Panel boards on a wood retaining wall should be installed on which side of the posts?

Panel boards on a wood retaining wall should be installed on which side of the posts?

• A. On the center of the posts
• B. On the front of the posts
• C. On the back of the posts
• D. Diagonally across the posts

Answer: (C)

The panel boards should be on the side of the posts that faces the soil. This orientation puts the boards between the earth and the posts, so the lateral earth pressure pushes the boards against the posts and the load is transferred into the posts properly. If the boards were on the outward-facing side, the earth pressure would tend to push the boards away from the posts, increasing the risk of fasteners failing or the wall bowing. Placing the panels on the back (soil-facing) side provides a stable load path and helps the wall resist movement.

The panel boards should be on the side of the posts that faces the soil. This orientation puts the boards between the earth and the posts, so the lateral earth pressure pushes the boards against the posts and the load is transferred into the posts properly. If the boards were on the outward-facing side, the earth pressure would tend to push the boards away from the posts, increasing the risk of fasteners failing or the wall bowing. Placing the panels on the back (soil-facing) side provides a stable load path and helps the wall resist movement.