The materials needed to build a retaining wall include a long straightedge, Geogrid reinforcement, a tamper, a torpedo level, crushed stones, a hand-drilling hammer, a wheelbarrow, a brick chisel, a level Mason's twine or back support or line level, work gloves and heavy work boots, wooden stakes, a tape measure or retaining wall system block, a carpenter's or framing square, a pickaxe measuring two feet, a mattock, a digging bar, and a long-handled shovel.
To start the steps on how to build a retaining wall, a preliminary excavation must be done in order to come up with an area where the wall will be constructed. The area on the wall's downhill part must then be graded. Stakes must be driven to such area. Between the stakes, a level mason must be stretched above the grade measuring approximately six inches. A line level must be hooked on the string which should be moved down and up as needed.
On the line's uphill side, a trench measuring 18 inches wide x 6 inches deep must be excavated. Crushed stones must then be used to fill up the trench and a tamper to compact such crushed stones. A straightedge may be used to determine whether there is a level gravel footing or none.
The next step on how to build a retaining wall is to make sure that the first concrete unit that will be placed on the stones is distant from the string. The torpedo may be used to verify whether there is a level block. The rest of the block that will finish the first course must then be placed too, wherein same process should be applied.
The next step on how to build a retaining wall involves the second course wherein its first block has to be divided into two in order for the vertical joints to be staggered. A brick chisel must be used to cut the block while a hand-drilling hammer must be used to score a line. Once the block has been cut, it may now be stacked above the first one. Same process shall be done in every course.
Next is to backfill as the block is laid. And the last step is to complete the final grading by filling the trench on the wall's downhill part with stones and then, pouring topsoil until wall level is reached. Topsoil must also be poured on the wall's backside, above wall level.
The procedure on how to build a retaining wall is a little bit costly and tiring, too. But once it is done, one just starts to become inspired to build a garden.
Please click these links if you want to know more about how to build a retaining wall or how to build a retaining wall in general.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Leones
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Fish Pond Liners Are a Flexible Solution
Fish Pond Liners Are a Flexible Solution
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jan_Rautenbach]Jan Rautenbach
One of the easiest ways to build a pond is to use a flexible fish pond liner. There are various types available, and provided the supplier sells material that may be used to join smaller lengths, it can be used to line a pond of any shape or size.
When you look for fish pond supplies, look out for different types of liner to see what is available to you. If you are considering a fish pond construction kit, then be sure to check what type of liner is included in the kit, and how big (or small) it is. If you want to build a large pond it is usually best to buy all the items required individually, particularly the liner.
The two most popular liners in the United States of America are polyethylene and EPDM, which is an ethylene propylene polymer. But there are some other options as well.
Polyethylene
In layman's terms, polyethylene is plastic. We use it to waterproof buildings and we can use it to make ponds watertight. The secret when using it for a pond is to ensure that you use a polyethylene liner that is strong enough. Generally the thicker the plastic the stronger it will be, but it is also best to use black liners because the carbon used in their manufacturer will inhibit the effects of ultra-violet light much more effectively.
The biggest bugbear with polyethylene liners is that they puncture relatively easily, so ideally buy the thickest and strongest material available. Polyethylene pond liners available in the USA are 20-mil, 30-mil or 40-mil thick (this is equivalent to 200, 300 and 400 micron plastic). Generally the thinner materials are available in larger sizes, for example up to 40,000 square feet for 20-mil and only up to 25,000 square feet for 40-mil. This is ironic since it is best to use a thicker, longer lasting liner for larger ponds.
But you can join two length of polyethylene together with a cross-laminated, high density tape and rubberized asphalt. Otherwise you can use the double-sided fabrication tape manufactured to repair polyethylene. It comes in 30 foot-long rolls that are 2 inches wide.
If you are using polyethylene for a pond liner it is best to pad the base under the liner with geotextile fabric to prevent any possibility of the material being punctured from below. Originally developed to stabilize steep soil banks and help to prevent soil erosion, it is softer and more effective than sand.
