Building a Gravity Sheet Pile Retaining Wall With Stackable Concrete Blocks

Stackable concrete blocks are generally recommended for sheet pile retaining walls less than 3’- 4’ high. Taller sheet pile retaining walls typically need additional structural reinforcement and may require a building permit along with professional advice or help.

1. Before starting construction of your sheet pile retaining wall, make sure that there are no buried pipes or cables below the surface of your soil. Use a garden hose or landscape spray paint to mark out your sheet pile retaining wall.

2. Dig a trench along the marked line. Using a Mini-Excavator will make this step a snap! Dig the trench a little bit larger than your concrete block. You want your first course of blocks to be below ground level. This will help make your sheet pile retaining wall stronger to hold back the earth behind it. Use a level to ensure that the ground is level. Tamp down the earth and add a layer of sharp gravel. Next place your first course of concrete block.

3. Begin laying your blocks in your trench. Make sure the block is level from front to back and side to side. Adjust by lifting the block and adding more gravel or digging deeper as necessary. Getting the first course level is the key to a successful sheet pile retaining wall.

4. Offset the next row creating a staggered pattern. If your sheet pile retaining wall has a straight edge, you will need to cut the first block in half to create an offset. Continue this offset for each of the remaining courses. Occasionally checking that the blocks are level and “hooked” to the block below it.

5. If desired, top off your last course of concrete block with topper stones.

6. Backfill your new sheet pile retaining wall using a Mini- Excavator.Start by placing gravel against the backside of your sheet pile retaining wall. Add a drainage pipe, if desired. Next, backfill dirt behind the gravel. Tamp down every now and then to secure the dirt.