(33 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Template:ENGR215inprogress|12/16/19}}
{{Tocright}}
==About the Team==
Zachary Alva, Dustin Helliwell, Abdul Kamaal, and Connor White
 
Environmental Resource Engineering students at Humboldt State University, Fall 2019.
 
==Abstract & Background==
==Abstract & Background==
{{Gallery
{{Gallery
Line 17: Line 12:
|File:AZDC_building_SWITCHBACKPREWORK.jpg|View from switchback (Sept. 2019).
|File:AZDC_building_SWITCHBACKPREWORK.jpg|View from switchback (Sept. 2019).
}}
}}
Six Rivers Charter High School has a garden and outdoor learning space located at the bottom of a hill below the main classrooms. The staircase originally connecting the space to the rest of the school had fallen deep into disrepair and sorely needed to be replaced.  The team spent a few weeks researching pathway and stair design, slope stabilization, retaining walls, pathway construction, erosion control, and native plants before meeting with Six Rivers' Principal Ron Perry to establish their personal criteria for the design.  We were tasked with designing a pathway that was safe, wheelbarrow accessible, widely plantable, cost effective, ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing.  The primary objective of our design was on functionality and durability.
Six Rivers Charter High School (abbrev. Six Rivers) in Arcata, California has a garden and outdoor learning space located at the bottom of a hill below the main classrooms. The staircase originally connecting the space to the rest of the school had fallen deep into disrepair and sorely needed to be replaced this year (Fall 2019).  The team spent a few weeks researching pathway and stair design, slope stabilization, retaining walls, pathway construction, erosion control, and native plants before meeting with Six Rivers' Principal Ron Perry to establish their personal criteria for the design.  The team was tasked with designing a pathway that is safe, wheelbarrow accessible, widely plantable, cost effective, ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing.  The primary objective of our design was on functionality and durability.


== Problem Statement and Criteria ==
== Problem Statement and Criteria ==
The top priorities for any trial or pathway are safety and accessibility.  After this choices and importance of criteria are situation specific.  In our case labor intensity and and cost were very important since without prioritizing these we could not have finish the projectOur remaining criteria are ordered in relation to our specific use case of facilitating education.
The top priorities for any trail/pathway are safety and accessibility, and the importance of other criteria is situation specific.  For this project labor intensity and cost are very important because without prioritizing these the project may not have been able to reach completion in timeRemaining criteria is valued with respect to education.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 60: Line 55:
|lines=4
|lines=4
|align=center
|align=center
|File:LabledProto.PNG| [[First Prototype]]: Prototype with labels to aid in getting feed back from stake holders and experts.
|File:LabledProto.PNG| '''First Prototype''': Prototype with labels to aid in getting feed back from stake holders and experts.
|File:AZDC_building_Prototype2.png.JPG| [[First Physical Prototype]]: Image of the first cuts into the hillside at Six Rivers.
|File:AZDC_building_Prototype2.png.JPG| '''First Physical Prototype''': Image of the first cuts into the hillside at Six Rivers.
|File:AZDC_building_Prototype2.jpg| [[Second Physical Prototype]]: Image of the first part of construction of the retaining walls.
|File:AZDC_building_Prototype2.jpg| '''Second Physical Prototype''': Image of the first part of construction of the retaining walls.
}}
}}


The first prototype was constructed out of drywall compound, chicken wire, and magazines on a plywood frame. The clam-shell cement blocks are represented by the colorful foam blocks, the urbanite retaining wall is represented by the black foam blocks, and the compact earth tire wall is represented by the slices of wine cork. What came to mind immediately was the sharpness of the angle of the inside of the switchback. The fact that this would present an issue was confirmed by the second prototype, which involved carving into the actual hill. As a result of the prototyping process, AZDC chose to dig the landing section of the trail farther back into the hillside to allow for a gentler inside angle on the switchback. The prototype was tested by showing it to Humboldt State University engineering students who gave their opinions of what could be improved on and what could be potentially problematic or unsafe.
The first prototype was constructed out of drywall compound, chicken wire, and magazines on a plywood frame. The clam-shell cement blocks are represented by the colorful foam blocks, the urbanite retaining wall is represented by the black foam blocks, and the compact earth tire wall is represented by the slices of wine cork. The first problem posed was the sharp inside angle of the switchback. The fact that this would present an issue was confirmed by the second prototype which involved carving into the construction site. As a result of the prototyping process, the team chose to extend the landing section of the trail farther back into the hillside to allow for a gentler inside angle on the switchback. The prototype was tested by showing it to Humboldt State University engineering students who gave their opinions of what could be improved on and what could be potentially problematic or unsafe.


