Concrete Bag Retaining Wall | How I Built

Concrete Bag Retaining Wall | How I Built | Steve Addis

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3 жыл бұрын

How I built my retaining wall using 512 50Lb Concrete bags, 1/2" rebar, 8 oz cloth, #4 stone, PVC pipe. - Solid and permanent. Rebar placed perpendicular in the bags into clay, and horizontal locking rebar in key areas. Soil is very stable, mostly clay, and hard blue-grey clay at the base. Check with an Engineer or experienced Contractor to confirm your unique project application. Tiebacks may be needed. Good for remote locations and DIY. - Have fun! - $947.20- (512 Bags x $1.85)+(Rebar & Taxes)(Currently $3.04/bag QTY 70 at Lowe's.)(This was by volume and with discounts and prices may vary.)
Thank You for your interest in my video! :)
If you would like to see more follow-up videos, - Please *Subscribe*.
Three Year Update Video: • Three Years Later | Co...
Tip: Use the lines on the bag, to setback the upper bags and keep courses running even. Sight each course from side and top, to form the shape you desire. Also, loosen up each bag by placing the long ends on a flat surface to move the concrete to the front edge of the bag without the opening. Mix the bag if you feel stone. Then flatten the bag, pick it up and place it in position. The opening of the bag always goes to the back so you end up with a more smooth uniform look. Do one row, then adjust, then pack with a flat block of stone.
Important: Saturate the concrete bags well with plenty of water over night or more. Keep the bags damp for as long as possible to promote the curing process. Build small sections leaving the vertical rebar exposed to bridge the next set of rebar and cover with plastic to protect from rain. Make sure you are using paper bags. Tape the bags to prevent stretching which reduces cracks.
Improvements & Methods - Concrete Bag | Culvert Retaining Wall
• Improvements & Methods...
Basalt Rebar, Color, Sealer. (Recommended by Viewers.) Thank you!
Tip: I pressure wash the paper away on a low setting. Wash concrete and water into any cracks or voids on bag surfaces. Wipe excess with a wet cloth.
Tip: Tape the top bags with packing tape to prevent bag stretching and cracks.
Tip: I coated the top with concrete or mortar. Color or seal the face. -Have fun. :)
Concrete Bag | Culvert Retaining Wall | Wing Wall | How To Build - Using similar process
• Concrete Bag | Culvert...
French Drain 130' | Deep 4' Subsurface | River Rock
• French Drain 130' x 4'...
What Is Concrete - See Testing- Actually Dams Use Compressed Rolled Concrete
• What is Concrete?
** Quikrete Rip Rap - Commercial grade blend of Portland cement and specially graded sand, packaged in a Fiber Reinforced, Biodegradable Bag for erosion control applications.
www.quikrete.com/productlines...
** Also, Basalt and FiberGlass rebar is available for similar prices. Fiberglass may work between bags, yet not for driving into the clay or rocky soils as it might splinter.
www.stevenaddis.com
#RetainingWall
#ConcreteBagWall
#ConcreteBagRetainingWall
#SteveAddis
Disclaimer: Please note: I am not giving engineering or construction advice since each and every site and location is different. This is just a demonstration of what I did and what worked for my location and my particular project. Please seek advice from a contractor and engineer to protect your time and investment in materials. I talked with Tom the engineer who has 50+ years of construction experience before I proceeded. All documentation and videos on this website are for informational purposes only. I am not liable for any use or misuse of this information by any person and any claims of any kind such as loss or injury. Warning: The tools and equipment presented in this video can be dangerous. Use all necessary safety protections at all times. Walls: If required, check with your local building code enforcement for walls three feet or more before hand.

Пікірлер: 528

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Improvements Video: **For those considering a build. :) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html - Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if this was useful. THANK YOU!

@michaelrodgers435 Жыл бұрын

Brother you took dry pouring to a whole new level and I love it.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@Michael Rodgers - Thanks Michael - Surprised it is getting so much attention on YT.

@jondavidmcnabb 11 ай бұрын

I just love the natural look of the bagged walls.

@SteveAddis 11 ай бұрын

It turned out nice. Thanks for your comment!

@nam.321 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I appreciate the diagrams showing the different ways to set up the retaining wall.

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@Nathan M. - Thank you. Glad you liked it.

@Paulie1232 3 жыл бұрын

I have no need for a retaining wall, but I must say it looks spectacular and looks like you covered all your bases during the construction....

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paul. It turned out good. And, we must try. Thank you for your comment! :)

@Jurraqueando 3 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea that saves us a lot of time and works very well, thank you very much for this great idea. Best regards from Spain.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

@Jurraqueando Yes it stacks quickly and can be done without much effort. This is an old method used on farms decades ago. Thanks for commenting! Best regards to you as well.

@elsiedillewaard6217 Жыл бұрын

What a great wall, especially for a weakling like me. I was going to use railroad ties, but this is way better for me and i can do it myself instead of having to ask a neighbor or find a man somewhere to do it. Thanks for your video and insructions.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Hope enjoy your project and the results. Thanks - Also may want to see the improvements vid. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@mardobardogardo4930 Жыл бұрын

Each bag is 90lbs

@billymacktexasdetective5827 Жыл бұрын

@@mardobardogardo4930 Negative. Each bag is 50lbs, not the 90lbs you claim. This info is readily available in both the description and the video. Reading and paying attention are not things you should be afraid to do...

@dot_dot_pwn2650 Жыл бұрын

@@billymacktexasdetective5827 relax

@justme.444 Жыл бұрын

@Billy Mack, Texas Detective yeah take a xanax dude!

