A steel post retaining wall is an engineered structure used to support soil and other materials. It can be used for various purposes, including erosion control, landscaping, water management, and a barrier between two ground levels. Steel posts are typically made of galvanised or stainless steel, making them resistant to corrosion and rust.
Steel post retaining walls use posts typically made from galvanised steel or stainless steel tubing. Depending on the area’s soil type, different anchors may also be required to ensure stability. Furthermore, additional reinforcement may be needed if wind loading is expected.
Because retaining walls must continually withstand soil pressure, wind, axial loading and other loads, steel post retaining wall specifications must be determined before construction. This is to ensure your retaining wall will not wilt or crumble overtime.
Incorporating your steel posts will require extra planning if you’re building a timber or concrete retaining wall for your landscape. Unlike steel walls, sleeper retaining is a little more complicated.
How to Support Your Sleeper Retaining Wall with Steel Posts
Steel posts come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different applications. Galvanised steel posts are the most common and typically used for structural support, while stainless steel is often used in decorative applications such as walls or fences. Depending on the project, wooden posts may also be necessary for additional stability.
Posts can also have different finishes or coatings applied to them to provide additional protection from corrosion or rust.
Post size will depend on the height of the wall, how much weight it needs to support it, and any local regulations. Posts should be placed deep enough in the ground to ensure their stability, preventing any movement over time due to soil movement or other factors. Generally speaking, deeper posts require more material but offer more security. All posts must be installed according to specifications and with appropriate safety measures.
Steel Post Retaining Wall Specifications
The overall design of the wall and how it will fit into its environment should be considered carefully. For example, any curves or angles in the wall should be accounted for when determining post spacing, as these can affect structural integrity. Additionally, the height of the posts should be considered so that they don’t interfere with any nearby structures or landscape features.
Below are the factors that must be considered when building a steel post retaining wall:
Footing Depth
The footing depth of the steel post retaining wall must be determined based on the size of the posts and the soil makeup. The footing depth is at least 150mm deep and 450mm wide, cover 25% of the post for maximum stability.
Post Spacing
Post spacing is another important factor when constructing a steel post retaining wall. Generally, post spaces shouldn’t surpass 2.4 metres from each other. For example, if your wall’s length was 9.6 metres, you’d need five posts, averaging 2.4 metres apart. Similarly, if your wall’s length was 11.5 metres, you’d need six posts, averaging 2.3 metres apart.
Post Size
The size of the posts must also be determined when building a steel post retaining wall. Generally, posts typically are 450mm in diameter.
Post Connection
The connection between the posts and wall should also be considered. Steel posts should be connected to the wall with steel connectors such as bolts, screws, or welds. The connectors should be appropriately sealed to ensure no water or moisture enters the wall.
Building Code Compliance
It’s essential to ensure your steel post retaining wall complies with local building codes. This is especially important if you live where soil erosion and landslides are a potential concern. Local codes typically specify the minimum requirements for retaining walls, such as wall height, post spacing, and base construction.
Depending on your location, you may also need to obtain a permit before beginning any construction or repair work. An experienced contractor can help ensure your project meets all the requirements. Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into additional safety measures you may want to consider.
Load Bearing Capacity
Your retaining wall is subject to several loads, including strong winds, soil pressure, surcharge loads, and axial forces. As such, post size and spacing and steel post thickness help enhance the load-bearing capacity of your steel post retaining wall. Generally, the heavier the steel post, the greater the load-bearing capacity.
However, if you’re unsure, consulting with a structural engineer is recommended. They can then accurately calculate your wall’s load bearing capacity, giving you further insights into what size steel posts to purchase.
Drainage Requirements
Poor drainage can lead to leaking water, which can cause extensive damage to the posts and other components over time. To prevent this, make sure all drainage systems are working correctly. This may include installing perforated pipes or geotextile fabric to redirect any runoff away from the wall. It’s also a good idea to check for any existing drains near your site and ensure they function properly.
In addition, make sure the area around your posts is graded so that water flows away from them. Add gravel or other material to improve drainage and keep water out of hard-to-reach spaces if necessary. These steps will help protect your retaining wall against moisture damage and ensure it lasts for years.
What to Do If My Steel Retaining Wall Needs Further Reinforcement?
Steel post retaining walls may require additional anchoring depending on their size and use. Larger walls, especially those used for more substantial projects such as highway embankments, may require more reinforcement. Bolting down posts into concrete footings is one way to make sure your wall can handle anything that comes its way.
No matter what kind of project you have in mind, always research different kinds of walls before choosing. Steel post retaining walls offer great strength and flexibility regarding size, but additional anchoring may be necessary depending on your specific needs. Make sure you understand all the factors involved before making your decision to ensure you’ve got the right wall for your project.
Not sure if your retaining walls are failing? Check this out.
Trust RWS for the Best Galvanised Steel Posts in Australia for Your Retaining Wall
Retaining Wall Supplies in Sydney is a leading supplier of galvanised steel posts, including premium and robust options like the 150UC23 and the 200UC46, for your retaining wall. We offer a range of sizes and styles to suit any project, and our products are manufactured to the highest standards. Browse our online store or contact one of our experts today for guidance – we can’t wait to hear from you! Our services are also available in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
