Determine the purpose and height of the retaining wall
Check local codes, permitting requirements, and required engineering review
Identify site conditions: soil type, drainage patterns, slope, and nearby structures
Call utility locate services before digging
Survey and mark the wall alignment and limits
Plan wall type (gravity, reinforced concrete, segmental block, crib, anchored) based on height and soil conditions
Design for stability: overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity
Design for reinforcement and geogrid/geotextile (if applicable)
Design drainage: granular backfill, drainage layer, and weep holes/weep pipes
Excavate to required depth and remove unsuitable material
Prepare a level, compacted base for the footing (per design)
Place and compact base material in lifts to the specified thickness
Install a footing/rebar if required by the wall design
Set forms or begin block/segmental wall layout to the correct line and level
Ensure proper batter/step-back (if specified) for stability
Install reinforcement, ties, or geogrid at the specified spacing and embedment
Build the wall in lifts/courses with correct alignment and level
Install drainage components as the wall is built (behind-wall perforated pipe, gravel, geotextile, weep holes)
Place reinforced backfill/granular backfill behind the wall in lifts
Compact backfill thoroughly to the specified density and moisture range
Maintain uniform compaction and avoid voids behind the wall
Install caps, copings, or surface finishing as specified
Seal joints where needed (especially for water-retaining designs)
Verify wall alignment, level, and dimensions during construction
Perform final grading and surface drainage improvements (swales, downspouts, grading away from the wall)
Inspect drainage function (no clogging, correct pipe outlets)
Clean up the site and remove debris
Conduct final inspection and document materials, compaction tests, and as-built measurements