== Description of Final Design==
== Description of Final Design==


===Final Design===
===Final Design===
The final design shown below addresses the client criteria and insight gained through the prototyping process. As can be seen from the photos, straw was thrown onto the hillside to prevent erosion of exposed soil until plants regrow, after which their root systems will provide stabilization. All elements of the design were produced as planned to the satisfaction of the team as well as the client.
The final design shown below addresses the client criteria and insight gained through the prototyping process. The full length of the pathway is approximately 90’ and the area of the landing is approximately 35 square feet.  The bottom of the pathway to the landing is supported by a 66’ urbanite retaining wall that expands upon a pre-existing concrete block retaining wall.  The landing is supported by a compact earth tire retaining wall measuring approximately 54” high by 13’ wide, and comprised of 24 tires arranged hexagonally.  The portion of the pathway between the top and the landing does not require reinforcement.  The pathway surface is composed of three layers: tamped earth as the base, a mixture of sand and gravel in the middle, and mulch on top.  Outsloping of the pathway and Coweeta dips were used for drainage, and a combination of ripraps, straw, and grass seed were utilized as temporary erosion control for remaining bare slopes. All elements of the design were produced as planned to the satisfaction of the team as well as the client.
 
{{Gallery
{{Gallery
|title=
|title=
Line 78: Line 74:
|lines=2
|lines=2
|align=center
|align=center
|File:AZDC_FInal_Trail1.jpg| [[Garden Pathway]]: Landing at the switchback.
|File:AZDC_FInal_Trail1.jpg| '''Garden Pathway''': Landing at the switchback.
|File:AZDC_Final_Trail2.jpg| [[Final Trail]]: Close up of the retaining wall structures and pathway.
|File:AZDC_Final_Trail2.jpg| '''Final Trail''': Close up of the retaining wall structures and pathway.
|File:AZDC_Final_Trail3.jpg| [[Final Trail]]: Overview of the final trail.
|File:AZDC_Final_Trail3.jpg| '''Final Trail''': Overview of the final trail.
}}
}}
{{Gallery
{{Gallery
Line 90: Line 86:
|align=center
|align=center
|File:AZDC WhiteCAD.PNG| AutoCAD rendering of final design placement and dimensions (top view).
|File:AZDC WhiteCAD.PNG| AutoCAD rendering of final design placement and dimensions (top view).
|File:AZDC AlvaCAD.PNG| AutoCAD rendering of final design placement and dimensions (side view).
|File:AZDC AlvaCAD.PNG| AutoCAD rendering of final design placement and dimensions (east facing view).
}}
}}


=== Costs ===
=== Costs ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Quantity !! Material or Service !! Source !! Cost ($) !! Total ($)
! Quantity !! Material or Service !! Source !! Cost ($) !
|-
|-
| As needed || Materials Transportation || Father of Dustin
| As needed || Materials Transportation || Father of Dustin
|align="right"| 46.91  
|align="right"| 46.91  
|align="right"| 46.91
|-  
|-  
| 1 || Hay Bale || Three G's Hay and Grain  
| 1 || Hay Bale || Three G's Hay and Grain  
|align="right"| 8.62  
|align="right"| 8.62  
|align="right"| 55.53
|-
|-
| 1 bag || Grass Seed|| Mad River Gardens  
| 1 bag || Grass Seed|| Mad River Gardens  
|align="right"| 3.76
|align="right"| 3.76
|align="right"| 59.29
|-
|-
| As needed || Recycled Concrete || Donated by: Figas Construction
| As needed || Recycled Concrete || Donated by: Figas Construction
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 59.29
|-  
|-  
| As needed || Tires || Donated by: Anonymous
| As needed || Tires || Donated by: Anonymous
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 59.29
|-   
|-   
| 1 cubic meter|| Wood Chips || Free pile located at the Indianola Cuttoff
| 1 cubic meter|| Wood Chips || Free pile located at the Indianola Cuttoff
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 0
|align="right"| 59.29
|-
|-
|-class="sortbottom"
|-class="sortbottom"
|colspan="4" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''  
|colspan="3" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''  
|align="right"| '''59.29'''  
|align="right"| '''59.29'''  
|}
|}
Line 133: Line 123:
  |pics=  
  |pics=  
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AbdulKhalikKamaalACAD3.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC_building_FIRST_ROW.PNG|Caption | |File:AZDC_building_SOURCINGURBANITE.JPG |Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 1:</b> Determine how many tires will be required for the wall by measuring the diameter and height of the tires you will build with.  Then measure the height and width of the wall you intend to build and calculate how many tires will need to be in each row. This will determine the width and depth of your foundation.<br>'''Step 2''': Prepare the wall site by leveling and tamping down the soil where the first row of tires will be placed.<br>'''Step 3''': Place the first row of tires neatly in a line and use a level to flatten them as evenly as possible.
  |File:AbdulKhalikKamaalACAD3.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC_building_FIRST_ROW.PNG|Caption | |File:AZDC_building_SOURCINGURBANITE.JPG |Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 1:</b> Determine how many tires will be required for the wall by measuring the diameter and height of the tires to be built with.  Then measure the height and width of the wall to be built and calculate how many tires will need to be in each row. This will determine the width and depth of the foundation.<br>'''Step 2''': Prepare the wall site by leveling and tamping down the soil where the first row of tires will be placed.<br>'''Step 3''': Place the first row of tires neatly in a line and use a level to flatten them as evenly as possible.


