Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam rock/boulder wall

Any tips on making a rock wall on the inside of the dam? I have searched the net and have found nothing dealing with ponds. I have seen a pond with boulders cut down with jack hammers layered on the inside of the dam then backfilled to create that look. It looks like a million dollars. Awesome look. We have lots of fieldstone and big rock on our farm. I would like to use this. I want to keep the country look and feel. I do not mind the labor at all. And I have the time. I just don't have the million dollars. I just need some pointers to get started. My main concern is settling over time. I want this to be there for a long time. Thanks.

See this for ideas and pics.

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92463&page=1

This wall is not for fish structure. Its mainly for looks. This wall is from the water level up to the top of the dam. Covering the freeboard space. I should clarify that our dam is part of our road coming in to our farm. The dam is approximately 35ft wide. The normal 3-1 slope for the inside is what i want to do away with. I want to build a wall from my water level up to the top of the driveway. Giving a stone wall appearance. Have you had anyone do this to there pond and do you have any suggestions? Here is what i was thinking..... Start my line approx 6 in below water line. I currently have a 2-1 to a 3-1 slope to the top. Build up approx 1 foot. Buy some rip rap rock and place as back fill as i go up. The height is going to be around 4'. Then add some dirt on the final 12" from the top. If i have to place some mortar on the backfill side to lock in everything i will. Whats your thought?

Can you post a picture of the one you saw,
so we can get a better feel for your goal?

Is the goal sort of like one of these..but on the inside?

The first and second pic is somewhat similar. I just didnt know if there were any major warnings before I go to the trouble to create this look. My main concern was settling. But I figure its mainly on the freeboard space so water shouldnt be on it much. I think the total weight of everything will keep things somewhat in place. It will take me probably a year to complete but when I get it done I will send you a pic or two. Thanks.

Travis, Since you are going straight up with the rock wall. Are you planing on
driving on the material that fills in what was freeboard?

No, i have approx. 10-12 ft of space next to my road. I have cut-out the ground 6" inch below water line. Its just like building a pool. Its level all the way down with about a 2ft lip then my slope down into the pond. I have decided to go with some fieldstone from the farm. I wish i knew how to post some pics to show the progress. My plan is to add some split rail fence in sections and some decore along the dam. My dam is 40 ft wide and is where we will have two lanes of road. Hopefully one day to add a little light across it to. I think it would make the lake at night look awesome.

You could drain pond down to dig a real footing and pour concrete with 2 pcs. of rebar through it would hold any wall. Start with stones the width of footing and them you can put bigger stones on top of the smaller rocks by backfill with gravel or compacted clay. Make sure you use drains under any walls you build.