
To repair retaining walls, Thrasher typically recommends either wall anchors or helical tiebacks to restore structural integrity. Both wall repair techniques use a strong steel wall bracket on the exterior of the retaining wall to brace the wall and properly distribute the anchor's clamping pressure.
How do you replace railroad ties?
- Treated pine and is the least expensive material.
- Hardwood is more expensive than treated pine.
- Concrete sleepers are more expensive.
- Besser blocks are relatively expensive to have installed.
- Interlocking concrete blocks come in a variety of prices.
How to remove a railroad tie?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Crow bar
- Heavy rope or chain
- Chainsaw
- Work gloves
How to remove and replace rotten railroad tie retaining wall?
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Call your local dump at least a few days ahead of time to see what their requirements are for dumping railroad ties. ...
- Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves and safety glasses. ...
- When all is said and done, wash the clothes you wore during this project separately.
How to install railroad ties?
- Determine the exact location for the bridge.
- Use a shovel to dig an earthen shelf out of each bank.
- Drive one piece of rebar into each end of each of the dirt shelves.
- Use the chainsaw to cut two railroad ties to a length equal to the desired width of the bridge.

What do you do with rotted railroad ties?
The safest way to get rid of any leftover railroad ties is to dispose of them in a landfill. Most states in the U.S. have certain regulated landfills that accept railroad ties. As your first step, you must get in touch with your area's local landfill.
How do you disassemble a railroad tie retaining wall?
Pick the soil away from the ends of the top railroad tie on the retaining wall, using a mattock, shovel or similar digging tools. The ends of the railroad ties should be set in the soil to help anchor the wall. Pull the end pieces off the wall after removing the soil.
How do you fill gaps in railroad ties?
3:194:29How To - Replace Track Ties to Fill Gaps. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that is where you use your sanding block i use this to sand the bottom of the the ties down aMoreAnd that is where you use your sanding block i use this to sand the bottom of the the ties down a little bit just rub it back and forth. Until you can slide it underneath the uh. The rails.
How do you rebuild a retaining wall?
1:585:58How to Rebuild a Concrete Block Retaining Wall | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor more stability. And then we're going to add gravel to the back of the wall as well why is havingMoreFor more stability. And then we're going to add gravel to the back of the wall as well why is having more gravel. Better more gravel is better because it helps with the drainage.
What happens if you remove a retaining wall?
The removal of a retaining wall without a professional analysis of the soil and nearby area could result in additional problems nearby including erosion problems, water damage and potential landslides.
How do you nail down railroad ties?
0:3810:37How to Landscape with Railroad Ties - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow also you'll want to take a look at these railroad ties make sure that you're looking at whichMoreNow also you'll want to take a look at these railroad ties make sure that you're looking at which sides are good and face those up and that's what you're going to see once it's all done.
How do you keep railroad ties from rotting?
Creosote. Creosote not only acts as a preservative against decay, but it also helps to protect against wear of the crosstie itself.
Can you pour concrete over railroad ties?
0:091:41Stairway Built With Concrete And Railroad Ties - Landscaping IdeasYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply put a railroad tie in the front. Form around it put another railroad tie at the height youMoreSimply put a railroad tie in the front. Form around it put another railroad tie at the height you need in back of it and work your way up accordingly. And then fill it with concrete.
Are railroad ties good for retaining walls?
A Deadman railroad tie is a railroad tie that runs perpendicular to the retaining wall and into the hill that you are building the retaining wall against. Deadman ties are great for ensuring the retaining wall is as solid as possible. We recommend using a deadman railroad tie every 20 feet of your retaining wall.
Can a leaning retaining wall be repaired?
Whether a retaining wall is built of stone, block, concrete or wood, it can begin to lean. When this occurs, the homeowner has two choices: either demolish the wall, re-excavate, re-install drains and rebuild, or call in a foundation repair specialist.
Can I push back a retaining wall?
You need a compact foundation that can hold your wall in the new position. Dig around the mapped-out area and compact the soil properly. You should also ensure the footing is deep enough to withstand the weight of saturated soil. This article goes into more detail on building the foundation of your retaining wall.
How do you reinforce an existing retaining wall?
The wall can be strengthened by transferring some of the shear force to the base where the wall meets the ground. This can be done by either extending the footing of the base or placing concrete to thicken the base. Installing anchors or tiebacks is another option for extra strength.
How do you remove old retaining walls?
Continue to pry or cut off the blocks, stones or bricks from the top layer down. If the wall is concrete and there are no power lines running through it, work across the length of the wall to create deep cracks in it with a demolition hammer. Then break fallen chunks into pieces with a sledgehammer.
How do you remove railroad spikes?
0:061:16Spike Puller - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe puller jaws are in a ready to pull position when approaching the spike. And when the trigger isMoreThe puller jaws are in a ready to pull position when approaching the spike. And when the trigger is released they return to this position automatically.
How much does a railroad tie weigh?
200 poundsThe weight of a railroad tie depends on their size and specifications. They can range anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. The majority of railroad ties weigh close to 200 pounds.
How do you remove rebar from landscape timbers?
2:3416:56Homemade rebar puller to replace landscape timber stakes. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is just some old angle iron that bed frames are made from i miss the bed frame at work i getMoreThis is just some old angle iron that bed frames are made from i miss the bed frame at work i get free bed frame because they usually go in the trash.
Where are rotten retaining walls located?
There are currently hundreds of rotten and decaying timber retaining walls located all over Mecklenburg County and the surrounding counties. Built in the 70’s and 80’s for the most part, these walls decay over time usually from poor construction, moisture damage, erosion, and/or drainage problems around the wall.
What is required to replace a wall?
Replacement will require the use of heavy equipment . If the wall is in an area that is hard to reach, extensive grading and/or cutting down of trees and/or building roads to create access to the job site may be required before any repairs can begin.
Can old timber be disposed of?
The old timbers cannot be disposed of in a public landfill and must be disposed of in special dumping areas at extensive cost. It is more advantageous to keep the old wall in place and allow it to degrade naturally into the ground over time allowing it to dissipate slowly and safely back into the surrounding soils.