@ShiryouOni Жыл бұрын

Nice job, I used to do this professionally along with segmental block walls. Only thing I really would have changed majorly was, I found that having the base/foundation layer turned sideways for just that course helped strengthen the walls over the years. However with how short this one is it shouldn't matter.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@Rain Spider - Thanks. That is interesting. May I ask how you placed those sideways? Like, did you place bags sideways needing two or three staggered, under the surface level, giving enough width to then place the bags flat on top from there? Thank you for this input! I would like to improve if possible.

@derickbrown8471 Жыл бұрын

I’m truly impressed. Wow

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@Derick Brown - Thank you for your comment. It turned out well. :)

@jordang2869 3 жыл бұрын

I love it. I can’t imagine the time you saved going this route instead of the standard cement block

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

@Gordan Gore Yes, it went up easily and in a fair amount of time. Thanks - Have a good weekend.

@envisionCamusa 3 жыл бұрын

Another awesome project video. I just watched your culvert video for the 5th time (it was that entertaining). I don't have a need to build a retaining wall but now I want to. Good job sir 👍

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi. I guess I should not have cut the culvert video down so much. I never thought it would entertain. lol. Glad you enjoyed it and thank you!

@FrenchConnectie 3 жыл бұрын

Bruh!!! You seriously made my day!! I was looking for a solution to fix a similar problem at my house in France! This is it!!!! Awesome!!!

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Niels. Very glad it helped! I need to do some follow up videos to answer some questions. I have a few more walls to do some of which need foundations. Be sure to check what soil type you have and think it through. Maybe read Q&A on my videos. We all are learning. I just found out that there is basalt and fiberglass rebar. - Satisfaction in knowing that it is fixed and you did it yourself! Take care. :)

@FrenchConnectie 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis i have clay mixed with granite soil... Super hard.. i will dig it out because i need a french drain as well... Was wondering how you put the rebar in... At the end with long peaces or layer after layer a shorter peace... ? I Will check your video's!! Thanks man

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

That is good base. This wall was in a layer of Solid clay. I gave up on digging and used the clay for a base. The main rebar I did was vertical and permanent. The horizontal rebar was placed in key locations, where I felt there needed to be kick out prevention, like the highest points. Horizontal 2.5 feet off the ground and 4 feet or so. I am going to reply with a copy from another user question, and maybe it will help you.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

@@FrenchConnectie This is a pasted reply made to another post. --Make sure the bags you buy are paper, or use the Rip Rap bags. You can set a section of the bags five rows high, set rebar in place through bags into the clay in my case. Leave rebar protruding out of the bag, just in case they do get wet. Then the bottom bags will set on their own from ground water. Backfill wall with gravel. (Cover the bags with plastic to protect from rain.) Add more bags onto the protruding rebar. Place rebar through those into the next set leaving rebar protruding. Water this overnight for two days with light water. Water will absorb into the concrete. Do more sections, until you do the final top section. Soak that section well. Pressure wash paper from the wall. Coat top section with concrete and fill the cracks in the top. Wash concrete into cracks with a water hose after paper is pressure washed off. Remember, just do not get stuck with solid concrete and not have the rebar bridged throughout the wall either from the top or the end of the wall. That is the main thing. You can do this different steps watering. I just wanted about two rebars in the bags offset and reaching to the top. We had a rain for two days that setup this wall real good. Keep the paper on for a while to retain moisture and allow curing. After soaking a day or two, just keep it damp. You may want to cover with plastic and water under the bags to keep them wet. I have had bags on two of my pallets get wet from a nick in the plastic and three quarters of the bag was solid just small exposure to water. Enjoy your project! :)

@FrenchConnectie 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis thank you so much... The paper bag might be a thing... All the bags i worked with have a thin layer of plastic between 2layers of paper... I need to do some concrete work anyway so i will buy a lot of different bags.. Just to see it i can find one with Just paper! Looking forward to some more video's! Salut!!! Merci!!

@JoeNielsen44 Жыл бұрын

This looks great and fairly straightforward!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe.

@johnoswald6192 Жыл бұрын

Excellent! I need to do this on a culvert and the end of a ramp I have to build on a slope for a driveway turnaround. Was looking at block, gabion, poured walls, and I think this will work. I'm using lime to treat the clay (without lime it turns to mush in the rain) and using geo fabric every foot or so to mechanically reinforce the ramp. All the wall needs to do is hold the edges from crumbling/mushing out. This seems to be the fastest and most cost effective. If I had stones all over the property a gabion would work but trucking in a hundred tons of stone is probably a bit pricey. Thanks for this!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Sounds like you will have the situation in control soon. Yes, I used something called 53's here and the special was $4.50 a ton plus shipping back in 2018. Ordered a hundred tons. It has lots of lime and mixed sized stone that when wet and rolled, will end up almost like concrete. It really fixed a parking area well. Much success with your project. Thanks for the comment.

@JohnHansknecht Жыл бұрын

Beautiful job. I did a similar shorter wall for an "on-ground" pool on a slope. There are a few things people should know. In some areas, this will not meet building code and if it is over a certain height, typically 3 feet, the city or county may force you to tear it down because it wasn't done to code.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Awesome that you built one. I agree about codes and inspections. I would not want to go too high on a wall like this.

@quantumtechcrypto7080 Жыл бұрын

Code schmode. They’re dried bags of concrete now so way lighter ;)

@peterbridge9394 Жыл бұрын

Yeah code schmode until it bites you in the ass. John offers a good warning.

@thyubernoob Жыл бұрын

Its not a wall, I'm just storing up on cement bags!😎

@mooneymakes359 8 ай бұрын

@@thyubernoobnice

@londonpickering8675 Жыл бұрын

Excellent vid! My neighbor did the same build and it is holding up fine after a few years. He saved a lot of money. Thank you for taking the time to post this....

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks. That is good to hear. Yes, less than 1k for everything. You are welcome. :)

@tomsummer5336 Жыл бұрын

Wow what a fantastic idea

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yet it is an old idea used long ago. :)

@valiant7357 Жыл бұрын

Looks awesome

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@MVortex2 Жыл бұрын

I was going to install railroad ties for a low level wall, I think this makes total sense.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@James -Thanks for your comment. Watch the improvements video to get best results.

@blacknred6699 Жыл бұрын

Amazing, Thanks.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks, you are welcome.

@kavatouray8991 Жыл бұрын

Amazing tip !!!!!!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@basilodira4423 Жыл бұрын

Good man Very educational

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@JohnDoe-id9hi 3 жыл бұрын

Great looking project and I like the simplicity of it!

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, it does not need to be perfect and can be DIY.

@1956tojo Жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis Interested in the overall cost as compared to a mid grade retaining block wall...DIY..

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Some are posting on this saying 20-30K. This was less than 1k for everything at the time. It is more now. Yet this is only holding back some stone and a couple of feet up of hard clay that is hard to break with a pickax. Thus not overkill.

@KiiKiiMC Жыл бұрын

Perfectly nice and neat

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment.

@KiiKiiMC Жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis 💠💝

@greenwolf401 Жыл бұрын

Occasionally giving an update on how it's holding up would be helpful. See if it holds up in the long-term. 😊

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Good idea. I have on update on another wall here. Thanks! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mJeUnpebzbfKp6c.html

@crazyfeller5704 Жыл бұрын

This is slick…well done.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@Crazy Feller - Thanks.

@jenniferk.6749 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant 👏

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. :)

@ricnguyen535 Жыл бұрын

Very good idea.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

It does its job. - Thanks for your comment!

@raineedaytinyfilms Жыл бұрын

This is amazing!!’

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment.

@darrellpierce3757 Жыл бұрын

Looks excellent.. I've never seen this before

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

It turned out good. Thank you for your comment!

@MikeM100 3 жыл бұрын

Very impressive. Very neat. But my back hurts just looking at it. Good job.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

@Mike Moncrief Hi Mike. Thanks! Have you had any new heavy rains to test your wall? We have not had too much rain. Take care.

@MikeM100 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, we have had an unusually large amount of rain this summer and had water 2ft over the roadway a couple of times. The wall is holding up very well. Thanks for asking.

@purushsir7749 Жыл бұрын

Quite inexpensive 😉. Thank you from India for sharing.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Honor to meet you all the way from India! :)

@smeargut1809 18 күн бұрын

Such a good idea, and you can use different color cement bags like white, I love it.

@SteveAddis 18 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Most were grey yet some were brown. Yet it was unknown until later when the paper was off.

@idropbars Жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

@tachikase420 10 ай бұрын

Awesome dude 👍

@SteveAddis 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, turned out fairly well.

@mtsurov Жыл бұрын

How do you saturate bags with water across entire wall?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Important: Saturate the concrete bags well with plenty of water over night or more. Keep the bags damp for as long as possible to promote the curing process. Build small sections leaving the vertical rebar exposed to bridge the next set of rebar and cover with plastic to protect from rain. Make sure you are using paper bags. Tape the bags to prevent stretching which reduces cracks. Please see this video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@mak4374 Жыл бұрын

That is so cool, almost makes me want to built a wall...even thought I don't need one... :)

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment.

@castmaster84 Жыл бұрын

I am in the beginning stages of a two tier wall with cement bags. I want to ho up 4' lower section and 10 feet wide u til the second upper section. The upper would be another 4' and 20' until rear sidewalk. I am keeping alot of the hillside to keep fill at a minimum. I want something that will last a long time. I don't want my kids to deal with it later. Loved the video. Gonna just learn as I go.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

It sounds like you are planning it out. Thank you for your comment. This video improvements that I picked up doing another wall. Take care. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@jasonrussell7085 Жыл бұрын

I was thinking of a under ground bunker using the bags and rebar..glad to see someone else using the same concept. Now I don't feel so crazy.. how's your back feeling lol.. nice job 👏

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

In 1940-41 English made pillboxes using concrete bags. All good with 50lb bags light compared to 80's. lol. See here: www.picfair.com/pics/01188396-world-war-2-english-concrete-bag-pillbox

@BIG_DRU Жыл бұрын

Excellent job real nice……

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@BIG DRU - Thanks

@augustreil 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work !

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks August. It ended up being larger than I planned. It has enough curvature and rebar deep in the clay, it should hold well. The great thing now is you can drive an ATV on that side of the garage! Take care. :)

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

August, Thank you for your comment on the culvert wall. The culvert turned out surprisingly well. Take care! : ) Accidentally deleted your comment.

@grumpyken9151 Жыл бұрын

a very similar technique was used to shore up some of the canals in concrete near me in FL

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

That is interesting. I lived many years in Florida, yet inland. There are many canal systems in Florida.

@supportkbxsupport3318 2 жыл бұрын

Cool vid. Would you recommend constructing a deck floor with a connected fireplace using this method? If so, what would be the best way to get it to look good? Thanks for the content and reply.

