Why Boulder Retaining Walls Fail

Boulder retaining walls FAIL for MUCH different reasons than modular block retaining walls. We cover the 2 most common reasons and dispel some myths and misconceptions when it comes to boulder retaining wall construction. Heres the best prices on Some of my favorite Amazon tools:
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[@outlawmike1512]

i work for a private contract company that works solely for CSX. we do alot of projects like these and its given me alot of ideas on how to do things better and more efficient. thanks for the videos!! keep up the good work!

[@svetlanikolova7673]

I had a similar situation in front of my house. I use the daub and wattle method on that wall. After the stones are completely covered I will make another 1/2 a meter wall from organic material- cow poo followed by planting grass to hold the water in the soil, erect a fense, and plant deep rooting fruit bushes to hold all that in place. The price for the job is around 25 Euro. In the fall I will deeply mulch to get the ground healthy and hold large amounts of water preventing soil erosion! Equipment I am using is hands bucket and gloves

[@jeffreystephens2658]

Awesome information! Thanks for sharing.

[@zebulundocallas]

My ancestors had been building rice terraces using smaller rocks for thousands of years. Its quite simple to do riprap or retaining wall or whatever you call it. You just need to make sure you burry a foundation with bigger rocks for the other stones to interlock. Bigger rocks are stronger but moving them to get the right face is difficult. You need to turn the rock around to see which side fits best. For every layer, you need to put soil in between to tighten the interlock. You also need to pound the soil to prevent water from seeping in. The secret is interlocking and weight. Thus, you cannot put rocks on top of each other because it will be weak and the water pressure can push it. Another secret is leveling. You cannot make a riprap with one rock sticking out and all the others leveled. That is a weakness that the water will eventually push. . I see in most American contractors in youtube that they dont build foundations. Riprap foundations are also make of a layer of rocks buried in a canal dugout, each rock sticking beside each other but it provides additional support for the other rocks above it.

[@wade5941]

Have built many block retaining walls but never a stone wall. Getting ready to build my first. You guys did a good job and are credible. Thank you.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you and good luck!

[@fortheearth]

Fantastic information here. Thank you!

[@justinbedell7902]

Stan - keep making detailed and thorough vids, especially about base and backfill and geo-grid. I’m a DIY-er and need this kind of learning. I have a massive concrete block (2 1/2 ton blocks, 8 feet tall x 150 feet) retaining wall right on the lake that is failing badly and am building a sloped rock retaining wall up against it. Your teaching is legit. The more detail and explanation the better.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Justin !

[@justinbedell7902]

If you ever do any kind of retaining wall on a lake where it has to be able to handle spring high water and pounding waves, I hope you vid and post it.

[@gunnyrogers5854]

I know I am several years late but, in the midst of much good information pertinent to an immediate job of mine...I loved the intermission. Semper Fidelis!

[@jts841]

Brilliant!! I learned a lot from this video

[@furgulley8077]

great video! I never really understood boulder construction until you explained it. it's rarely used here where I live.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Where are you located?

[@screenmachine]

Thanks, for sure, for sharing your expertise. There's more happiness in giving than receiving says the second most knowledgeable person in the universe. Have a great day

[@HighQualityMusic22]

Great tutorial! Respect from Romania!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Appreciate that Mihai, thanks for watching !

[@AveryExcavating]

Stanley, What type of wall would you say is stronger - (when built correctly) A: A boulder wall using 3 foot (give or take) diameter boulders approximately 5-6 feet high(exact same as in this video). OR...B: A Rosetta hardscapes engineered wall using larger 2-6 foot outcroppings. The wall will be installed in a sandy soil. Crushed stone underneath & behind the rosetta along with 4 inch perforated drainage pipe. Fabric used as well on both walls due to sandy soil. Have you ever used crushed stone behind and underneath a boulder wall as if you were building it to the specs of an engineered wall? Do you think that would increase the strength and durability of a boulder wall? Thanks!