EPDM
Very popular as a pond liner in the USA, EPDM is well suited to the irregular shapes favored for decorative and koi ponds. The material is resistant to the sun's harmful UV rays and it has a life expectancy of more than 30 years.
EPDM liners are sold in a wide range of sizes from 5 feet x 50 feet to 40 feet x 50 ft, and even up to 20 feet x 100 ft. Individual panels may be seamed together using a special kind of tape. Repair kits are also supplied.
Originally developed as a roofing material, the standard thickness used for fish ponds is 45-mil.
Butyl rubber
More popular in the United Kingdom than in the USA, butyl rubber is said to have a life expectancy of up to 50 years, but it is very expensive. Available in various thicknesses, it is highly resistant to puncturing and
won't degenerate in the sun. The thicker the material, the more difficult it is to work with.
Geotextile fabric
Although not strictly speaking a flexible pond liner, geotextile membranes or geofabrics as they are sometimes called can be used to line fish ponds.
The material itself isn't waterproof, but once coated with a rubberized bitumen product that contains a high percentage of rubber latex, a geotextile membrane will form a flexible and impervious coating that will hold water without leaking. Unlike true flexible liners, size is not an issue, because all you do is overlap each section by about six inches, and once you have painted the bitumen over the top, the join will be sealed.
Jan Rautenbach has an interest in fish ponds. He has made a study that will be of interest, whether you are planning a new fish pond, koi pond or backyard pond. His site has valuable articles on selecting the right equipment, pond construction methods, as well as a link to reliable fish pond supplies companies. Go to http://BuyFishPondSupplies.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fish-Pond-Liners-Are-a-Flexible-Solution&id=3418159] Fish Pond Liners Are a Flexible Solution
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jan_Rautenbach]Jan Rautenbach
One of the easiest ways to build a pond is to use a flexible fish pond liner. There are various types available, and provided the supplier sells material that may be used to join smaller lengths, it can be used to line a pond of any shape or size.
When you look for fish pond supplies, look out for different types of liner to see what is available to you. If you are considering a fish pond construction kit, then be sure to check what type of liner is included in the kit, and how big (or small) it is. If you want to build a large pond it is usually best to buy all the items required individually, particularly the liner.
The two most popular liners in the United States of America are polyethylene and EPDM, which is an ethylene propylene polymer. But there are some other options as well.
Polyethylene
In layman's terms, polyethylene is plastic. We use it to waterproof buildings and we can use it to make ponds watertight. The secret when using it for a pond is to ensure that you use a polyethylene liner that is strong enough. Generally the thicker the plastic the stronger it will be, but it is also best to use black liners because the carbon used in their manufacturer will inhibit the effects of ultra-violet light much more effectively.
The biggest bugbear with polyethylene liners is that they puncture relatively easily, so ideally buy the thickest and strongest material available. Polyethylene pond liners available in the USA are 20-mil, 30-mil or 40-mil thick (this is equivalent to 200, 300 and 400 micron plastic). Generally the thinner materials are available in larger sizes, for example up to 40,000 square feet for 20-mil and only up to 25,000 square feet for 40-mil. This is ironic since it is best to use a thicker, longer lasting liner for larger ponds.
But you can join two length of polyethylene together with a cross-laminated, high density tape and rubberized asphalt. Otherwise you can use the double-sided fabrication tape manufactured to repair polyethylene. It comes in 30 foot-long rolls that are 2 inches wide.
If you are using polyethylene for a pond liner it is best to pad the base under the liner with geotextile fabric to prevent any possibility of the material being punctured from below. Originally developed to stabilize steep soil banks and help to prevent soil erosion, it is softer and more effective than sand.
EPDM
Very popular as a pond liner in the USA, EPDM is well suited to the irregular shapes favored for decorative and koi ponds. The material is resistant to the sun's harmful UV rays and it has a life expectancy of more than 30 years.