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. I am not sure. I considered this with an outdoor deck fireplace. I would really like stone because I have enough bag walls and would like something different. You might place some stone between some of the bags to change up the appearance. Fire brick and common fire protection. The bags in the creek setup very solid when placed under the water. Mix and pack the bags solid before you wet them. Thanks for your comment.

@tonyarobbinsbalduf993 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@viuvenitlalumina Жыл бұрын

looooks impressive and neat

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@1999JAMES. 5 ай бұрын

I saw this done almost 40 years ago in Southern Illinois. I went to look at it and its still standing, looks good. I think someone patches it.

@SteveAddis 5 ай бұрын

Yes this is a method used long ago. Your comment is similar to a few others. Thanks for the comment and information!

@ladonnahickey5546 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! And perfect timing! I only need a retaining wall about 15' long and 4' tall at the hightest point tapered down to maybe 1'. How do I figure out how many bags I need? Do I just go to the store and measure a bag (HxWxL) and figure it from there?

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@Ladonna Hickey- Just check the size of the bags and estimate what you need. Be sure to use mix the bags well, lastly to the front to make them smooth. Then use packing tape on the top bags so they do not stretch when wet. Glad you have a plan! Sounds like a nice small and fun build. Take care.

@user-oc7uq8ue7t 2 ай бұрын

Thanks joe.

@SteveAddis 2 ай бұрын

You are very welcome!

@chrisowens2445 2 жыл бұрын

Steve thank you for sharing this. I am going to need my wall to be 7 ft high in some places and will make a 90 degree turn at my property line. Does this sound feasible? Also do you think it would be possible to drill posts for a fence on top after it is cured?

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@Chris Owens - You are welcome. That is a bit high so it would need tie backs likely. I know these are done large scale by some counties that use the method, yet research before moving forward carefully with other examples that are deep in Google searches. Fence: Steel galvanized post anchors as deep as possible in the wall.-no drilling. I have one wall that I need to do with a short wooden screening fence as well. Much success on your work!

@tickyul 2 жыл бұрын

Very impressive!

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It does the job. :)

@tickyul 2 жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis How much did you spend on rebar, concrete???

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

The price may have gone up. - $947.20- (512 Bags x $1.85)+(Rebar & Taxes)(This was by volume and with discounts and prices may vary.)

@tickyul 2 жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis Thanks again, that is a really nice wall for what you paid in cash and labor!

@Cpjlincoln21 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I am wondering if this would work on a river edge where we are losing acreage every year due to ice come spring?? I would need the first row or 2 of bags to be set into the river. Not sure if that will work. The river goes up and down about 8 feet every spring.

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris. I really don't know. You would have to really think through the situation where your affected erosion is taking place. Like is it occurring only within the area of your land ownership. Would the neighboring property back cut your wall where you are unable to build. Tiebacks, cloth, how deep, so many variables. What I am dealing with is very simple stable soils and culverts on bedrock. Thank you for your comment! - Quikrete Product www.quikrete.com/productlines/riprap.asp (For River Banks)

@patty109109 Жыл бұрын

At first I thought this screams dgaf but I see the rebar tied in and realize this could be pretty darn strong. Interesting idea…

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Yes, no way I would want this without vertical rebar. Thanks for your comment.

@edmoss8678 3 жыл бұрын

Can you show how you finish it with the wash fill?

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I need to do that. I missed a few things and will need to post a video. It is basically take the paper off of the top bags of the wall. Use a light sprinkle of water over the entire top bag and wet it well. Then take some concrete in your hand (with gloves) and sprinkle some over the cracks. Work that in with the water running and you will see it fill the cracks. The pebbles will wash away and sometimes fill large voids. Wash it until the crack fills to the top. You may let it setup and come back to finish. You can coat it if you like or leave the smooth finish. My concern was the crack would form again. So, I coated the entire top. Be sure not to get the wash on the bottom face of the wall or it will stick there. That is the purpose of leaving on the bags until you are done with the top. Then pressure wash the bags away and fill the cracks top down using the hose and a sponge to clean the face as you go. I will do a video. I used the S mortar mix and it is a rough sandy finish. The concrete mix was smoother fine sand. Best might be to mix fine sand and cement 3 to 1.

@Mukunda16108 2 жыл бұрын

I believe the horizontal rebars aren't doing much because they do not get encapsulated in the concrete. By the time the paper bags break down and the concrete does contact the rebars, the concrete is already set. The vertical rebars however make much more sense.

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Hi @Mukunda. You are likely correct. I did not place too many horizontal bars for that reason. They only act as locking keys between the bags. The weight and other vertical bars keep keep it locked. It is all holding up real well. Thanks for your comment. :)

@glmtennessee 2 жыл бұрын

I tend to think the vertical bars keep the bags from shifting side to side and the horizontal bars keep the bag (rows) from shifting up and down. Also, the weight of the bags on top of the horizontal bars should make an indention in the bags and help with stability and reduce shifting.