[@zvjezdanap262]

Thanks for the Video clip! Forgive me for the intrusion, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you heard about - Panilliaan Immaterial Prevalence (probably on Google)? It is a good one of a kind product for protecting your family from danger minus the headache. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my work colleague at very last got excellent results with it.

[@trevorcecil5254]

Thank you for putting out content you definitely have earned some awsome knowledge and wisdom in your time . When somone like you puts in thier 2 cents I definitely except it..

[@kslinthesand]

Hi, great video's really educational. Would using gabions overcome boulder size ?

[@freshimpactco.8698]

Great to revisit this video and go over the simple reason behind failure points and the cause of failure.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hope it helps 👍

[@user-hk3zh8qk5x]

Semper Fi haha - thanks for the info. Attempting a boulder retaining wall in Tahoe. Good stuff!

[@chriskoh3082]

Thanks for posting this. Im building my first bush rock retaining wall, its about 7 meters long soil is clay and rock and will be approx 800mm high .... will I need to put ag pipe behind wall or anything like that, or just back fill and plant out?

[@saltyoles]

Just saved a lot of time and failure. Great information appreciate it 👍

[@1luckystrike]

Hiya! What's the top 5 plants/greenery would you recommend planting to bind the wall? What are your thoughts on Seedum and Ferns?Thanks, Best Regards

[@chewman1501]

hi stan. i am in Australia in the construction industry. man i wish you were in aus. i would have you do all my work. You ooze professionalism. all the best to you my friend. you deserve all the fruits of your labour. big thumbs up from down under. 🤗

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Chew man!

[@k.compton8995]

I have a lot of large boulders on my property. I'm wanting to do a retaining wall for a turnaround. Should I use what I have or go with block?

[@Dirtbug473]

Interesting info...i have been excavating for 30 plus years in central Oregon...Bend and Redmond. We have a high desert climate, sandy loam dirt, lots of lava rock...everyone has rock-hammers...I had a powder license for 7 years way back in the day before rock hammers had a second generation perfected design. We also build mainly boulder retaining walls in our hilly areas. Our codes don't allow over 4ft before staggering back 18 inches for the next bench. We typically use 2 to 3 ft average...something a 8,000 lb mini can handle. There are lots of 120 size machines w/ hammers in this area so of course larger boulders are used with bigger machines. I couldn't handle your style of clay mud...our soil is extremely sandy so it is easier to work with in wet weather. I do have to educate my builder friends why I cant set those nice flat rocks I set aside for capping the wall on edge to gain height. Here also prefab block walls typically always are laid on a concrete footing for stability...a code requirement. I am 60...been self employed 33 years...still a small business...still learn from mistakes...usually bad verbal information from a builder that I base an estimate on...too much "good ole boy" will cost even me money at times.

[@ninelaivz4334]

So if you have a large boulder, with say 6ft by 3ft by 3ft sides, a cheap contractor would create the wall face using the 6ft side and leave 3ft for depth. So I suppose now the rock only offers about half the friction strength plus the pressure from the soil and water has double the surface area to push on (ie pushes on 6ft by 3ft area instead of 3ft by 3ft). Very interesting stuff! Thanks

[@mikmaqsniper]

love the Marine Corps Hymn, Semper Fishing brother.

[@MrDuce07]

You sir, ROCK!

[@mightyjo3young]

Would this type of boulder wall work under water say in a pond? The bottom of a pond I am digging looks identical to the boulder wall details photo. If it could any pointers on what would need to be done differently if anything? Excellent video by the way! I’m glad I found it. I would have done it completely wrong for the same reasons you stated. Thinking about it now, it makes complete sense. Going in deeper allows maximum contact between materials giving you the best possible frictional resistance.