}}
}}
Line 142: Line 132:
  |pics=  
  |pics=  
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDCtireWall.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDCtireWallCardboard.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 3:</b> Place cardboard inside tire to cover the bottom hole. This prevents dirt from spilling out through the bottom as it is filled.<br>'''Step 4''': Pack the first row! It is most efficient to have one person shoveling scoops of earth into the tire while one person packs it using a tamper, sledge hammer, or similar tool. If the local soil is particularly dry it is best to lightly dampen the soil to help is bind to itself.<br>'''Note 1''': Minimize plant/organic matter from mixing into the soil.  Organic matter will decompose over time and this can cause the fill to shrink which could compromise the strength of the tire.<br>'''Note 2''': Be sure to pack in the sides of the tire. As you fill the tire it will be come increasingly difficult to compact the sides so a handheld sledge is recommended for this.
  |File:AZDCtireWallCardboard.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDCtireWall.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 3:</b> Place cardboard inside tire to cover the bottom hole. This prevents dirt from spilling out through the bottom as it is filled. The photo to the left demonstrates measuring the cardboard to be cut before it is inserted into the tire.<br>'''Step 4''': Pack the first row! It is most efficient to have one person shoveling scoops of earth into the tire while one person packs it using a tamper, sledge hammer, or similar tool. If the local soil is particularly dry it is best to lightly dampen the soil to help it bind to itself.<br>'''Note 1''': Minimize plant/organic matter from mixing into the soil.  Organic matter will decompose over time and this can cause the fill to shrink which could compromise the strength of the tire.<br>'''Note 2''': Be sure to pack in the sides of the tire. As you fill the tire it will be come increasingly difficult to compact the sides so a handheld sledge is recommended for this.


}}
}}
Line 151: Line 141:
  |pics=  
  |pics=  
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDC building TIREROW2.2.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC building TIREROW2.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 5:</b> Place the second row of tires, staggering them such that they line up as in the photo for step 5, and leveling them to be flat. <br>'''Step 6''': Once placed and leveled, attach the second row to the filled tires of the first row by screwing them in place. 1.5" screws will suffice. This keeps them from jostling out of place as they are packed. The yellow crosses in the photos indicate where screws puncture both rows of tires.<br>'''Step 7''': Fill the second row by repeating steps 3 and 4.
  |File:AZDC building TIREROW2.2.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC building TIREROW2.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 5:</b> Place the second row of tires, staggering them such that they line up as in the photos for steps 5 and 6, and leveling them to be flat. <br>'''Step 6''': Once placed and leveled, attach the second row to the filled tires of the first row by screwing them in place. 1.5" screws will suffice. This keeps them from jostling out of place as they are packed. The yellow crosses in the photos indicate where screws puncture both rows of tires.<br>'''Step 7''': Fill the second row by repeating steps 3 and 4.


}}
}}
Line 160: Line 150:
  |pics=  
  |pics=  
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDCtireWallConstructions.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDCfinalTireWall.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 8:</b> Place the second row of tires, staggering them such that they line up as in the photo for step 5, and leveling them to be flat. <br>'''Step 9''': Once placed and leveled, attach the second row to the filled tires of the first row by screwing them in place. 1.5" screws will suffice. This keeps them from jostling out of place as they are packed.<br>'''Step 10''': Fill the second row by repeating steps 3 and 4.
  |File:AZDCtireWallConstructions.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDCfinalTireWall.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 8:</b> Repeat the steps taken to produce the second row of tires and repeat until the final row has been finished <br>'''Optional''': Use your tires as planters by shallowly digging into them. The tires function well as planters and roots will add additional strength, but digging too deeply into them can compromise the strength of the soil that has been packed in. Placing above ground bottomless planters on the center hole of a tire is the recommended method.


