Paver Pete presents bench cut excavation in a segmental retaining wall application. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires bench cut excavation with no more than 5 feet of height without a 3-foot shelf.

 The angle of bench cut depends on the type of subsoil that you are working in.

• Sandy soil: 35° back cut. 1 foot up and about 1 ½ foot back.
• Clay soil: 26° back cut. 1 foot up and about 2 – 2 ½ feet back.

In this case, we have a sandy soil. This type of soil tends to shift. As it slides, it forms the curved shape of a lens. Shifting or lensing soil can be very dangerous.

Learn more about OSHA excavation standards here.

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