Builder’s Guide to Drainage and Retaining Walls

The Builder’s Guide to Drainage and Retaining Walls helps to create an adequate drainage system. It is the critical first step in most construction projects. Retaining walls are integral to the design plan, when used to achieve level grade. These two topics are interrelated, and this book provides a complete introduction to doing both right. Here you’ll find the data you need on average rainfall and runoff requirements so you can figure gutters, downspouts and roof drainage, and install appropriate waterproofing and dampproofing in basements and crawlspaces. The book gives details for determining slope drainage, doing the grading, complying with street drainage requirements, and dealing with lots with septic systems. Many types of retaining wall are covered, including modular unit walls, bin and crib walls, and more. Also provides tables for estimating concrete quantities for both poured-in-place and masonry and concrete walls. Includes detailed recommendations for retaining walls in most of the situations you’re likely to encounter. Includes a CD-ROM that brings you the entire book in an Adobe PDF file, for jobsite reference and quick word search. (This file has no print capability.) A second PDF file includes 100 sample details you can print and carry along on jobs.

Key aspects:

• Rainfall and Runoff
• Roof, Basement and Crawlspace Drainage
• Drainage–including Septic Systems
• Street Drainage
• Grading for Drainage
• Slope Drainage
• The various types of retaining walls
• Estimating concrete walls, etc.
• Concrete and Masonry Retaining Walls
• Modular units and similar types of Retaining Walls: Bin, Crib, etc.

Highlights:

• Step-by-step guidance on designing and building drainage systems and retaining walls
• Tailored for builders, contractors, and site supervisors
• References to building codes and standard construction practices
• Glossary of technical terms
• Practical examples and case-based explanations
  

About Max Schwartz

Builder’s Guide to Drainage & Retaining Walls is co-authored by Max Schwartz, a licensed civil and mechanical engineer with a diverse background that includes work in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, private consulting, and education. He has contributed to both residential and industrial projects and has taught civil engineering courses at UCLA Extension, sharing his practical experience with aspiring professionals. His co-author, Hamid Azizi, is a Registered Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the structural design of low-rise residential and commercial buildings. Based in Southern California, Azizi is the principal of Executive Engineering and a past president of the Consulting Structural Engineers Society. Together, their combined expertise offers a well-rounded and field-proven perspective on drainage and retaining wall construction.

Other Works:

• Builder’s Guide to Swimming Pool Construction