}}
}}


=== Urbanite Retaining Wall ===
=== Urbanite Retaining Wall ===
The urbanite retaining wall described below is constructed from recycled concrete.  Pieces of concrete with one flat side such as those sourced from old sidewalk are ideal, but not critical.  This type of retaining wall is known as a gravity wall because it does not have anything anchoring to solid ground the wall itself or the earth being retained. The strength and stability of this design is rooted in it's sheer weight, so it is important to remember that the sum mass of urbanite used is proportionate to the overall strength of the wall.
The urbanite retaining wall described below is constructed from recycled concrete.  Pieces of concrete with one flat side such as those sourced from old sidewalk are ideal, but not critical.  This type of retaining wall is known as a gravity wall because it does not have anything anchoring the wall to solid ground. The strength and stability of this design is rooted in it's sheer weight, so it is important to remember that the sum mass of urbanite used is proportionate to the overall strength of the wall.
{{How to
{{How to
  |header2= After<td>Instructions  
  |header2= After<td>Instructions  
Line 171: Line 161:
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDCwallRope.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC_building_SOURCINGURBANITE.JPG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 1:</b> Determine where your retaining wall will lay and mark it's path with string.<br>'''Step 2''': Create a foundation layer by digging out all loose dirt, tamping firm the earth that your first layer of urbanite will be placed on, and level it. <br>'''Step 3''': Starting at one end of your wall set one block at a time choosing the heaviest pieces.  Using the heaviest pieces on the bottom layer will give the greatest structural integrity.
  |File:AZDCwallRope.PNG |Caption | |[[File:AZDC_building_SOURCINGURBANITE.JPG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 1:</b> Determine where your retaining wall will lay and mark it's path with string.<br>'''Step 2''': Create a foundation layer by digging out all loose dirt, tamping firm the earth that your first layer of urbanite will be placed on, and level it. <br>'''Step 3''': Starting at one end of your wall set one block at a time choosing the heaviest pieces.  Using the heaviest pieces on the bottom layer will give the greatest structural integrity.
|footer= Footer
 
}}
}}
{{How to
{{How to
Line 178: Line 168:
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDC_Building.gif | CLICK HERE FOR BACK-FILL DEMONSTRATION | |[[File:AZDC_building_URBANITEROW1.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 4:</b> Moving along the string, set another piece of urbanite next to the first piece, nestling them together such that the edges "lock" into place.<br>'''Step 5''': Fill in gaps between the blocks using a combination of soil and gravel.  Massage the fill into place using tools before packing it in firmly so that fill can reach the most inner spaces.  <br>'''Step 6''': Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the first layer is complete.  <br>'''Note''': It is highly recommended that each block be firmly stabilized before moving on to subsequent blocks, rather than completing the entire row and returning to check stability of individual blocks afterwards. Check each block's stability by tapping it with your foot. If it wiggles in place then it has not been set firmly enough and must either have additional side/backfilling, or increased lateral support by adjusting the placement of adjacent blocks. This is difficult to do once the entire row is complete because adjusting the placement of any one piece will alter the placement of the blocks touching the one being adjusted.  
  |File:AZDC_Building.gif | CLICK HERE FOR BACK-FILL DEMONSTRATION | |[[File:AZDC_building_URBANITEROW1.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 4:</b> Moving along the string, set another piece of urbanite next to the first piece, nestling them together such that the edges "lock" into place.<br>'''Step 5''': Fill in gaps between the blocks using a combination of soil and gravel.  Massage the fill into place using tools before packing it in firmly so that fill can reach the most inner spaces.  <br>'''Step 6''': Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the first layer is complete.  <br>'''Note''': It is highly recommended that each block be firmly stabilized before moving on to subsequent blocks, rather than completing the entire row and returning to check stability of individual blocks afterwards. Check each block's stability by tapping it with your foot. If it wiggles in place then it has not been set firmly enough and must either have additional side/backfilling, or increased lateral support by adjusting the placement of adjacent blocks. This is difficult to do once the entire row is complete because adjusting the placement of any one piece will alter the placement of the blocks touching the one being adjusted.  
|footer= Footer
 