@25carpe Жыл бұрын

The vertical rebar will rust over time. This will weaken the wall over time, cause the concrete blocks to crack, and allow water to penetrate inside the concrete blocks causing them to crack further in winter. Although clever in the short term, this wall will never last in the long term.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@25carpe Basalt and fiberglass rebar (which I did not use) does not rust as noted in improvements video. As far as rebar rusting, they have good cover and drainage, no salt exposure. Thanks for the input and points taken. - Copy from link below. - Although steel’s natural tendency is to undergo corrosion reactions, the alkaline environment of concrete (pH of 12 to 13) provides steel with corrosion protection. At the high pH, a thin oxide layer forms on the steel and prevents metal atoms from dissolving. This passive film does not actually stop corrosion; it reduces the corrosion rate to an insignificant level. For steel in concrete, the passive corrosion rate is typically 0.1 µm per year. Without the passive film, the steel would corrode at rates at least 1,000 times higher (ACI222 2001). www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/durability/corrosion-of-embedded-materials

@niaralosusa Жыл бұрын

Interesting project with great results! How does the water get to the entire surface of the bags when they are stacked like this? It seems like you would end up with most of the bags still dry inside. Does the water wick through the bag well enough and evenly distribute through the dry mix?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Yes, good question. It does not wick right away. Holes are punched with rebar when doing the project and water reaches the centers. Later it is completely soaked over night a couple of days lightly. After the paper is off, I continue to soak it or wait for a nice rain. This video explains some improvements that might be helpful. - Thanks for your question. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@anthonycesario4056 Жыл бұрын

That's American ingenuity!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

@anthony cesario - It turned out well and is holding well. Thanks for your comment. I like this wall better though. Take care! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b5-bZJyqxrXVgWg.html

@Rock-Steady-Music 2 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant! My husband & I were in shock at the price for a traditional retaining wall. Now we are excited to implement this technique in our back yard with its sagging railroad tie style wall. It is within our wheelhouse for sure! Question: Do you have any ideas about incorporating stairs?

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@Elyse Douglas thank you for your comment. We had a few railroad ties that I removed. Stairs: I would think about using 80lb bags and tie the them in. The last thing I would do is coat the steps cement and course sand to make them less slippery when wet. Please see my tips in the description as I have updated. Enjoy your project! :)

@allanbruce9473 Жыл бұрын

Hello Elyse - this is KBJ who's replied to Steve this week. Sounds like you live in the Texas area where railroad ties remain a hideous, enviro-disaster nuisance. My 300' of those started failing about 10 years ago. remember, by the time they get put in by cheap builders (no longer allowed due to the creosote / diesel in them), they are already in excess of 70 years old! Anyway, to answer your question. There is no good or easy way to make the stairs out of the bags. I have to use a technical word "revette" for the shape. You need a minimum of a 12" tread for each step. That means you have to step back at least 36" for a 36" final elevation wall. That then means you have to cut a very large revette in the hill face so you can make that "U" shape with a LOT of extra bags. Other options seem to be making the wall and carefully calculating embedded steel anchor points so you can build a set of PT wood steps later. Another option is a concrete pad and poured concrete or pre-made blocks (again tied through doweling into the wall face) that PROJECTS out from the wall face. Again, this has issue because of the potential for ground movement between the wall and the steps. Might look butt ugly and unsafe after awhile. My solution will likely be to make a "hanging" PT staircase with open riser - so that the stairs move (if any) with the wall. That is, the bottom is not anchored to the ground. There are some easy techniques to help ensire that type of wood stairs will last at least 15 years - but nothing built by people is maintenance free, right? GOOD LUCK!

@fortwoods 2 жыл бұрын

What do you think about the possibility of using these in lieu of earth bags in building a shed? I’m exploring the idea and would love any feedback.

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

GL Woods - Going earth bag, maybe do the lower areas this way, then use earth bags for the rest of your shed. I would think that the earth bag shed structure would need to be quite thick walls. Coat the shed with concrete maybe? My ideal home build is concrete pour or monolithic dome structures to be exact. If you look at Quikreet directions they say non structural use.

@786otto 3 жыл бұрын

It does look fine, what is the difference in cost if a manufactured retaining wall would be used?

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

I do not know the price. I know the blocks are more expensive. I like using castle blocks and have used them in the past. I may check with my cousin and see what he charges for forming up a wall with concrete. Here is Lowe"s manufactured block to get an idea. Volume pricing would be best. Thank you for commenting! www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=castle+block

@jenrehh Жыл бұрын

clever!!!!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks - Yet this has been done many years past. :)

@jasonburns32 Жыл бұрын

Love it 👍🏻 I’m thinking of doing the same … thanks be 100 feet x 4 feet high, roughly how many bags would I need ? Thanks

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

This is 70 feet and about 512 bags to give you an idea. Be sure to watch the improvements video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@condatthu7814 2 жыл бұрын

Very goods.😁

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😁 @CON DAT THU.

@goldbeachphil Жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you for sharing. Do you use the packing tape on each bag every layer? I noticed you mentioned use it on the top, is the top layer the only one that needs to be reinforced with tape? Did you open the tops of the bags where the rebar was laying across? If the rebar is laying on top of the paper, does it adhere into the concrete? Also, it looks like the bags on the bottom row are a different color. Are the bags on the bottom row the same size or are they the larger 80 bags? Thank you and Cheers from Gold Beach, Oregon.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

I Taped only the top sections where it might stretch too much. No, did not open to lay rebar. Rebar is only used as a key locking the bags. It does not need to adhere for this purpose. They are the same size bags on this wall. Those bags had a more yellow concrete mix and not the grey mix. Thank you for your comment.

@peterbridge9394 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, thanks. Did you run a calc on costs versus typical modular retaining wall stones? I'd like to know how long your vertical rebars are - are you simply tying one course of bags to the previous course of bags? I'm a little concerned that your drain pipes are under sized and will clog, but I could be completely wrong.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

I did not compare costs. Four foot rebar, then small pieces to connect the top two courses so they cannot be removed. Yes, drain pipes are small. They can be flushed with a pressure washer. Hopefully water seeps through the voids in sides of bags. Thanks for your comment.

