Retaining walls are a core feature in many yards and gardens, serving both aesthetic as well as practical functions. Galvanised steel is a construction material that has long been favoured for its strength and durability, and it is no surprise that it is often used to enhance the durability of retaining walls. In this post, we take a closer look at how incorporating galvanised steel into the structure of a retaining wall can improve its durability and improve its long-term stability and safety.
What is Galvanised Steel?
Galvanised steel generally refers to a special type of steel that has been treated in a process known as galvanisation. This process creates a coating of zinc on the steel’s surface, granting it increased strength, durability, and corrosion resistance as compared to various other types of untreated steel. Compared to other commonly used construction materials in retaining walls such as timber and concrete, galvanised steel also tends to be stronger and more able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Enhancing Retaining Wall Durability with Galvanised Steel
When used in the construction of a retaining wall, galvanised steel can enhance several aspects of the retaining wall’s durability, including:
Corrosion Resistance
The zinc coating on galvanised steel can help to protect the underlying steel from rust and corrosion. This means that it will be able to withstand the environmental conditions that are commonly faced by retaining walls such as moisture and soil acidity. It is also less likely to rust when exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time.
Structural Integrity and Strength
By nature, steel has a very high tensile strength that enables it to provide stability and support to the retaining wall. This added strength also means that the retaining wall will be better able to withstand a higher amount of soil pressure and weight without deforming. This increased structural strength and integrity is especially important for preventing wall failure, which can be costly and troublesome to repair.
Low Maintenance Requirements and Customisability
Because the zinc layer is bonded to the underlying steel, relatively little upkeep and maintenance is necessary to keep the galvanised steel supports in good condition. This can also translate to long-term cost savings as you will not need to incur additional repair or replacement costs. In addition, the versatility of galvanised steel also means that a retaining wall built with it is very customisable and can be tailored specifically to fit various different wall designs and specifications.
Get Your Galvanised Steel from RW Steel
RW Steel is the number one manufacturer and supplier of galvanised steel posts and other steel products in Melbourne. Our products are of the highest quality and are guaranteed to suit your needs no matter the size or scope of your building or construction project. For more information about the products and services that we offer, leave us a message today and a member of our team will be in touch!
Image Source: Steel Beams Direct