[@littleleers]

Thank you for this information. I believe I have a failing rockery wall along our driveway. Sigh,...the soil between the boulders has eroded away extensively. Now...to get an estimate to fix it...likely not to be a cheap project, :-(

[@Dirtmonkey]

Sorry to hear that

[@migueltorres7992]

I am from Baja California Mexico "La Rumorosa" and we build house out of boulder in the mountains. I live in Minnesota now and work for ACT Landscape and American Landscape, one man crew.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very cool Miguel!

[@PACK-ge5gu]

Any suggestions on the plants in the joints that flower ect that would look like a living mortar

[@user-fs8ie7vm5g]

Awesome. Wish you were here in CT.

[@michellesareenrasband8868]

awesome vid! super helpful

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Michelle, great to hear that!

[@jayceeroy2056]

Thanks again!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Your welcome.

[@jessethejuice]

what's the best fabric for boulder walls? where to buy it in Minnesota? thanks!

[@ateezymedia]

Great video!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks!

[@acesalley918]

Since that failing wall required engineering and was installed wrong, how did this wall get completed? Is there an inspection, is it compared to the engineer drawings, how does the planning, permit, and construction all tie in together?

[@DGBuckwitz]

Amazing videos sir! Thanks for all your expert advise. Who was it that said, "Success comes from experience; experience comes from failure"? David.

[@hollamby75]

these are the best videos.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks!

[@seize1563]

I really enjoy your videos BUT round stone retaining walls are just a bad idea. Much like climbing...3 point contact is a must.

[@shakadanny3518]

Great video lots of great take aways from this one. Thank you. Considering they compromised face for structural integrity would a inspector see what you seen in that wall or is it mostly ignored in the industry? Say the inspector approved the final product but it fails would the liabilty fall on the inspector or contractor? Or both?

[@AbsoluteZeroxX]

Inspector for sure I work for a rock wall retaining company in CA. We build our correctly though, it must never be vertical and it must be built with crushed rock on the back end smaller than your face rocks and no spaces the size of your open hand in between rocks. 6 ft to 1 ft ratio so take measuring tape 6 ft high and 1 ft out measuring towards you take a coin or small rock or whatever at 1 ft out towards you the object dropped should land right at the base of the 6 ft rock wall that means its graded back far enough to where it will not collapse barring it is built correctly all other ways stated above. We build industrial 12 ft or higher walls so our standards our of the highest.

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

I want to try to do this, we run a stone mill and have a lot of big slate stone waste that I could build miles of stone retaining walls. I’m want to do a bunch on our property to test them and see if it’s something I could sell to someone else.

[@johnholtman4743]

lay back of the wall is the most important part of construction locking is second third is backfill rocker

[@Yodrop]

Great videos!!my question is...If a 6 ft high boulder retaining wall is built properly, how many years can you get out of it? Using proper drainage, fill, base boulders etc...

[@Dirtmonkey]

30-75 years or more.

[@newsundesign]

Nice one.

[@guzman9011]

This guy is a good teacher. Explains well and has a good voice.👍🏼

[@nathanroussin1315]

wish you did work in missouri

[@janemonroe921]

What about a creek bank that’s approx 10-15 feet high at a 45 degree angle. The erosion is to a critical point. Help

[@suchandradasi]

wow awesome tips... so common sense yet we don't know it

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you Suchandra

[@stephenfarynaz7229]

love how u always get sarcastic w/ yourself. lol

[@Dirtmonkey]

haha- Thanks!

[@leesmith-rv1rf]

Stan, I live in Oklahoma. I had an engineer look at my yard. He said I need a 6 foot retaining wall and it needs to be 160 ft long. I have a contractor that uses hollow blocks but he files the hollow area with stone. Is this a good option? He has a life time warranty on his walls. I watch your videos and was looking for some advice.. he does use geogrid. Thank you, Lee Smith

[@jesslyndalton5375]

Hi my 18 inch high retaining wall is not doing well.. high clay content in soil and filter fabric so soil is falling into parallel driveway - they did not put drainage in - I need to have it redone - also neighbour has high hedge on boundary behind ( 2 -3 ft higher than my property) Contractor only put in one row of boulders at 18 inch high ...maybe I double height of wall by putting extra row of boulders ..but first put gravel drainage - would about 4 - 6 in deep be ok ... input please? am I on right track? the videos help a lot...

