Concrete Sleeper
Retaining Wall

Concrete Sleeper Retaining Wall
A Step-By-Step Guide to Building a Retaining Wall with Concrete Sleepers
If you want to know how to build a sleeper retaining wall with steel posts, the following guide will help you build one. Building a retaining wall with sleepers is not difficult to install by yourself, but a few considerations need to be taken into account. The instructions may vary depending on the concrete sleeper retaining wall specifications and other factors such as the soil and the type of post you are using. Ensure that you’re aware of your local council regulations prior to beginning your build as there will be maximum heights you can build before a building permit and engineering is required.
- Prep the Site – Clear the site area of any shrubs, trees, bushes, or other obstructions. Then, layout only the bottom row of concrete sleepers and use a string to ensure everything is level. Leave about 200mm behind the wall where you’ll need to backfill.
- Dig the Holes – If you are using posts, install them right in the centre of each sleeper. Mark the positions clearly and then dig holes that are as deep as the height of the retaining wall to ensure it is strong.
- Set the Posts – Start with one hole at a time. Fill the hole with concrete and insert the steel post into it. Using the stringline and a level, make sure it is straight and level. Start with the corner posts first and work your way along, ensuring your spacing is kept even throughout by measuring as you go.
- Insert the Sleepers – Let the post holes concrete cure and set for a couple of days before you slide the concrete sleepers into position. If the ground is not level, you can place concrete pads between posts to ensure the sleepers are stacked evenly.
- Agi Pipe and Backfill – Place an Agi pipe at the base of the back of the retaining wall to allow the water to leave and backfill using a gravel designed for backfilling. Fill it only till the top of the bottom sleeper. Then, put a soil plug and again backfill with dirt.
- Enjoy! – Once the retaining wall has been backfilled and landscaped, you can enjoy a Form Concrete Sleepers Melbourne retaining wall that will look great for many years to come.
Use the above process to consider concrete sleeper retaining walls of different heights and even appearances. If you are handy and know your way around tools, you can build your retaining wall quickly without any problems.
FAQs on Building a Retaining Wall with Sleepers
Yes, building a concrete sleeper retaining wall is easy. But, check with your council about the regulations in your area. Do your research on what is needed to successfully build a retaining wall that is up to code.
An agi pipe, also known as agriculture pipe, is a PVC pipe that is placed into a trench behind the retaining wall structure and backfilled with gravel and soil. Its main purpose is to drain away water in the ground.
If the ground is a slope, start each wall at the lowest point and work your way up. Step each concrete sleeper up as you build into the slope. It is recommended to step up the base row rather than stepping it down.
All retaining walls above 1 meter need council approval. If the retaining wall is not built properly, it can pose a danger to people and the environment.