What is a kingpost retaining wall?

Author: Dr. Camryn Waelchi  |  Last update: Friday, March 27, 2026

King post walls are a simple and quick installation method. They comprise drilling a hole with a high powered, continuous flight auger (CFA) piling rig, filling it with concrete, then installing an H beam. This allows concrete pre-stressed panels or sleepers to be inserted between the webs of the H sections.

What are the three types of retaining walls?

Each type is designed to suit the specific needs of a project according to the site conditions. The four main types of retaining walls are gravity retaining walls, cantilever retaining walls, embedded retaining walls, and reinforced soil retaining walls.

What are the advantages of a king post?

Quick installation

One of the key benefits of king post walls is their fast installation since they are pre-cast. Aside from being cost-effective, this retaining wall is very versatile. It is the best option for challenging grounds, and they are silent and vibrationless.

When to use king post?

Despite their simple structure, Kingpost prefabricated trusses can be used for a variety of purposes. Their suitability to span up to 4 metres makes Kingpost trusses a favourite for use in the construction of small house extensions, garages, garden sheds and dormer windows.

What is the maximum height of a kingpost retaining wall?

King Post Infill Panels

They are reinforced with steel columns to provide maximum structural durability and stability. The panel sizes vary from 1-3m in length, 1-1.5 m in height, and 100-250mm (100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm) in thickness. The changes depend on the design and height of the king post wall.

Installation of a King Post Retaining Wall, Napier Park, Luton

How deep should a retaining wall post be in the ground?

The rule for retaining posts is generally half and half. If your retaining wall is 600mm you must dig a post hole of the same depth. However, the rule for fencing is 1/3 the height of the fence post. Therefore if the fence post height is 1400mm, the fence post hole must be at least 467mm.

What is a king post retaining wall?

King post walls are a simple and quick installation method. They comprise boring a hole with a continuous flight auger (CFA) piling rig, filling it with concrete, then installing an H beam. This allows concrete pre-stressed panels or sleepers to be inserted between the webs of the H sections.

What is another name for the king post?

The king post truss is also called a "Latin truss". In traditional timber framing, a crown post looks similar to a king post, but it is very different structurally: whereas the king post is in tension, usually supporting the tie beam as a truss, the crown post is supported by the tie beam and is in compression.

What is the maximum span of king post?

(iii) King Post Truss - Span length is in the range of 5 to 8 meters. (iv) Queen Post Truss - Span length is in between 8 to 12 meters. (v) Pratt Truss - Span length is in between 6 to 10 meters. (vi) Howe Truss - Span length is in between 6 to 30 meters.

What is the difference between king post and soldier pile?

King Post Walls, also known as Soldier Piles, are some of the oldest forms of retaining systems used in deep excavations. They have successfully been used since the late 18th Century in metropolitan cities like New York, Berlin, and London.

What are the cons of King Post Truss?

While there are several advantages to using a king post truss, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered: Limited span: King post trusses have a relatively limited span, so they may not be suitable for larger buildings or spaces requiring longer spans.

What is the disadvantage of having a king?

Con: no place in equal society

Critics of the monarchy argue that having a system of hereditary power at the top of the country's political, military and religious institutions perpetuates class divisions and inequality.

What are the disadvantages of post?

High Cost: Postal services can also be costly, especially if you need to send mail internationally. The cost of postage can add up quickly, making it an expensive option for some customers. Limited Services: Postal services are primarily limited to the delivery of letters and small packages.

What is the strongest retaining wall?

Poured concrete is the strongest and most durable choice for retaining walls. It may also be carved and formed to look like mortared stone depending on your taste.

What type of retaining wall lasts the longest?

Concrete and Boulder Walls

Standing at the pinnacle of durability, poured concrete walls and boulder walls boast the longest lifespan. Their robustness ensures they can endure the test of time, often lasting 50 years and beyond.

What is the easiest retaining wall to build?

For DIYers, it's easiest to use concrete retaining wall blocks that interlock. Interlocking blocks fit together and add extra security to the wall. For retaining wall ideas, visit your local store for inspiration. When the soil behind a retaining wall gets wet, it exerts much more pressure and weight against the wall.

What is the purpose of a king post?

Truss is basically a triangle or arch shapes frame used a majority in roof cover it. A king post is a central vertical post used in architectural or bridge designs, taking tension to support a beam below from a truss apex above.

How thick is a king post?

The King Post Truss is configurable in a range of sizes with typical spans between 16'-26' (4.9-7.9 m) and overall heights of 2'8”-13' (. 81-3.96 m). The thickness of wood trusses is commonly 1.5”, 3”, or 4.5” (3.8, 7.6, 11.4 cm).

What is the spacing of Kingpost?

King posts are isolated steel columns or beams that are installed along the line of the proposed retaining wall typically at centres between 1 and 3m. The space between the posts is filled, over the retained height, using a variety of different solutions but most commonly a precast concrete panel.

Why is it called king post?

King Post, means the higher authority. So, in any truss structure, crowned < top > vertical member is known as the king Post. Queen Post is the 2nd layered vertical member that joins with the king post by another horizontal member.

What is the angle of a king post truss?

A king post truss, or turkey track truss, is built with two principal rafters, a tie beam, a central vertical post, and two struts. The central vertical post is what gives the king post truss its triangle shape. For added support, one strut is placed at a 45° angle on each side.

What are wood purlins?

Purlin is a horizontal beam or bar used for structural support in structures, most often below the roof. Purlins are supported either by the building's rafters or its walls. These are most commonly used in metal buildings, but in wood-frame structures, these also replace closely packed rafters.

What is the most expensive retaining wall?

There are a few different factors that can influence retaining wall cost: Material. Common retaining wall materials include concrete blocks, natural stone, and timber. Each has its price range, with natural stone typically being the most expensive and timber the least.

How do you install a king post wall?

How to install a king post retaining wall
  1. Bore a vertical hole using a piling rig or auger.
  2. Pour wet concrete into the hole to secure the steel column.
  3. Insert the steel column and temporarily support it in a vertical position.
  4. Once the concrete has set, lower the wall panels into place.

How deep should retaining wall posts be buried?

The theory I work on is – half the height of the wall plus 100mm. For example if your wall is going to be 800mm high, the holes for your posts should be 500mm deep. Time now to concrete your posts into position. Sleeper retaining wall posts come in two varieties – steel galvanised H Beams or a vertical sleepers.

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