Building Rock Retaining Walls



Building rock retaining walls is an important skill for trail workers to develop. Some walls can last many decades with little to no maintenance when build correctly! In my opinion, they are some of the most enjoyable trail structures to build. Here are some tips to building rock retaining walls that I use:

 

-Take the time to establish a proper bench for the foundation rocks. It is easier to start right from the beginning than to correct a poor foundation after several tiers are laid.

 

-Use your biggest rock at the bottom of the wall, and if possible tie the sides of the corner rocks to bedrock, other stable big rocks, or a solid hillside.

 

-Make sure to set your foundation rocks so that they angle slightly into the hillside. This will help ensure that they don't slide out under pressure.

 

-When building a successive tier, bridge ("joint") the gaps between the rocks of the lower tier.

 

-Have many "tie" rocks that go from the outside edge of the wall all the way to the inside slope.

 

-Lower tiers should be out farther than upper tiers by at least a few inches.

 

-Use crush rock to fill in space between the retaining wall and the backslope.

 

-A layer of large rock after a layer of small rock will increase the overall stability of the wall.

 

-Your tool set for a rock retaining wall should include rock cradles, single jacks, double jacks, rock chisels, shovels, buckets or bags for moving rock/soil, pick mattocks, measuring tapes, rock bars, and potentially Griphoists for larger walls.

 

A 5 tier limestone retaining wall I built with CREC in 2013.

 

 

A simple rock retaining wall I built with CREC in 2011.

 

 

 http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm00232839/images/figure64.jpg

 

 

Here is useful video on rock retaining walls. It is the best one I've found that relates most to trail work:

Where To Find Quality Hickory Handles Online

Most local stores that I've visited seem to carry only one brand of replacement hickory wood handles, most of the time produced by a company called Link. The problem I've found with Link handles is that the grain tends to not run parallel with the axe head kerf, and the handles come with a really shiny lacquer polish (which I always removed with sandpaper). Since rehandling an axe when done with craftsmanship and care is not a quick process, in my opinion it is worth investing into a quality handle. A properly handled axe should last at a minimum 2 complete trail season of heavy use with minimal reinforcements with steel wedges in the axe head.

The Hickory Handle Store has the best quality axe handles that I've seen available online.They have a beautiful rustic appearance and the grain runs true to the kerf, and in addition they are very well priced.

Hickory Handle Store (ebay)

Gear: The Best Pants for Trail Work

Over the years I've tried many different brands of pants for trail work. Problems I encountered were that the pants were not durable enough, felt constraining to movement, did not dry fast, or did not have enough pocket space. I've worn USFS issue pants, Dickies Double Knee Work Pants, Riggs, Carharrt, and Levis.

The best pants I've found for doing trail work in different environmental conditions and the many tasks that are performed in trail maintenance are Arborwear Tech Pants. They are made out of 7 oz Nylon fabric, which makes them quick to dry and ultra comfortable. They fit great and feel flexible for working in different body positions. In addition, they are extremely durable. The cargo pockets are really handy for carrying miscellaneous items for work such as bolts, glasses, or small tools. I also enjoy the size of the belt loops which can fit a very wide belt. I've had my first pair for about 2 years and they are still in great condition! I also enjoy wearing them for hiking and backpacking.

Arborwear Tech Pants

An Axe to Grind (Manual and Documentary)

I thought I would start this blog off on the right page by posting this classic documentary. To me this is the best available source for axe maintenance. Filmed at Montana's Ninemile Ranger Station, a genuine piece of Forest Service history, Bernie Weisgerber shows how to properly maintain an axe for quality work. Craftsmanship in axe is very much a lost art today. The steel is not of the same quality as it was in the "old days". Many trail workers do not take the time to properly maintain axes, or use them improperly. Taking time to learn tools and gaining an appreciation for care is of prime importance in trail work. This is a must see for all axe enthusiasts and any wood-working trail worker.

The accompaning manual for this documumentary can be found at
An Axe to Grind (book)