[@cjcjexcavating6832]

Don't forget if you get frost pushing it out a little bit every year.

[@thekkl]

John Travolta knows a lot about constructing retaining walls.

[@galvanizedgnome]

Great Value Travolta

[@cameroncam12]

I’m surprised he is not using sandy stone (grease)

[@markheczko9642]

the drainage pipe coming out of the wall is going up. I thought water flows downhill

[@djtecthreat]

Stanley, I really appreciate the videos and all the info. I have a 80-90ft x 6~ft fieldstone retaining wall separating my property from my neighbors. It has completely failed and concerns are growing daily about what will ultimately happen. How can I find a qualified contractor who can rebuild or replace this wall for a fair price in my area? I'm in Massachusetts.

[@71sc502]

I'm in Massachusetts as well. this state sucks

[@scottupper6236]

For one I never understand why you guys down in certain parts of the United States use those round rocks for stacking. Seems unstable from the start and that since they are of obscure shapes they naturally will move. Up here in Ontario our boulders are flatter and more square. They stack and sit alot nicer then these do. Full contact with the joints alot tighter as well... Up here we backfill boulder walls with 3/4 clear gravel for drainage with a big O weaping tile at the base to divert water. Even if you have clay material the silt will eventually fill the gravel, so filer cloth is needed to keep the stone clear. Works like a charm up here in Ontario Canada

[@IndyRosebush]

Scott, my cottage is on the side of a slope down to a lake (Bobcaygeon area). This slope is mostly buried rounded boulders ranging from 2-3 ft up to 6-8 ft. The place was built in 46 just after the war. Thanks to a poorly installed large concrete septic tank, the slope was destabilized and in the last 7 years, has shifted about 6 inches out and about 9 inches downward. Needless to say my deck, which is approx. 14'x22' on 12-16 ft. 4x4 posts, and the cottage footings, are moving considerably. I have been researching alternate methods of stabilizing in order to rebuild the cottage. Any ideas or contacts would be greatly appreciated. You can't push a shovel in very far before hitting one of these boulders. The lot is .7 acres, the slope appears to be about 45 degrees. Thanks in advance.

[@rxonmymind8362]

IndyRosebush First get a soil engineer. Then go from there. Better to really know what is below than guessing otherwise you'll be throwing money at it. After that maybe concrete pylons will be needed and other methods of preventing soil erosion. Get an expert before the house goes below you if it's already moving your patio. Good luck.

[@jaredmckinnon8171]

Filter cloth is a prehistoric method. It’s been debunked as an effective means of keeping fine materials from the 3/4 crush and has been proven to actually effect walls structural integrity. No one with any know how uses filter cloth anymore. Stop using if you still are!

[@UnicycleIdiot]

I love your videos; I just recently decided to start a hardscape company in San Diego. I'm guessing you're a USMC vet based on that interlude? Rah!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Not a marine- Just respect them though.

[@jamies327]

Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek as an ex-soldier I've always wondered why they put Marines on Navy ships. I was told it was because sheep are 2 obvious and it gives the Sailors someone to shower with.😂

[@amandakline9538]

The Olympic achievement music at 4:00. Haha

[@billmarino4360]

There are three types of retaining walls, those that have fell down, those that are falling down and those that are going to fall down. People don’t realize that the hydrostatic pressure of water and earth behind these walls will cause them to fall if improperly built

[@JohanViljoenfloormagic]

Hey mr do you only do retaining walls ????

[@yoyoitsKerry]

*too

[@RunawayHomested]

How about building a wall around a golf green that will have water around it?