}}
}}
{{How to
{{How to
Line 185: Line 175:
  |size=  
  |size=  
  |File:AZDCheavyBlocks.PNG |Caption BACKFILL GIF HERE | |[[File:AZDCretWallFinal.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 7:</b> Once the first row is firmly placed and stabilized, place the second row just as you did in steps 4 and 5.  Use the heaviest blocks available. <br>'''Step 8''': Create as many rows as your project calls for, always checking for and addressing points of instability.  <br>'''Note''': Optional measures for additional securing of blocks such mortar, cobb filler, and newly poured cement can be used, but are not critical to the structure.  
  |File:AZDCheavyBlocks.PNG |Caption BACKFILL GIF HERE | |[[File:AZDCretWallFinal.PNG|Caption |180px]]<td><b>Step 7:</b> Once the first row is firmly placed and stabilized, place the second row just as you did in steps 4 and 5.  Use the heaviest blocks available. <br>'''Step 8''': Create as many rows as your project calls for, always checking for and addressing points of instability.  <br>'''Note''': Optional measures for additional securing of blocks such mortar, cobb filler, and newly poured cement can be used, but are not critical to the structure.  
|footer= Footer
 
}}
}}


Line 200: Line 190:
  <b>Step 1:</b> Sketch potential layouts.  
  <b>Step 1:</b> Sketch potential layouts.  
  <b>Step 2:</b> Layout trail with string and/or ruff digging.
  <b>Step 2:</b> Layout trail with string and/or ruff digging.
|footer= Footer
 
}}
}}
{{How to
{{How to
Line 213: Line 203:
  | | | |
  | | | |
  | | | |
  | | | |
|footer= Footer
 
}}
}}


Line 230: Line 220:


=== Schedule ===
=== Schedule ===
This is an estimate of how often each component is anticipated to need maintenance.


;Daily
;Daily
Line 249: Line 237:
Team AZDC recommends the following as future changes to the project:
Team AZDC recommends the following as future changes to the project:


*A handrail following the path on the downhill side of the pathway downhill of the switchback.
*A handrail placed on the west side of the path running from the landing to the bottom.
*An assortment of edible fruiting plants that would also serve as additional slope stabilization such as:
*Planting an assortment of edible fruiting plants that would also serve as additional slope stabilization such as:
-Snow Berries
**Snow Berries
-Goumi Berries
**Goumi Berries
-Huckleberries
**Huckleberries
-Elderberries
**Elderberries
-Chilean Guava
**Chilean Guava
*A cob bench embedded into the uphill side of the landing to provide additional slope stabilization as well as an aesthetic and practical feature.
*A cob bench embedded into the uphill side of the landing to provide additional slope stabilization as well as an aesthetic and practical feature.
*A roof for the cob bench so that it will survive the Humboldt county winter.
==About the Team==
Environmental Resource Engineering students at Humboldt State University, Fall 2019.
[[File:AZDCteamPic.PNG|thumb|500px|center|Connor White, Dustin Helliwell, Zachary Alva, Abdul Khalik Kamaal]]


==Other Resources==
==Video==
See [[Help:Footnotes]] for more.
{{#widget:YouTube|id=io1jp1NSxpo}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design]]
[[Category:Six Rivers Charter School]]
[[Category:Gardening]]
[[Category:Upcycling]]
[[Category:Projects]]

Revision as of 00:57, 22 December 2019

Abstract & Background

Six Rivers Charter High School (abbrev. Six Rivers) in Arcata, California has a garden and outdoor learning space located at the bottom of a hill below the main classrooms. The staircase originally connecting the space to the rest of the school had fallen deep into disrepair and sorely needed to be replaced this year (Fall 2019). The team spent a few weeks researching pathway and stair design, slope stabilization, retaining walls, pathway construction, erosion control, and native plants before meeting with Six Rivers' Principal Ron Perry to establish their personal criteria for the design. The team was tasked with designing a pathway that is safe, wheelbarrow accessible, widely plantable, cost effective, ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing. The primary objective of our design was on functionality and durability.

Problem Statement and Criteria

The top priorities for any trail/pathway are safety and accessibility, and the importance of other criteria is situation specific. For this project labor intensity and cost are very important because without prioritizing these the project may not have been able to reach completion in time. Remaining criteria is valued with respect to education.

