Crib Wall
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Ram CaceresCrib Wall
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Ram Caceres11/10/25, 1:43 PM drainage absorption area using wooden crib retaining wall - Google Search
drainage absorption area using wooden crib retaining
wall
A wooden crib retaining wall inherently acts as an excellent drainage and
absorption area due to its design as a permeable, gravity-based structure.
How It Functions
Permeable Structure: Unlike solid concrete walls, crib walls are made of
interlocking timber members that form internal "cribs" or cells. These inherent
gaps allow water to pass through the structure itself to some extent.
Free-Draining Fill: The cells and the area immediately behind the wall are
filled with free-draining granular material (such as clean gravel or crushed rock
with no fines). The large voids between the stones allow water to flow freely
downward, preventing the buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which is a major
cause of conventional retaining wall failure.
Hydrostatic Pressure Elimination: By allowing water to escape freely
through the backfill and the wall's open face, the design effectively eliminates
hydrostatic pressure, making the structure more stable and durable.
Vegetation Integration (Live Crib Walls): A common technique is to
incorporate live plant cuttings (e.g., willows, bamboos) within the crib structure
and backfill. The growing roots penetrate the backfill, absorbing water from the
soil and enhancing the long-term stability of the slope by reinforcing the soil
mass. This also helps manage surface water runoff.
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11/10/25, 1:43 PM drainage absorption area using wooden crib retaining wall - Google Search
Design Considerations for Optimal Drainage
To maximize drainage and absorption, specific construction practices must be
followed:
Proper Backfill Material: Use a minimum 12-inch layer of clean, granular
material (e.g., 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch crushed stone) immediately behind the wall
to ensure efficient water flow. Avoid using cohesive soils like clay, which hold
water.
Geotextile Fabric: Install a geotextile filter fabric between the native soil and
the free-draining aggregate. This barrier allows water to pass through but
prevents fine soil particles from migrating and clogging the drainage layer over
time.
Perforated Drain Pipe: A perforated drainpipe (often called a French drain or
filter-wrapped pipe) should be installed at the base of the wall, within the gravel
layer, to collect the water and direct it to an appropriate discharge point, such
as a storm drain or a safe runoff area. The pipe should be slightly sloped to
facilitate flow.
Surface Grading: The ground surface above and behind the wall should be
sloped to direct surface water away from the top of the structure, preventing
water from ponding and seeping directly into the backfill.
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