If you have a project and are trying to decide what kind of wall system to use, you may already have several considerations in mind, from steel piling to timber and more. But king post retaining walls may also be a top consideration, and numerous property owners and builders have been using king post walls since the 18th century. But even with its long history and the availability of other wall systems today, king post walls remain a top choice – and there are many good reasons for this. So do you have a wall project and would like to make sure that your wall system lives up to your standards and expectations? Here’s what you should know about king post retaining walls.
The basic facts
The basic facts about king post walls are that they are easy and quick to install, and they are also quite cost-effective, especially when compared to other kinds of retaining wall systems. In addition, you can use them on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the type of project you have, and many engineers prefer them over other wall systems due to their stability and durability, especially for temporary project use.
You can choose to construct your king post wall using timber beams or sleepers, concrete panels, or steel panels, although the most desirable king post wall is often made from steel columns with pre-stressed concrete panels for even better durability and strength. King post walls have been widely used in major cities for more than three centuries, which attests to their innate effectiveness.
Their applications
Your king post wall can serve an array of uses and purposes, but the most common application for a king post wall is to serve as an earth-retaining wall for embankments and adequate flood defence in flood-prone locations. Some commercial and business property owners also use king post walls for basements, as they are especially suited for installation in this area because they are not affected by any groundwater.
The installation process and technique
One premium advantage of king post walls for earth retention is that the installation process and technique is easy and quick. The process is relatively simple and doesn’t require any complex equipment. You can, for instance, make use of a CFA or continuous flight auger, and alternatively, you can also use a mini piling or large diameter rig. These can then produce a borehole, and you can fill the hole with concrete to have a base for the H pile. Afterwards, you can slot a precast concrete panel, steel panel, or timber sleeper into each H pile, so your retaining wall is formed. You can also choose to drive H piles made of steel straight into the terrain or ground, depending on the condition of the soil.
The advantages
King post walls come with many advantages, and their innate strength already gives them an edge over other retaining wall systems. Along with this, they are cheaper than steel piles, and they are quite versatile as well. The installation process is also silent and free from any vibration, thus reducing any further risk on the site. If you are dealing with hard ground, king post walls are a viable solution as they are effective and budget-friendly. You can tie them back with ground anchors, and your site will not generate spoil, either.