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King Post

Key Benefits & Advantages


A cost-effective retaining wall solution, comparatively quick and easy to install

Virtually silent and vibrationless methods of installation can be deployed

Can be constructed in tight boundary conditions up against existing structures

Suitable in challenging ground conditions, including hard rock

Walls can be tied back using anchorage systems, enabling large retained heights to be supported

Suitable for the construction of acoustic fences

Cladding in a variety of finishes can be added to improve aesthetics

Ready for immediate handover for follow-on construction

King Post Walls offer a cost-effective retaining wall solution

King Post Walls are a type of retaining wall, made up of isolated vertical steel columns (or H Beams), into which infill panels are inserted over the retained height of the wall, horizontally between the webs of each H section.

King Post Walls offer a cost-effective earth retention system, and may be used for many different retention applications and heights in a variety of ground conditions. They are ideally suited to hard driving in difficult ground conditions, including rock, and can be used for various engineering applications, particularly industrial and commercial use, together with housing projects.

This type of retaining wall typically involves less excavation work, and the inherent slim width of King Post Walls means they may be installed right up to site boundaries, with no loss of space.

Quick and easy to install

Universal steel columns may be driven if ground conditions allow, otherwise holes can be bored, allowing king posts to be installed at pre-determined intervals, then horizontally in-filled using a choice of materials, including;

  • Pre-cast concrete – factory pre-stressed plain panels manufactured to a variety of sizes
  • Textured precast – with formed finish to meet the requirements of the client
  • Steel sheet piles – generally lighter than concrete panels and can be extracted for reuse
  • Timber – new wood or recycled timber can be used (such as railway sleepers)

Our powerful double rotary head piling rigs may be used to bore most soil and rock types.

Expert in-house design to Eurocode Standards

Our King Post Walls can be designed to Eurocode Standards by Ivor King’s in-house design team. Each design is bespoke to allow for various factors, such as site and soil conditions, the proposed retained height of the wall, and the requirements on the client.

Ivor King have considerable experience in the design and installation of King Post Walls; thus we are able to offer the complete package for any project requiring a solution of this nature.

Sheet Pile Hire & Sales Our dedicated hire and sales division is on hand to support all your temporary and permanent sheet pile needs

We are able to supply a wide variety of size, weight and grade of steel in both new mill certified piles and excellent quality used stock at competitive rates
piling solutions
King-Post-Gallery-02-1

What is a king post wall? caret-down

A king post wall is a retaining system formed from isolated vertical steel columns, usually universal H sections, installed at designed intervals. Horizontal infill panels are then placed between the webs of adjacent posts over the retained height. The posts provide the primary structural support while the infill retains the ground between them.

When is a king post wall a suitable solution? caret-down

King post walls can provide economical earth retention for industrial, commercial and housing projects across a range of retained heights and ground conditions. Their slim construction and relatively limited excavation can suit restricted sites, boundaries and locations close to existing structures. Suitability depends on the loads, ground, groundwater and surrounding assets.

What infill materials can be used between the king posts? caret-down

Options include plain or textured precast concrete panels, steel sheet piles and timber such as new or recycled sleepers. Steel infill may be lighter and can sometimes be extracted for reuse, while textured concrete or additional cladding can improve the finished appearance. The material is selected to suit the design and project requirements.

Can king post walls be installed close to a site boundary? caret-down

Yes, their slim width can allow installation close to boundaries or existing structures with minimal loss of usable space. The achievable position depends on the selected rig, post and infill dimensions, working access, buried services, neighbouring foundations and the temporary and permanent design requirements.

How are king posts installed in hard ground or rock? caret-down

Where ground conditions permit, steel columns may be driven. In difficult ground or rock, holes can instead be bored at predetermined centres before the posts are installed. Specialist double-rotary-head rigs can bore through many soil and rock types, but the final method is selected from the ground investigation and site constraints.

What information is needed to design a king post wall? caret-down

Useful information includes the retained height and levels, surcharges and structural loads, ground investigation and groundwater data, boundary and access constraints, nearby buildings and services, proposed infill and finishes, design life and programme. Our in-house team can develop a bespoke design to the applicable Eurocode requirements, including anchorage where needed.