Cinder Block Wall: 4x8x16 block

[Mr. Bean]

Hello-
I am thinking of building a block wall in my back yard, though, I have a few concerns. The wall will be constructed of 4x8x16 block, about 6/7 feet high and about 125' in length. I need clarification on the following:

1. How wide and deep does the footer need to be?

2. If the wall length does not exactly fit the block lengths, are you supposed to cut the block to fit? If you are supposed to place the corners first, how is this done?

3. How far apart does the mail columns have to be? around 10'?

4. Is rebar used for the main columns? If so, what gauge does it need to be?

5. Do you use 8x8x16 H block for the columns and is Mortar or Concrete better for fill? How many yards will be needed for the footer and columns?

6. Should you use mortar along the bottom/top joints to bond block? What about bonding cement instead?

6. The neighbors yards are about 1 1/2 feet lower than mine, though there is a slope of about 2' of dirt to get there. Will I need to construct the wall from the base of their yard, digging out the slope? Will the pressure from my yard, ruin the wall? or should I construct the footer on the slope and would back fill be required?

Pleaes help! Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thankyou!

-LWB

[roger g]

1 If you live in Australia you only need to go down a few inches. If you live where it is cold you might go down 5-6 feet

2 Block layers adjust their mortar thickness to make some adjustments but otherwise they break them with their special hammer. Yes the corners first then fill inbetween.

3 I don't know what a mail column is but assume it is a pilater. Check with your building code.

4 Check with your building code

5 Usuallt filled with concrete. I would be very very surprised if your wall will only be 4 inches thick. More like 10-12 and your pilaters even more.

6 Mortar

7 Your building code and bylaws and inspector should help.

It looks like you are needing a lot of help on this one. If you don't see any similar walls in your area, there is a reason for it. If there is, do what they did. I hope you get along with your neighbours because how are you going to finish off the joints on their side unless you do it progressively..
A cracked wall is dangerous and you are liable.


Roger

[Rich]

Yikes.. that's a pretty ambitious venture. I agree with roger on this one.. you might want to take a look around and possibly consider getting an engineer involved and possibly a masonry contractor.
I posted in another thread about risk - and this is pretty high up on the scale.

[Mr. Bean]

Thanks for your input. I have masonry contractor coming to check it out. Have a great day!

[roger g]

Let us know what he says. I'm curious as to how he would build it.

roger