@terrillmel 2 жыл бұрын

Does it need to be a quick setting mix or could you use a generic concrete mix (not quick set)?

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@Terrill Melville - Just regular ready mix will do the job. Unless you are building in a rapid stream, be sure to protect the bags until they setup. :)

@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi- Жыл бұрын

Incredible! How can this be made? By divine intervention.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@monkeyprincess1961 Жыл бұрын

My mom built a wall like this as a retaining wall for her pond. It's been there for years and still holding up well. I have a question though... do you think I could use bags of quikrete to create a flat parking pad? I have an area that is beside my shop and under a covered shelter but it stays a muddy mess that is unusable most of the year. I'm just thinking I could level it out best I can and then lay the bags in a pattern to fill the space. This would allow me to park a trailer under the shelter and walk on it without sinking to my ankles in mud. This area doesn't have to be pretty. It isn't visible from the street. It also doesn't need to be perfectly smooth for walking on. I would really appreciate your knowledge and ideas for how to deal with this area both cheaply and easily. Thank you!

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Hi. Good to hear that the wall your Mom built is still working well. I had the same issue next to this wall and garage because of springs keeping it wet. If you noticed, there is black cloth (gofabric) in front of this wall which is a shallow french drain. If possible control the water first, then use geofabric cloth on the parking area and some mixed stone with lime dust called 53's in our area by the truck load or stone of your preference. Very inexpensive. If using larger stone plastic under geofabric may prevent weeds, yet it must be on slight slope as not to pool water. Anything placed on mud will just sink in without geofabric is what my friend Tom tells me. You need slope for french drains for sure. Here is my french drain video to give you ideas for a more shallow french drain. Think it through carefully. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jr11lqaIkqzRZYU.html

@1konNOS1 6 ай бұрын

Very nice video and beautiful result!! Sadly in my country concrete bags are much more expensive than bricks or blocks so it will cost me almost 3-4 times more than a normal wall although i would love to do the same work with yours

@SteveAddis 6 ай бұрын

Thanks. Sorry to hear the pricing is so high. We have a cement plant within 15 miles and multiple quarries near us. Take care.

@craigwilcoxen4416 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you buy your concrete? Wondering how to locate a supplier. I've been looking into the rip rap but cant find a supplier in the Dallas /Forth Worth area. Seems Lowes and Home Depot only carry the sand mix stuff that is 3-4 dollars a bag minimum.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Just received your message. I saw a post where Rip Rap is special order and minimum is beyond what I need. You can call Quikreet to find a supplier and get the details. I get Lowe's by the pallet and a 10 percent discount. It has gone up in price some. Less than 2 dollars for me and that beats buying landscaping block.

@BrokenRRT 3 жыл бұрын

Have you tested any of the centers of the bags that are not on top to send if they’re actually curing?

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Great question. Yes. Try setting some bags outside and flood some water over them for three or more days and test. We had a pallet that had a nicked bag and it was almost completely hardened just from some rain. The water soaks in and creates a reaction forming crystals because of the cement throughout the bag. Do your testing on a small wall. Do the job in stages.

@mappyfrappy Жыл бұрын

Great idea for such a large wall. Super bargain compared to anything else, but no fun to put in place. Easier than the gabion wall I just made though.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

True, yet an old idea used years back. I may do a gabion at some point. Did you use geo textile fabric behind your gabion wall? I am thinking next to a stream. Thanks

@mappyfrappy Жыл бұрын

And yes, I used non-woven geotextile behind my gabion. And I put it on a compacted limestone base.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Very good - awesome.

@greenteambc 11 ай бұрын

That’s a lot of rebar !!

@SteveAddis 11 ай бұрын

Yes. :)

@rosspimental8384 2 жыл бұрын

Both creative and practical, well done! How has it held up?

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

It is holding up well for which I am most happy indeed. Thank you for your comment!

@roths7 25 күн бұрын

I actually love this look. You did a great job. This was done at our city park, along a runoff creek at least 30 years ago....and it's still in great shape. Could you tell me how mch a pallet of this cost? and how many pallets(and how many bags are there per pallet) did you actually end up using? Lastly, what was the overall length of the wall you built?

@SteveAddis 22 күн бұрын

Thanks. Good to hear that they hold. I heard the same from other comments. I believe 70 to a pallet, and if I recall 512 bags. The wall was about 70 feet. In the description I places some information. Be sure to watch the improvements video if you do it. The walls are better made now. Take care. $947.20- (512 Bags x $1.85)+(Rebar & Taxes)(Currently $3.04/bag QTY 70 at Lowe's.)(This was by volume and with discounts and prices may vary.)

@buzzsburner.8286 Жыл бұрын

curious as to how you got all the dirt/leaves out of the way to put the retaining wall in, did you just move it all by hand/with tools, or did you use an excavator or another method like that?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Built by hand with a pic and sharp shovel, dumped not too far away w/ wheel barrel. Took my time doing it. The grey clay base was as difficult to break up though.

@JWB671 3 жыл бұрын

So how and when do you water them down? How do you ensure they are filled with enough water?

