Project:
We were called by the Costakis family, in Glasco NY to discuss a patio project, that overlooked the Hudson River. The location was breathtaking, however, after walking of the “patio project” we discovered, there was more to replace than just the patio.
The existing “foundation” of the patio was in serious trouble, it was clear that the larger part of the work was going to be rebuilding 3 crumbling existing retaining walls.
The existing walls, were in no shape to support the weight of a new patio or the prep work that would be needed to build the support structure for the new patio.
Construction issues:
The crumbling foundation of the existing patio aka the existing retaining wall was going to be a large part of the project, however, it wasn’t going to be easy.
Access to where the work would take place was limited and extremely challenging. We had to consider the following before we could even begin:
- A small excavator and a small loader would need to gain access to the patio and the retaining wall area to demolish the patio and re-build the retaining wall.
- The only access to the patio was two entries wide enough to fit a person and a wheelbarrow.
- The existing patio floor was several layers of asphalt and was buckling.
- The existing patio was on a very steep slope perched 100′ above the Hudson River.
- There was an existing 8′ high block wall, that had been improperly installed.
- The block wall was never anchored, it was blocks of pavers stacked on top of each other, it could not be disturbed, or it would crumble into the neighbor’s property.
- There was also an existing cinder block garage that was being supported by this deteriorating patio and crumbling retaining walls. Disturbing the support would cause the garage to come down!
- The area to work on the retaining wall was narrow and steep.
- Meeting the budget.
After considering these factors:
- Condition of the existing patio.
- Crumbling corner of the existing garage.
- Deteriorating retaining walls.
- Access to the patio.
- Workspace to build the retaining walls.
- The budget.
We knew there really could only be one option for the retaining walls – Gabion Baskets – something our client readily agreed to.
This new Gabion Basket retaining wall would serve both as a retaining wall for the soil behind the excavated patio area and a solid foundation for the new patio and existing garage.
How the work began:
First, we had to create access to the patio for our mini-excavator and loader. This was accomplished by cutting a hole through the garage. This was agreeable due to the fact that the client wanted an easier way to bring patio furniture in and out of the garage.
Having access to the patio would allow us to begin the work for the wall. This would include:
- Prepping the work pad, above the wall area to safely lower material down.
- Prepping the “floor” for the first row.
- Prepping the “shelves” for the subsequent rows of baskets.
- Filling the assembled baskets with the stone.
With the work areas prepped, the building of the Gabion Basket Wall could begin.
We concentrated on one section at a time deconstructing and building as we went:
- First, deconstructing the existing concrete and block retaining wall.
- Next, excavating down to the starting elevation.
- Then, building our first course of Gabion Baskets, working 6′ sections at a time.
Completion:
The completed Gabion Basket Wall was 60′ long x 7′ high, at the highest end and diminishing to 5′ high at the lowest end.
Each row would alternate, the first row was laid end to end. The earth above/behind that row was leveled, leaving a shelf for the next row of baskets, which would be laid down side by side for that 6-foot course, and then we repeated the process.
Once that 6′ section was completed, we would begin the next section and repeat until we completed the wall.
The final phase of the wall was to add the 2′ x 12′ rim board and decorative face which would also serve as the “frame” for the railing that would border the patio above.
The Gabion Retaining Wall was now complete and we could get on to phase 2, the patio!
If you’re looking for a well-qualified team with years of experience completing sitework, then look no further than AJM Septic & Excavating. We will get the job done right!
call us or email us today to get started!
