Retaining wall - how long before backfilling?

martindow

I've just rebuilt a retaining wall about 15m long and 1m high in blockwork with buttresses every few metres. I understand that concrete gradually builds up its strength over time. How long should I leave the wall before I backfill it? Ideally I would like to do it as soon as possible so that I can tidy up the area but don't want to take any risks and have to build it all over again! What does everyone think?

boogiemaster

Once it goes off it should be ok, we built on concrete the day after with breeze blocks and bricks adn it was fine.

Mikeyorks

Yes, allegedly the strength increases over many months depending on ambient temp / moisture levels etc.

Technically critical for building Dams / holding up the key steel bits of new Wembley etc. But your 1m wall should be OK to backfill within 48hrs.