The strength and durability of steel makes is one of the most popular materials when it comes to building retaining walls. Steel universal columns are able to withstand heavy loads and can provide significant structural integrity to a retaining wall. However, choosing the right thickness of steel is absolutely critical to ensuring that your retaining wall is able to operate as intended and does not succumb under pressure. In this post, we take a closer look at how you can select the right steel thickness for your retaining walls.
Why Steel Thickness Matters
There are two key reasons why the thickness of the steel you use in your retaining wall matters. For one, the thickness of the steel you use will affect the load-bearing capacity of your retaining wall. Thicker steel is more easily able to withstand the lateral pressure exerted on it by the soil that is being held up by the wall. Secondly, thicker steel also tends to have higher durability and is more resistant to environmental factors that can lead to corrosion or weakening over time.
Factors Influencing Steel Thickness
To determine what the optimal steel thickness is for your retaining wall, it is important for you to consider various factors, including:
Soil Type and Pressure
The type of soil that you intend to hold back using the retaining wall will affect the load-bearing capacity that your retaining wall will need to have. This is because different types of soil have different consistencies and densities. For instance, thicker clay soils are generally denser and will absorb and retain more water during periods of rainfall than sandy soils. This means that the pressure they exert on your retaining wall will tend to be higher.
Wall Height
Taller walls also tend to be subjected to more lateral pressure compared to shorter walls as the amount of material that they need to support tends to be higher. Thus, it is important for you to carefully consider how tall you want your retaining walls to be as this can affect the thickness of steel you will need.
Environmental Conditions
If you live in an area where the environmental conditions are more prone to causing steel corrosion, you may require thicker steel for your retaining walls. The increased thickness provides an added layer of protection for your retaining wall and enables it to withstand the gradual effects of rust and corrosion.
Get Your Retaining Wall Steel from RW Steel
RW Steel is the number one manufacturer and supplier of retaining wall steel in Melbourne, and we have been serving the needs of homeowners and builders alike for decades. We offer retaining wall steel as well as steel universal columns with varying thicknesses, including 150UC, 200UC and much more, and our team would be more than happy to work with you to determine the optimal steel thickness for your construction or retaining wall project. Contact us today for a free quote!