Retaining walls rely on strong structural support to be able to withstand the lateral pressure exerted by the soil that they are holding back. Because of this, the materials that you choose to use in your retaining wall construction are crucial and play an important role in ensuring the wall’s strength, durability and ability to withstand the pressure. Using materials that aren’t suitable can result in disastrous consequences, such as bending or warping of the wall under pressure or even the wall collapsing. In this post, we take a closer look at whether universal columns are suitable for use in retaining wall construction
What are Steel Universal Columns?
Steel universal columns (UCs) are steel sections that have the defining characteristic of equal flange and web dimensions. This gives them a squarish profile when viewed from a cross-section. This symmetrical shape makes UCs ideal for load-bearing applications as it helps to spread out the load and ensure that the load is evenly distributed across the section.
Are Steel Universal Columns Suitable for Retaining Wall Construction?
Steel UCs can indeed be used for retaining wall construction due to their structural strength and excellent load-bearing capacity. Some of the features of UCs that make them ideal for retaining walls include:
- Resistance to Buckling: The symmetrical design of UCs makes them less likely to twist or bend under heavy loads, which can be an issue faced by other steel sections. This means that UCs are resistant to buckling and deformation, preventing structural failure and costly repairs when you use them in your retaining wall.
- Compatibility with Other Building Materials: Steel UCs can be easily connected with other steel sections through welding and bolting. They can also easily integrate with the other components of a retaining wall, such as concrete foundations, sleepers and support elements. This enables you to create strong, multi-material retaining walls that are tailored to the specific requirements of your site.
- Durability and Corrosion Resistance: When properly treated with protective coatings like galvanisation or paint, UCs can resist rust and corrosion even in harsh outdoor environments. This makes them ideal for retaining walls since retaining walls are often exposed to moisture and soil chemicals. Proper corrosion resistance can thus extend the lifespan of your retaining wall and reduce ongoing maintenance costs that can add up in the long term.
Get Your Retaining Wall Steel from RW Steel
RW Steel is the leading supplier of retaining wall steel in Melbourne, and we offer a wide selection of steel sections that are suitable for retaining wall construction, including universal columns in specifications ranging from 150UC30.00 and 150UC37 to 250UC72.90. We also offer cutting services at no additional cost to ensure that all the steel you get from us is tailored specifically to the needs of your project. Get a free quote from our website or contact us today to find out how we can help with all of your steel needs!
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