Last Updated on September 17, 2022
In this article, you will learn how to build a sleeper retaining fence using steel posts. Steel posts are an alternative to wooden posts, which can be tricky to cut. Steel posts make the construction of a solid wall much simpler and more efficient. Lay the railway sleepers long-side up to create a stronger construction. After the sleepers are placed, use a circular saw to cut them.
Laying sleepers on their long side gives a stronger construction
Besides the fact that the sleepers are heavier than the ones used in regular construction, laying them on their long sides will make the wall more stable. This construction technique will also save you time and money as you don’t need to use mortar or other binding substances. Moreover, you can use a 150mm landscaping screw to fix two rows together. Continue laying sleepers until you achieve the desired height.
When building a retaining wall, you can use different types of concrete sleepers. Concrete sleepers are suitable for almost any type of construction project. They can be shaped and coloured to mimic natural stone, or can be simple and sleek to match modern design. Moreover, they can be pigmented while being prepared so that they won’t fade. In addition, concrete sleepers are sturdy and will support wedges of soil up to four meters in height. Concrete sleepers are also easy to install, making them an ideal option for landscaped gardens, driveways, and road borders.
In addition to timber sleepers, you can also use metal posts. You can find these posts in lumber stores or online. Once you have purchased the materials, you can proceed to constructing the wall. You’ll need to put posts in place at regular intervals. Alternatively, you can use a steel post for the support. Depending on your requirements, you can also use concreted sleepers to reinforce the wall.
As for railway sleepers, they are used extensively in Indian Railways. These sleepers have low scrap value, but may be more useful in different geographical regions or with different gauge lengths. Regardless of their usage, you’ll find them inexpensive in the long run. Just make sure you check if the rail seat has any nails or embedded screws.
Using a circular saw to cut railway sleepers
Cutting railway sleepers requires a good handsaw. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw and softwood sleepers are much easier to cut. To ensure that your cut is perfect, you should apply some wood oil or preservative. This will prevent any resulting cuts from becoming messy. Make sure you wear protective PPE such as gloves and eye protection when cutting railway sleepers. A circular saw will also cut the wood in one smooth motion.
There are many reasons why you should avoid using a reciprocating or circular saw when cutting railway sleepers. Both will not cut them completely through. A reciprocating saw will cut them in one pass but will create wavy cuts. Inexperienced users should also avoid using a chainsaw as it is inaccurate and messy. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help if you do not have the necessary experience to cut railway sleepers.
Ensure you work on a level and firm surface before cutting. You may want to use a spirit level if you are unsure about the levelness of your sleepers. If not, you can use string lines to make sure they are level. Once you’ve cut the sleepers to the desired length, you may need to sand them down. If you’re using the sleepers as a tabletop, you may want to sand them down to remove any rough textures or marks.
If you are planning on using a circular saw for railway sleeper cutting, you must ensure that you buy the right blade for the job. A circular saw can make short work of a complicated task. It can also damage the wood if it doesn’t have the right material for it. For this reason, a circular saw is the best choice. If you want to make it easier, try using an electric circular saw.
When using a circular saw for railway sleeper cutting, you must make sure that your timber is perfectly straight. An offcut timber or quick square works well as a cutting fence. Hold the circular saw shoe against the straight edge and measure the length of the timber’s width. Use a crow’s foot to mark your cut before beginning the work. Using a circular saw for railway sleeper cutting is easier than ever when you have a straight edge nearby.
Using steel posts for a simpler, easier way to build a solid wall
A single brick-width wall is easy to construct, but it is not as strong as a double-brick wall. You can modify this type of wall to meet your needs by alternating half-bricks and full-bricks. Half-bricks are the same length as two full-bricks, so you would use half-bricks for every other row. Then, every other row would start with a brick facing perpendicular to the wall. This will keep the joints staggered.
To build a two-foot-high wall, you need to dig a trench about the width of the wall and about a foot-deep. Make sure to make sure the trench drains well away from the wall. If water pools around the footer, it could cause the wall to collapse. Also, remember to leave enough space between the guide posts and the lip of the trench.
Adding steel posts to a concrete sleeper retaining wall
Before starting a project like adding steel posts to a concrete sleeper retaining wall, it is important to plan where you’ll be placing the posts. Then, order steel posts accordingly. The post depth will depend on the height of the retaining wall, so make sure to double that amount to ensure firm foundations. After ordering the steel posts, you’ll need to buy sleepers and tools.
You will also need to determine where you’re going to install the retaining wall, since sleepers vary in length by up to 10mm. Make sure to mark out these spaces well, otherwise the sleepers will have a hard time fitting into place. Make sure to mix a concrete pad when you are installing the steel posts, as this will make the process much easier. Once you’ve done this, you can begin installing the sleepers.
First, you need to prepare the area by clearing away trees, bushes, and other debris. Then, you need to level the ground so that the steel-uprights can be inserted. Use a mini-loader with an auger to dig holes for the posts. You can also use a backfill sand and cement mix to fill the holes. Then, pour concrete into the holes.
When building concrete sleeper retaining walls, it is important to choose a steel post option that provides a sturdy structure. Concrete sleeper walls can be as high as 2.4 metres high and can be reinforced with steel rods to create a more stable wall. Steel posts are great for larger projects, as they are able to withstand pressure and ground erosion much better than timber posts. Also, they’re easier to build and come in various designs, including C-sections and 45-degree types.
When choosing a steel post option for a retaining wall, it is important to remember that you don’t need a professional engineering certificate to construct a concrete sleeper retaining structure. However, this does require a thorough consultation with a retaining wall specialist. The cost of concrete sleeper retaining walls typically is shared by several neighbours, so make sure you get the right advice from the local authority.
About The Author
Pat Rowse is a thinker. He loves delving into Twitter to find the latest scholarly debates and then analyzing them from every possible perspective. He's an introvert who really enjoys spending time alone reading about history and influential people. Pat also has a deep love of the internet and all things digital; she considers himself an amateur internet maven. When he's not buried in a book or online, he can be found hardcore analyzing anything and everything that comes his way.