Criteria Weight (out of 10)
Safety and Accessibility 10
Labor Intensity 9
Cost 7
Plantability 7
Ecology 6
Maintenance 5
Educational Value 4
Aesthetic 4

Prototyping

The first prototype was constructed out of drywall compound, chicken wire, and magazines on a plywood frame. The clam-shell cement blocks are represented by the colorful foam blocks, the urbanite retaining wall is represented by the black foam blocks, and the compact earth tire wall is represented by the slices of wine cork. The first problem posed was the sharp inside angle of the switchback. The fact that this would present an issue was confirmed by the second prototype which involved carving into the construction site. As a result of the prototyping process, the team chose to extend the landing section of the trail farther back into the hillside to allow for a gentler inside angle on the switchback. The prototype was tested by showing it to Humboldt State University engineering students who gave their opinions of what could be improved on and what could be potentially problematic or unsafe.

Description of Final Design

Final Design

The final design shown below addresses the client criteria and insight gained through the prototyping process. The full length of the pathway is approximately 90’ and the area of the landing is approximately 35 square feet. The bottom of the pathway to the landing is supported by a 66’ urbanite retaining wall that expands upon a pre-existing concrete block retaining wall. The landing is supported by a compact earth tire retaining wall measuring approximately 54” high by 13’ wide, and comprised of 24 tires arranged hexagonally. The portion of the pathway between the top and the landing does not require reinforcement. The pathway surface is composed of three layers: tamped earth as the base, a mixture of sand and gravel in the middle, and mulch on top. Outsloping of the pathway and Coweeta dips were used for drainage, and a combination of ripraps, straw, and grass seed were utilized as temporary erosion control for remaining bare slopes. All elements of the design were produced as planned to the satisfaction of the team as well as the client.

Costs

Quantity Material or Service Source Cost ($) !
As needed Materials Transportation Father of Dustin 46.91
1 Hay Bale Three G's Hay and Grain 8.62
1 bag Grass Seed Mad River Gardens 3.76
As needed Recycled Concrete Donated by: Figas Construction 0
As needed Tires Donated by: Anonymous 0
1 cubic meter Wood Chips Free pile located at the Indianola Cuttoff 0
Total Cost 59.29

How to build

Compact Earth Tire Retaining Wall

File:AbdulKhalikKamaalACAD3.PNG
Caption
File:AZDCtireWallCardboard.PNG
Caption
File:AZDC building TIREROW2.2.PNG
File:AZDCtireWallConstructions.PNG

Urbanite Retaining Wall

The urbanite retaining wall described below is constructed from recycled concrete. Pieces of concrete with one flat side such as those sourced from old sidewalk are ideal, but not critical. This type of retaining wall is known as a gravity wall because it does not have anything anchoring the wall to solid ground. The strength and stability of this design is rooted in it's sheer weight, so it is important to remember that the sum mass of urbanite used is proportionate to the overall strength of the wall.

File:AZDCwallRope.PNG
Caption
File:AZDC_Building.gif
CLICK HERE FOR BACK-FILL DEMONSTRATION
File:AZDCheavyBlocks.PNG
Caption BACKFILL GIF HERE

Trail Placement

File:AZDC_building_TRAILPLACEMENT.JPG
File:AZDC_HelliwellCAD.PNG

Path Surface

File:AZDC_Gravel.PNG
How to Do Something

Maintenance

This section details the known and anticipated maintenance that this design will require to remain functional and cosmetically intact. It is designed with the intent of being maintained by the students alone.

Schedule

Daily
  • Plant care: watering and fertilizing as needed.
Weekly
  • Remove dirt knocked onto pathway by gophers, pathway users, etc.
Yearly
  • Analyze retaining walls for points of soil erosion that could affect the long term stability of the supporting structure.
As necessary
  • Add mulch or gravel to the top layer of the pathway at points where it has become muddy or uneven.

Suggestions for future changes

Team AZDC recommends the following as future changes to the project:

  • A handrail placed on the west side of the path running from the landing to the bottom.
  • Planting an assortment of edible fruiting plants that would also serve as additional slope stabilization such as:
    • Snow Berries
    • Goumi Berries
    • Huckleberries
    • Elderberries
    • Chilean Guava
  • A cob bench embedded into the uphill side of the landing to provide additional slope stabilization as well as an aesthetic and practical feature.
  • A roof for the cob bench so that it will survive the Humboldt county winter.

About the Team

Environmental Resource Engineering students at Humboldt State University, Fall 2019.

Connor White, Dustin Helliwell, Zachary Alva, Abdul Khalik Kamaal

Video

Error in widget YouTube: Unable to load template 'wiki:YouTube'
Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.