EPDM liners are sold in a wide range of sizes from 5 feet x 50 feet to 40 feet x 50 ft, and even up to 20 feet x 100 ft. Individual panels may be seamed together using a special kind of tape. Repair kits are also supplied.
Originally developed as a roofing material, the standard thickness used for fish ponds is 45-mil.
Butyl rubber
More popular in the United Kingdom than in the USA, butyl rubber is said to have a life expectancy of up to 50 years, but it is very expensive. Available in various thicknesses, it is highly resistant to puncturing and
won't degenerate in the sun. The thicker the material, the more difficult it is to work with.
Geotextile fabric
Although not strictly speaking a flexible pond liner, geotextile membranes or geofabrics as they are sometimes called can be used to line fish ponds.
The material itself isn't waterproof, but once coated with a rubberized bitumen product that contains a high percentage of rubber latex, a geotextile membrane will form a flexible and impervious coating that will hold water without leaking. Unlike true flexible liners, size is not an issue, because all you do is overlap each section by about six inches, and once you have painted the bitumen over the top, the join will be sealed.
Jan Rautenbach has an interest in fish ponds. He has made a study that will be of interest, whether you are planning a new fish pond, koi pond or backyard pond. His site has valuable articles on selecting the right equipment, pond construction methods, as well as a link to reliable fish pond supplies companies. Go to http://BuyFishPondSupplies.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fish-Pond-Liners-Are-a-Flexible-Solution&id=3418159] Fish Pond Liners Are a Flexible Solution
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Geotextile Grout Mattress Systems - Why They Are an Option For Coastal Erosion
Whether global warming is the cause of climate change or not, recent extreme weather events are an observable fact. There is no doubt they have put additional pressure on coastal environments.
A large proportion of the Australian population and many parts of the world live in coastal communities and so coastal erosion is a major concern.
Most available protective solutions against erosion-causing forces are either too expensive and/or likely to have adverse consequential effects on other parts of the coastline. University of NSW coastal engineering studies attest to this. A seawall built at point A, can change the forces at work at point B further up or down the coast.
It's a complex system that cannot be universally addressed by man-made solutions.
So without interfering with nature's forces by building sea walls, reefs, or similar, can buffering of existing coastal landforms provide some remedy,interim or longer term, using a relatively low cost approach that geotextile provide?
Geotextile grout mattress systems have been extensively used in many areas relating to water and water erosion, including the protection of embankments on roads and bridges, wharves and harbours. Its versatility is further demonstrated by its use in lining dams, ponds, waterways, channels, spillways, drains and culverts.
It's also been used for sea walls and beach protection in circumstances of mild wave action.
Generally these are fairly major works initiated by the relevant authorities.
However, householders under threat or potential threat from coastal erosion may wish to address this independent of authorities such as the local council. Among other things, there is likely to be a long running argument with council over responsibility to take action. Even the recent "win" in court by an Australian resident in Byron Bay over the local council took 8 years!....just to protect his property. His proposed action that involved using rockfill where erosion was occurring
was not viewed favourably by council for reasons within their supposed authority.
Traditional erosion protection systems such as rock fill are usually cumbersome and expensive.
There is an erosion protection system that is fast and relatively low cost that householders may be able to utilise, either individually or as a group, without the need to get council endorsement.
It is a geotextile product called 'Growth Matt' which provides a solid stabilising structure much in the nature of a garden bed, as it allows vegetation to establish and grow through its panels. The area would have to be suitable for appropriate vegetation growth if this particular style of geotextile is to be used. Each situation would need to be assessed in consultation with a qualified installer as it involves a technique of pumping the geotextile fabric with grout.
One consideration would be accessibility to the site for ready-mix concrete supply and the placement of truck-mounted grout pump. The specialised grout mix does allow it to be pumped over distance but there are limits.
No major earthworks are normally required and, given the scope of the work, no council approval should be required.