[@akashbanerjee8852]

What should we do if 1 boulder comes off the wall

Brother nothing better than putting a good appropriated drainage system behind the rock wall

[@LegendOfShadow1]

In regards to permits and other laws to follow when doing construction: how do you go about finding what laws/regulations you need to follow or what permits you need? Googling it mostly is a massive amount of time spent but with often very little results, and digging through the government's law speak and gibberish in their "official" regulations manual isnt an effecient use of time either. Is hiring a lawyer/attorney the best route here to get all your possible needs with permits and regulations that you need to follow, laid out to you in plain english? Thanks for your time.

[@Dirtmonkey]

just go to the building permits division in the city you are working. Describe what you are going to do- they will tell you what you need for permits and license.

[@nickscustoms269]

What if you have a clay type soil but 16-24 inches of sand directly behind the wall with fabric and drain tile?

[@71sc502]

don't over fill and make sure drainage isnt going to be an issue.

[@potterspear3711]

better if theres a live video on making retaining wall and we can do that

[@Chinothebambino]

Who was the contractor that built the failing wall? Looks like someone's work I've seen.

[@blackdogleg]

Final someone who understands that fabric shouldn't be used everywhere.

[@RobbOlson01]

Man! I was just watching a few of your videos thinking to myself "Man! this guy really knows his stuff!" I own my own business as well (flooring) and its easy to spot those who have their clients best interests in mind and take the time to educate their customers in order to set yourself apart from the competition. After watching several of your videos I was thinking that you were the guy I needed to talk to about my project but figured you were halfway across the country. It wasn't until the 5th video I caught the note at the end saying Mendota Heights, MN. I nearly spit my Mountain Dew all over my computer! I live in Lakeville! I filled out the form on your website but I haven't heard back from anyone yet. Any chance you have time to come out and give me your thoughts and an estimate?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hi Robb, Sorry I have been swamped but I will make time for you this week. Expect a call today ;)

[@Dirtmonkey]

I sent you an email- the phone number on the contact form you submitted wasn't working.

[@migueltorres7992]

Robb Olson ACT landscape we are the best

[@henryeccleston7381]

This is why we need to revive the guild system, so expert wallers can call this out and blacklist dishonest contractors so they are not permitted to build bad walls.

[@LAWNFORCELLC]

good video but that's to much work for me I think I'm sticking with mowing lol

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good profits in retaining walls.

[@JoshIngle-SuperDrummerJosh]

I heard Victory Style at 3.46...

[@Dirtbug473]

Trevia: In 1985, the year I started my excavation business, you could buy a "Powder License" for $15.00. You filled out a 2 page honor system questionnaire...that was it. Many of us younger guys in this area grew up around lava, drilling and shooting. It was not uncommon to have 2 or 3 sticks of 40% dynamite sticks rolling around under your pickup seat. My old boss...before 1985...would drop me off at 22 yrs old with a teenage helper, a case of powder and the air drill to drill and shoot a septic tank hole or a water line. We could shoot a trench within 5 ft of a foundation...carefully in small contained shots.

[@ryanwilliams77480]

Shane vanWinkle j

[@plainsimple442]

It is the same technique as constructing a dry stack stone wall with a batter.

[@alexcowling4202]

Bro is whistling the Adelaide crows tune haha

[@bogey19018]

Biggest on the bottom.

[@michaelkaylor6770]

Nice Hymn! RAH!

[@Smokeywithazed]

Michael Kaylor the Actual lyrics are " from the halls of montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. We will fight our countries battles in the air on land and sea. First we fight for right and freedom. And to keep our honor clean. We are proud to claim the title. Of United States marine.

