Railroad ties for retaining wall?

Question

Have a 1/5 acre yard with house. Most of the space is in the backyard. Started a landscape project and dug out the hillside to increase the usable surface area. Need a retaining wall 70 feet long, 5 to 6 feet high. I'm going with railroad ties unless I come across a similarly priced solution. Question is, if I do use railroad ties, what considerations do I have in undertaking this project? The hillside I dug into is all SC clay.

Answer 1

another thing to think about is RR ties are toxic to the immediate area around them.  They have a chemical that leaches into the ground to prevent anything from including grass from growing.  Not so earth friendly for any plantings of gardens or landscape.

Answer 2

Railroad ties make a nice-looking retaining wall. But if the wall is 4 ft or higher, you'll need to add "dead men" for strength. Those are reinforcing members that anchor the wall. Here is a good intro to the method (scroll down to Figure D.) http://www.rd.com/18062/article18062.htm... That article covers the major considerations. And here is another: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-You... Good luck with your project.

Answer 3

I'm sorry but your options are limited.

I was never an advocate of RR ties,they are ugly and dirty.You may opt for retaining wall block,a much neater job.Another consideration would be instead on one wall,two walls at a lesser height.

I would also say search craigslist for used or over ordered block.I have bought some there and saved a bunch of money.Also remember to consider a french drain behind the wall to relieve hydrostatic pressure and proper drainage.

Good Luck