Now if you want the council to pay it's likely a different issue, but maybe councils should be exploring such methods in addressing the very serious issue of coastal erosion in any case. Perhaps such micro measures are, if not the answer, a step in the right direction.
This may not be sustainable protection in the face of rising sea levels or more extreme weather events, but given the value of coastline buildings/residences, its worth exploring if only as short term or interim measure. In this regard I'm reminded of the old saying" a stitch in time saves nine"
Foreshore Protection pioneered geotextile grout mattress systems used in water erosion control, soil stabilisation and scour protection. Foreshore is a world leader of solution based geotextile erosion control systems. Its geotextile products offer a low cost,faster alternative to traditional revetments such as rock, gabions and stone pitching.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Whyte
http://EzineArticles.com/?Geotextile-Grout-Mattress-Systems---Why-They-Are-an-Option-For-Coastal-Erosion&id=3818084
A large proportion of the Australian population and many parts of the world live in coastal communities and so coastal erosion is a major concern.
Most available protective solutions against erosion-causing forces are either too expensive and/or likely to have adverse consequential effects on other parts of the coastline. University of NSW coastal engineering studies attest to this. A seawall built at point A, can change the forces at work at point B further up or down the coast.
It's a complex system that cannot be universally addressed by man-made solutions.
So without interfering with nature's forces by building sea walls, reefs, or similar, can buffering of existing coastal landforms provide some remedy,interim or longer term, using a relatively low cost approach that geotextile provide?
Geotextile grout mattress systems have been extensively used in many areas relating to water and water erosion, including the protection of embankments on roads and bridges, wharves and harbours. Its versatility is further demonstrated by its use in lining dams, ponds, waterways, channels, spillways, drains and culverts.
It's also been used for sea walls and beach protection in circumstances of mild wave action.
Generally these are fairly major works initiated by the relevant authorities.
However, householders under threat or potential threat from coastal erosion may wish to address this independent of authorities such as the local council. Among other things, there is likely to be a long running argument with council over responsibility to take action. Even the recent "win" in court by an Australian resident in Byron Bay over the local council took 8 years!....just to protect his property. His proposed action that involved using rockfill where erosion was occurring
was not viewed favourably by council for reasons within their supposed authority.
Traditional erosion protection systems such as rock fill are usually cumbersome and expensive.
There is an erosion protection system that is fast and relatively low cost that householders may be able to utilise, either individually or as a group, without the need to get council endorsement.
It is a geotextile product called 'Growth Matt' which provides a solid stabilising structure much in the nature of a garden bed, as it allows vegetation to establish and grow through its panels. The area would have to be suitable for appropriate vegetation growth if this particular style of geotextile is to be used. Each situation would need to be assessed in consultation with a qualified installer as it involves a technique of pumping the geotextile fabric with grout.
One consideration would be accessibility to the site for ready-mix concrete supply and the placement of truck-mounted grout pump. The specialised grout mix does allow it to be pumped over distance but there are limits.
No major earthworks are normally required and, given the scope of the work, no council approval should be required.
Now if you want the council to pay it's likely a different issue, but maybe councils should be exploring such methods in addressing the very serious issue of coastal erosion in any case. Perhaps such micro measures are, if not the answer, a step in the right direction.
This may not be sustainable protection in the face of rising sea levels or more extreme weather events, but given the value of coastline buildings/residences, its worth exploring if only as short term or interim measure. In this regard I'm reminded of the old saying" a stitch in time saves nine"
Foreshore Protection pioneered geotextile grout mattress systems used in water erosion control, soil stabilisation and scour protection. Foreshore is a world leader of solution based geotextile erosion control systems. Its geotextile products offer a low cost,faster alternative to traditional revetments such as rock, gabions and stone pitching.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Whyte
http://EzineArticles.com/?Geotextile-Grout-Mattress-Systems---Why-They-Are-an-Option-For-Coastal-Erosion&id=3818084
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