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Expert: - 5/1/2010


Question
I am replacing part of a brick and block retaining wall approx. 5 ft. high, part of which was crumbling.  I replaced that part with keystone manufactured modular blocks with retainting pins.  The original wall has deadman anchors spaced approx. 5 ft. apart that have a star on the wall face.  I want to install another such anchor but can't find any dealers in my area that sells them. Couldn't I simply fabricate one out of steel pipe and flanges, anchoring the pipe in the soil about six feet back with a cement block down in the soil behind the wall.  I don't want to have to excavate the lawn to install geogrid mesh anchoring.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Tom,

The "deadman" anchor usually is made of some product that doesn't deteriorate in the soil - such as concrete or creosote soaked wood.  However, since you are not building an entirely new wall, your method should work adequately.  Here in Florida we can have ground water problems - our natural water table is not very deep - so we frequently use concrete.  A bumper block used in car parking spaces is a good anchor  That might be overkill for your project.  I suggest you use galvanized pipe which will last longer.  Good luck on your project.

Thanks for writing

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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