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

JW, Make sure the bags you buy are paper, or use the Rip Rap bags. You can set a section of the bags five rows high, set rebar in place through bags into the clay in my case. Leave rebar protruding out of the bag, just in case they do get wet. Then the bottom bags will set on their own from ground water. Backfill wall with gravel. (Cover the bags with plastic to protect from rain.) Add more bags onto the protruding rebar. Place rebar through those into the next set leaving rebar protruding. Water this overnight for two days with light water. Water will absorb into the concrete. Do more sections, until you do the final top section. Soak that section well. Pressure wash paper from the wall. Coat top section with concrete and fill the cracks in the top. Wash concrete into cracks with a water hose after paper is pressure washed off. Remember, just do not get stuck with solid concrete and not have the rebar bridged throughout the wall either from the top or the end of the wall. That is the main thing. You can do this different steps watering. I just wanted about two rebars in the bags offset and reaching to the top. We had a rain for two days that setup this wall real good. Keep the paper on for a while to retain moisture and allow curing. After soaking a day or two, just keep it damp. You may want to cover with plastic and water under the bags to keep them wet. I have had bags on two of my pallets get wet from a nick in the plastic and three quarters of the bag was solid just small exposure to water. Enjoy your project! :)

@centexan Жыл бұрын

It looks really good! I know buying by the bag is the expensive way to buy concrete, but what you save in every other phase of the project is bound to more than make up for that.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thank you. It was low cost at less than 1k at the time.

@tylerk.7947 Жыл бұрын

I’m a landscaper and guarantee if you’d have hired out that giant wall to be made with retaining wall blocks it would be a 30k + job

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this input. My Cousin said the same thing about these walls and he is a mason.

@dguadian 2 жыл бұрын

hello, very impressive and really considering it for a 200 foot wall i need. can you share your dimensions of this wall you built please? thanks

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

This is about 75' L and average 3' to 4.5' H. It is not holding back much except solid clay. Now that is a wall. If you dig deep in the Internet, you may find some walls that size like this. You are welcome.

@GRUBB-MUDD 7 ай бұрын

I like clay but im surprised u didnt put stone down anyway. I am doing a short about these type of walls. I am kinda a supporter of this type of construction

@SteveAddis 7 ай бұрын

Hi. I normally would with soft soil and pack it. Yet this.clay was so hard I could only break it with a pic axe and.i had enough digging in that stuff. Iol

@SteveAddis 7 ай бұрын

@GRUBB-MUDD - Hi friend. Did you want to remix one of my videos for a short? I can turn that on for you. I know your reach is far greater than mine. Not sure how this all works. -Take care!

@luiscoelho3523 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations for the video and idea. How is the wall now? still in great shape?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thank you. It is holding up well. It's an old method, just my way of doing it.

@drumswest5035 Ай бұрын

How do you ensure the concrete is properly mixed to achieve its psi strength, or are you just relying on the dead weight of the bag?

@SteveAddis Ай бұрын

The only thing you can do is mix the bags by rolling them end to end side to side, just in case the mixture is separated. It will never be the PSI strength of a true slump pour. Dead weight is a plus compared to some landscape block that is porous. Hopefully through continuing hydration over future years will produce formation of hydrated calcium silicate crystals which continue to grow binding, interlocking, filling particulate thus further strengthening of the concrete at a slow rate over time.

@Tren-bh7sp Жыл бұрын

great video. I was thinking about using this method to make a walkway. What do you think?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thank you. It might work. I would consider coating the surface with some brushed wet concrete for slip resistance. Watch my "Improvements" if you have time. Have a good day!

@Krakondack Жыл бұрын

I'm wondering how you ensured that the bags were saturated with water - did you have to saturate them before setting them on the wall? That would make it so much heavier. Or can that be done after they are stacked?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Hi. Did them when stacked. The concrete soaks in the water very well. Paper type bags used here.

@danielmiller2886 Жыл бұрын

I just had this same idea, and sure enough you have already done it. I am curious though, hoe does the cost of the bags compare to building a form and having a truck pour it, as well as comparing the cost of buying cinder blocks and making it that way?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

The cost at the time was less than 1k and is in the description. I don't know the difference, just that landscape blocks were more than the bags. Yes, this idea is an old idea. Thanks for your comment!

@mrlariata9290 12 күн бұрын

Great idea I need to build a 2 foot wall because they had 4x4 timbers. I think I’ll go with these bags instead. Any suggestions of how deep you need to go with concrete bags for 2 feet for example, if you build a 6 foot fence it’s always best to go 2 to 3 feet deep. Is there the same concept for building walls with concrete bags?

@SteveAddis 12 күн бұрын

@mrlariata9290 - Yes, all the timbers even railroad ties eventually decay when in contact with the ground at my place. 2 feet is a short wall. Depending on the soil, if it is soft, dig down to stable soils or compact it if needed, place stone base, compact. I would at least go down one course height if not more to be on the safe side. Lots of drainage behind it. Build it similar to other wall types. Watch my improvements video to get the best results. Thanks for the comment!

@mrlariata9290 11 күн бұрын

@@SteveAddis Thank you for the feedback.

@SteveAddis 9 күн бұрын

@mrlariata9290 - You are welcome! Wish you success.

@meansq Жыл бұрын

Hi, When do you drive the vertical rebars, before or after the bags are in place? and how far deep into ground do they go?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Hi. I drive them after the bags are in place a foot into the clay with this wall. Thanks for your question.

@stevewright7413 Жыл бұрын

Looks fantastic , thinking of doing the same on our riverbank What are the sizes of the bags , and how many did you use per square metre ?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Thanks. 50 pound bags. Not sure. Need to check and get back to you.

