Retaining wall steps

[AdaminCymru]

Please could I have a sense check. Is this acceptable method of constructing steps within a retaining wall? The wall was existing, and steps new and part of the patio project. 
 

Clay soil behind the retaining wall, dug out on a slope. Mortar / concrete laid straight onto clay soil and steps formed off this. Brick face and porcelain slab on the top.

 

Thank you 

[Mr Punter]

Looks OK to me.  I would rather a load of mass concrete and some tile adhesive rather than a mortar bed as the clay may shrink and heave which could loosen the tiles, but it is built now.  Maybe keep a few tiles in the garage in case?  Some drainage through the wall would be good.

[Conor]

Pretty much how we did our ramp/steps, well compacted ground, a good thick mortar bed. Down a year an dno sign of movement.

 

BUT... make sure there is drainage out through the side walls or else any water will make its way up through the pavers.

[AdaminCymru]

@Conor @Mr Punter. Thank you both for your comments

[Ferdinand]

I'd bed some drainage into the steps coming out beneath the bottom one.

You could treat it like a mini French drain (ie gravel wrapped in weed membrane), with a pipe laid through one or more of the mortar joints.

If that is your only way up, I'd also be thinking about a wheelbarrow ramp up the middle (one or two rows of angled bricked would do it). There are lots of examples out there.

Buit it may be a bit late for the latter !