Driveway retaining wall

[Crimson99]

Hi,

Can I get some thoughts on what can be done or should have been done in terms of the soil retention next to the driveway?

It is built on the boundary and there is a slope. 

What can or should have been done? Or where should the drainage go?

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi  @Crimson99 

Just some opening comments we can bounce around as to what you like.

How close to the boundary are we talking about 1 meter?  as this will help as to options.

Your driveway is solid no need for dirt ramp up to it maybe drop that ramp flat and plant bushes down the side they will grow up past the cement edge in time you will never see it,

Drain the water downhill to a storm water down point is the best way depending on where the water is collecting Maybe near the house?

Just add some dirt there and slope it away from the house like at the driveway and the water will flow away as a crude option

[Crimson99]

Thanks for the thought! it is meant to be zero lot on that side of the house, so i think the driveway would have been right on or very close to the boundary. My neighbour is not starting construction that soon either (next couple of months maybe)

The only stormwater point i can see off my plans are level with the driveway above ground.

Could it be because i am irrigating the new turf around the front, so water is pooling? Not sure if i should put some agi pipes around the front to the stormwater point

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Crimson99 

Yeah I can't remember the minimum distance for zero alignment either No surveyors pegs still in the ground given neighbours still unconstructed? I couldn't  find it on line. 

Yes I see the storm water into your driveway if you had to you would need to dig under the drive to connect to it at need. Lets wait and see on that one.

Your grass needs water especially young grass to establish and the whole block water dynamics is readjusting to a house being added so give it some time to settle plus when your neighbours place goes in things change again.

Early days my friend of home owner ship.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Crimson99. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about retaining walls.

Managing drainage and soil retention near a zero-lot-line driveway requires careful planning and consideration. Since the driveway is built close to the boundary, coordination with your neighbour’s construction plans is essential, especially if their property will also feature a zero-lot build. The slope adjacent to the driveway could be contributing to water pooling, which may be exacerbated by irrigation for the new turf. Temporary pooling is not uncommon as the ground adjusts to recent construction.

To address drainage, consider installing ag pipes to direct water towards the stormwater point. However, the uphill slope back to the street could pose challenges in achieving the necessary gradient for effective drainage. Alternatively, grading the soil to encourage water flow away from the house and driveway could be a simpler, short-term solution. It’s also worth noting that water dynamics on the block will continue to evolve, particularly as the neighbouring property is constructed, potentially necessitating further adjustments. Patience and observation during this early stage of homeownership will help you identify the most effective long-term solutions.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell