Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Construction and Design Info and the Best Suppliers and Installers.
Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls - Are they the Best?
Thinking about Choosing Concrete Sleepers over Timber Retaining Walls?
The obvious difference is by choosing concrete sleeper retaining walls, guarantees the home or business owner that concrete is 100% termite proof, it will not burn, warp or rot.
Add the likelihood that it should outlast the timber option by 30 plus years, giving concrete sleeper retaining walls the accolades it deserves.
Rising costs of timber can mean it’s not always cheaper than the concrete sleeper retaining walls, although in most cases the use of concrete sleepers may be a bit more costly because of the use of galvanised steel posts.
Another advantage of concrete sleepers over timber is they are relatively quick to build once the initial groundwork has been completed.
With reinforced concrete being much stronger than timber means they are a preferred option when defining boundaries between properties or other tight spaces.
What are Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls?
Not to be confused with original concrete railway sleepers, todays concrete sleepers are reinforced with steel and widely used in concrete sleeper retaining walls.
Concrete Sleeper retaining walls have advanced with their designs in the last 10 years. The choices are varied with incredible decorative finishes that resemble timber or stone:
- Slate finish
- Timber finish
- Timber sleepers finish
- Sandstone finish
- Brick or block finish
These concrete sleepers can come in a smooth or textured finish, as well as different colour shades.
Visually appealing, these concrete sleeper retaining walls look exactly as the finish describes, just made of concrete! The only problem will be making the choice between so many amazing designs!
The Importance of Steel Supporting Posts in Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
Supporting concrete sleeper retaining walls with galvanised steel posts ensures essential strength, all key to a successful, solid straight wall finish.
Galvanised steel posts will withstand all the harsh Australian elements, external pressure as well as earth erosion.
There are some different steel posts available, but all will provide a simple, reliable way to build a concrete sleeper retaining wall.
Installation of concrete sleepers are simple to install, once the steel posts have been set the sleepers slide into position without needing nuts, bolts or screws.
Depending which type of retaining wall being built will determine which posts are used, but your supplier/builder will be best person to advise.
These are some of Different Types of Posts used in a Concrete Sleeper Retaining Wall:
- C Section plus 45 and 90 degree galv steel
- H Section galv steel
- T Channel galv steel
- Less commonly used are Concrete pre cast posts
The need for Drainage Behind Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
If you are installing the retaining wall yourself, providing correct drainage is a certainty to preventing future problems.
Lining the back of the wall with plastic membrane and placing AG pipe or strip drain at the base of your concrete sleeper retaining walls and covering with porous gravel will allow for correct drainage behind the wall.
If unsure of the process, engage in the services of a qualified drainlayer/builder.
The Benefits of using Concrete Sleepers for your Retaining Wall
Advantages
- Long lasting, if built correctly concrete sleepers will outlast timber retaining walls
- Quick and easy to build.
- Natural water seepage although they still require drainage
- Aesthetically pleasing as concrete can be cast and coloured to look like most products
- Can be used in commercial or residential walls
Some Disadvantages
- Should not be cut to size as this exposes the internal steel and in most cases voids any warranty.
- The higher the wall the larger and heavier supporting steel posts become.
- Sleepers can crack if put under extra stress loading
- Galvanised steel posts can on some occasions be unsightly.
Australian Standards Regulating Concrete Sleeper Retaining Walls
The Australian Standards that regulate concrete sleeper retaining walls are
- As 3600 Concrete Structures
- AS 4678 Earth Retaining Structures
You can purchase these standards from Standards Australia or SAI Global
Other authorities that have a say in the manufacture of concrete sleepers for retaining walls are
- Concrete Institute of Australia
- Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia
Construction of Your Retaining Wall
Unless you are a builder or landscaper it is recommended a licensed contractor is hired to ensure your concrete sleeper retaining walls are constructed using the highest grade materials and expertly built to maintain maximum durability and lasts many years.
If concrete sleepers are your material of choice for your retaining wall, get a FREE, no obligation quote from a qualified tradesperson or supplier in your area visit here:
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Concrete Sleepers FAQ
Concrete sleepers are a modern take on timber sleepers used in construction. They are used as railway sleepers and more often for retaining walls. Their are many benefits of a concrete sleeper in a retaining wall such as longevity, aesthetics, cost, they don’t rot, easily built and easy maintenance.
Some of the reasons for building a Concrete Sleeper Retaining Wall are;
- Longevity – Concrete sleepers will generally last longer than treated pine retaining walls.
- Aesthetics – A concrete sleeper wall can be manufactured to look like a multitude of different materials.
- Concrete sleepers can be a cheaper form of retaining wall.
- Concrete sleeper retaining walls are also quicker to construct than concrete walls.
- Can be built with minimal space requirements.
- Impervious to termites and other insects.
- Wont rot, warp or split like timber retaining walls
- Very low maintenance required to keep them looking good.
- Easy to build yourself.
Each Council does have some varying conditions so you should check your local councils specifications. However most councils in Australia allow walls upto 1 metre in height and 1.5 metres from a building or another retaining wall to be built without consent.
A standard concrete sleeper weighs approx 75kg so can be managed without the use of large machinery or equipment.
Yes you can, and most suppliers will have instructions and brochures on how to do it yourself. Any wall over 1 metre in height however will require council consent and this varies from state to state. Go to your areas page to find info on council regulations for each state.