I've got a retaining wall made from 6"x6" timber that is falling in. It would appear that when it was built there was no backfill and now the wood is rotting. Unfortunately, it's supporting part of my deck, and the part that's falling in is pretty close to a deck post.
I was thinking about digging out sections of the garden supported by the wall and doing a more gradual tiered approach instead, probably with stone or blocks.
Is this a bad idea? Can the wall be compromised by removing dirt from adjacent parts? Is there a better approach? Is it a huge project? Am I insane?
Best Answer
Not sure that the cause here is "no backfill" as it looks full in back of the wall. Also, although it is difficult to tell for sure from pictures, the wood does not look rotten.
It seems as though you have 2 problems:
Both issues could be resolved, but whether it is a "huge job" depends on perspective. A professional contractor could likely force the timbers back in place (using mechanical or hydraulic jacks or other means) and auger through them from the top down, hammering in rebar to tie them together.
Also, one could trench up-slope and install tie-backs or use one of the several available "retro-fit" tie back gadgets.