@carlosenriquez2092 3 жыл бұрын

Is it possible that you might demonstrate a Moon gate feature using this method.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Carlos. I am using this for items set well in the ground like walls and culverts. A Moon Gate would have overhead structure and true mortar. I really appreciate your comment. You have an interesting idea.

@caddi70 2 жыл бұрын

cool idea. guess I'm dumb because I can't figure out how you get water to completely fill the area of the bags

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

@SwitchDoctor - They are paper bags and get punched through. The concrete absorbs water easily and sets up even more over time. You can set a bag outside for a while and see what happens for a test. Thanks for asking. :) See this video and the improvements video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mJeUnpebzbfKp6c.html

@ericarona8599 Жыл бұрын

A lovely concrete stain would be a great finishing touch.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

That is a great idea. Thank you for the comment.

@Outsidethecityisforme 4 ай бұрын

Great Job! Do you fill each bag individually on each row?

@SteveAddis 4 ай бұрын

Thank you. These bags were kept mostly in tact with the contents from the store. I just simply stacked them and placed rebar in sections. I am not sure if that is what you are asking.

@bradthompson4257 3 жыл бұрын

Did you have any problems with the rock and cement mix in the concrete bags mixing well? I know quickrete makes a specific rip/rap mixture but the bags used in your video appear to be regular concrete mix.

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Brad. The only problem I noticed was when I did not take time to set the bags on their side to mix contents. I would then pack the bag to the front facing, without the seam, to get a smooth surfaced wall. So, there ended up being small agrigate pebbles that would break away. This happened mostly on the back side. For the most part, it set up very solid. Those areas I then coated with the fine concrete. In the cracks, I will wash fill with the fine portion of the concrete or fine sand and cement. Take care.

@reganlutzko93 3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis Looks really good ! Do you think i could build a swimming pool or a cement pond this way ? It looks super strong !

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

@@reganlutzko93Hi Regan. I would get pricing on a formed pool first. Small pond, incorporated into the landscaping. Thanks for your comment! :)

@fordguyfordguy 3 жыл бұрын

@@reganlutzko93 just use concrete block, much cheaper and probably more structurally sound if done right

@replyhere590 2 жыл бұрын

@@fordguyfordguy The author said he was not skilled in doing concrete block masonry, but that sounds odd since leveling, base preparation, rebar etc. is all part of the block process. I would think a person capable of doing what he did here would also be capable of laying basic block. I see all kinds of problems with this idea, just as have others commenting, and though I haven't checked prices lately, I wonder if there's really any savings in the way he did it. I would also comment that drainage is everything since water is the biggest enemy of any wall like this, along with faulty construction.

@87Jaws Жыл бұрын

Was wondering if I would needed the dirt to slope or could I build on a 90 degree angle. I have a property line that's only like 3 to 4 ft away from dirt wall I had dug out

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

You can try. If you can curve the wall concave, like this, it may help. Consider some tiebacks if possible and good foundation. Thanks for your comment.

@87Jaws Жыл бұрын

@@SteveAddis if I could send a pic I would. Whoever built my house cut a area out of a bank and built the house but didn't build a retaining wall so dirt was all the way against my house so I had it dug out and now looking to do the retaining wall. It's been a headache

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

This is not near something as important as a house, just a garage. My neighbor did a standard wall next to house with a french drain behind it extending past the house.. Go deep on the foundation in a few places and consider rebar connecting bags.

@capincrnchy 2 жыл бұрын

How do you saturate the bags completely/consistently?... Great Idea btw!

@SteveAddis 2 жыл бұрын

Good question. Working sections. I try to get it to setup with a light soak first several times. I eventually run a light amount of water all night, let it set a day, check it. Then I soak it a couple of days. If you stack too many, and put too much water, the bags stretch and you have cracks where it pulls away on the face, yet can be fixed later. Water will absorb no matter what and there is no dry concrete. This may help explain. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qruclpSCx5ulZ2g.html

@andreyzagoruyko5390 Жыл бұрын

Wonder if the water got deep enough into them so the insides aren't dry; or would it keep pulling water in over time cuz it's porous?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Hi. Yes, it keeps soaking in on its own as you would expect and are describing. Some surfaces, especially the bags mixed well and smooth faces eventually stop soaking in as much. Thank you for the comment.

@davidallen2058 Жыл бұрын

Did you saturate the bags after adding a layer of bags or before placement in a water filled wheel-barrow or something?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Placed some sections, left vertical rebar to add more bags connected. Lightly spring led with a hose.

@graymansolutions6195 Жыл бұрын

Curious question. Is there a way to build a free standing wall (no pressure on either side so not a retaining wall) with this method?

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Well, a short one maybe. Just guessing, tall walls would need piers, foundations or width dimensions to stabilize. I cannot give you advise on that. Research wall construction and talk people in your area. Wish you success.

@kristymissy5980 3 ай бұрын

What kind of bagged cement do you recommend? Quick set or regular?

@SteveAddis 3 ай бұрын

The lowest cost which is likely ready mix, purchased bulk to save cost.

@davidkermes376 Жыл бұрын

reminds me of the walls the incas built.

@SteveAddis Жыл бұрын

Those are awesome walls.

@jotterson1156 3 жыл бұрын

Was there a cost saving over other block options?

@SteveAddis 3 жыл бұрын

Hi J. Yes big time cost savings. I wanted a wall with permanent rebar, cobblestone look and inexpensive DIY. 512 bags at 1.85 bag. Prices vary on this. Thanks for your comment!