Concrete sleeper retaining walls
Reinforced concrete sleepers slotted between galvanised steel posts set in concrete. The result has the look of a timber wall with none of the rot, and it goes up fast. We install sleeper walls for residential boundaries, commercial lots and civil batters, working with the Concrib range among others.
Where it fits
- Property boundaries and side setbacks
- Driveways and car parks
- Level changes on commercial lots
- Long straight runs at low to medium height
- Walls that must be built fast
- Sites where a timber look is wanted without timber
Posts and sleepers
Galvanised steel posts are set in concrete footings at the engineer's spacing. Reinforced concrete sleepers, plain or with a timber-grain face, are then dropped between the post flanges course by course. Corners, steps and returns are formed with corner posts. A sealed finish is available on the sleepers for extra resistance to weathering.
Drainage and backfill
A sleeper wall is a rigid panel wall, so drainage behind it matters more than it does on an open-faced crib. We place a drainage layer and subsoil pipe behind the sleepers before backfilling, so water never builds up against the wall.
Where it makes sense
At low to medium heights on straight or lightly stepped runs, a sleeper wall is often the most economical finished wall available. It is quick to install, needs little space behind it and looks intentional from day one. For tall walls, heavy surcharges or reactive ground we will usually recommend one of our block or crib systems instead.
