fall height of 1 m - 1.5 m (3.3 ft - 5 ft), you will most likely need fall protection.
This should be included in the planning (and budget) right from the start.
Regards,
Dirk
with a potential fall height of 1 m - 1.5 m (3.3 ft - 5 ft), you will most likely need fall protection.
This should be included in the planning (and budget) right from the start.
Regards,
Dirk
nordanney schrieb:
You can do it that way. However, the question is whether you'll be happy with clay soil as excavation material – keyword: rainwater infiltration. I would have the clay excavation removed and replace it with proper fill material. We also struggle with clay soil here; on some currently undeveloped plots, almost no rainwater infiltrates once the soil reaches a certain level of saturation. If no measures are taken, you’ll have plenty of trouble later in the garden...I completely agree.
We also had some clay soil in parts. I had the excavation material removed.
In the garden, I had a good amount of suitable fill soil placed beneath the topsoil layer (you can usually get this material for free). Of course, not because I knew what I was doing, but the people who did the job were knowledgeable and, in hindsight, they were right. This way, infiltration works, and more than 99% of what I’ve planted has survived so far.
Best regards,
Thorsten
Similar topics