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How to build a retaining wall?

Hello brains trust,

First time poster, long time lurker. I will be installing a timber retaining wall around my pool area, and then installing a glass pool fence on top of it. I intend to use 200 x 100 mm hardwood sleepers for both the posts and rails. The retaining wall will only be two rails high, with a 200 x 50 mm hardwood sleeper to cap it off. This will make the total height of the wall 450 mm's high.

The post holes will be 600 mm deep, and be placed every 1200mm.

I have two questions.

1. Which cement to use in the holes? Obviously I need a strong wall to hold the weight of a glass fence. Should I use one or two bags of cement per hole? And is there a brand or strength of cement you would recommend?

2. Would the 200 x 50 hardwood sleeper cap be thick enough to hold the weight of a pool fence without warping, or would I be better off not using it at all and placing the fence directly on the rails?

The photo is not my fence, but is the style I am hoping to achieve.

Thanks

Darrin

Not my fence, but is the look I am going for.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Darrinph

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about building a retaining wall.

That sounds like a very interesting project to be building. However, there are a number of safety issues to be addressed before you begin. Your glass pool panel will be mounted on top of the retaining wall which will be applying a fair bit of dynamic force on the foundation. In this particular instance, I suggest engaging the services of a drafts person or engineer so that they can provide you with the calculation on how large and deep the foundation post hole should be. How deep does the retaining wall post need to go and how many bags of concrete will you need to support the overall weight of the retaining wall and the glass fence. This will also include wind and weather loads on the surface of the glass.

Will the 200x100 hardwood sleepers be enough to anchor onto? Will capping the retaining wall with 200x50 be safe enough? How large and deep do the anchoring screws need to be in order to hold weight of the glass panel and the forces that will be affecting them? These are some of the questions the engineer will have to answer for you in order to safely install your glass pool fence along with your retaining wall.

Before you begin, I propose drawing up a basic plan on what you want to happen and how you want the retaining wall to look. I then suggest engaging the services of a draftsperson or engineer and show them your plan. You can then ask them for a quote on how much a proper plan will cost. Should you proceed with your plan, I also recommend checking out the rules and regulations of your local council in regards to glass pool fencing.

Your plan of building a retaining wall to hold your glass pool panel fencing is a creative idea. But it's best to look at all the structural requirements of your build before you begin your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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