[@lukebrog3702]

you u are awesome

[@galehess6676]

I "git it," Stanley. Small stones are easily displaced, large stones, well, they work if tied into the backfill... So build with stones sized to the mass they need to retain. Filter fabric is great for sand, ok. Fabric is not great for clay with silt that will plug the fabric and create a dam which will blow out, ok. So maybe perforated tile behind the fabric and ensure drainage with outlets where the pipe can drain outside of the wall. Kool ECHO mesh trucker cap noted. Check out dude's insta account. Ok, maybe time to break down and insta.

[@IndyRosebush]

No disrespect meant, poster however, reading screen text while listening to audio dialog can be a task.

[@elsagrace3893]

I know nothing but seems like the failed contractors are thinking that putting the large face out it creates an angle that helps gravity push into the back soil. Wrong of course but seems to make sense for a mind missing important information

[@nannenotofficial2909]

I bought a house in a condominium and they did a retaining wall. That looks horrible and feels so dangerous. I just posted a video there, you guys can take a look and give me your opinion. I wonder if its supposed to be like that, not the uglier side of it. I mean structurally. Have a great day. Thanks.

[@c9rm3n]

I recognized that tune. Simper Fi devil!

[@richardvg03]

Whistle that Marine Corps Hymn!!

[@kevinbelport4926]

I heard you whistling the Marines Hymn

[@migueltorres7992]

They fail because of bad construction. If they are being done with a machine instead of hand work. I have build boulder walls for more than 10 years and they are still standing.

[@patrickbierbaum4971]

Are you from poland?

[@Dirtmonkey]

50 % Polish ;)

[@Dirtmonkey]

Your a pure breed-I'm a Mutt ;)

[@patrickbierbaum4971]

I am also half polish

[@paulbetka2966]

Boulder retaining walls ..no one puts any type of drainage behind em. OR put any tie back's to secure. Hold them 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🥺🥴

[@megaminecraftish]

The Last castle ;l

[@Dirtmonkey]

Maybe one more...

[@lolman-vv7mw]

I've got a stack of free tickets to a construction exhibition September 8-10 in Gothenburg if you are interested XD

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks--but it a bit far for me.

[@davidellison1929]

U SAID IN UR VIDEO TO FOLLOW U ON INSTAGRAM BECAUSE 90% OF EVERYTHING U DO NEVER MAKES IT TO KZbin!!! I LOOKED IN UR DESCRIPTION ON UR VIDEO ACTUALLY SEVERAL OF UR VIDEOS & U HAVEN’T PUT UR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT IN ANY OF UR VIDEOS SO MY QUESTION IS WHAT IS UR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT SO I CAN FOLLOW U BROTHER!!! UR VIDEOS ARE SO EDUCATIONAL & LIKE U TOLD THE CONCRETE GUY U OR HIM CANNOT DO EVERY JOB EVERYWHERE THATS WHY U DO THE VIDEOS NOW I KNOW U ALSO MAKE A LITTLE MONEY FROM DOING THESE VIDEOS & POST THEM!!!!! & I WANTED TO TELL U THANK U FOR DOING THAT FOR US WEEKEND WARRIORS! THANKS A MILLION GOD BLESS & LOVE YA BROTHER

[@lordvader5246]

Rah

[@garysteinert8040]

Gravity

[@calebpye6259]

Semper Fi

[@DrewDubious]

because landscapers are not masons...

[@lrdnalrd]

dont get near that retaining wall.

[@MichaelBrown-gn8cm]

Dont you try to build depth = height and behind wall sloping up to capstone. Pour mortar after each lift? I had a rubble wall built years ago and that's what they did. Told me they needed the sheer mass to hold back wall. Essentially a pyramid shape with one side showing.

[@mawolff23]

Marine Corps hymn?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Music from I-movie-not sure if it is the Marine corp hymn.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I'm so bad at whistling I am surprised you could tell :)

[@pikehunter23750]

Sounds like it would have been a hymn from Full Metal Jacket. If only we had more people like Gunny around nowadays!

[@pinoakie4349]

if you want a retaining wall that will not fail get a state registered professional structural engineer.