AU2017200508B2 - Apparatus for aligning posts of a retaining wall - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus for aligning and positioning posts for receiving planking members for a retaining wall, each post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web being provided with at least two apertures spaced-apart by the width of the planking member, the apparatus having spacing structure being held above the ground by support structure, the spacing structure being configured to hold a pair of posts upright in parallel alignment spaced-apart by the length of the planking member, each end portion of the spacing structure being engageable to at least one aperture of a respective post such that the posts hang therefrom with a lower end projecting downwardly into corresponding post holes thereby supporting the posts for fixing the lower ends of the posts into the post holes, the aperture of each post to which the end portion of the spacing structure is engaged being selectable so as to permit adjustment of the height of the posts relative to the ground and wherein the end portions of the spacing structure are disengageable from the apertures once the posts have been fixed in the post holes thereby forming a pair of parallel spaced-apart posts. 218 30 047 z30 3 30 3822 47 38 44 52 5 / 42 441 1050 FiFig4

Description

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APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING POSTS OF A RETAINING WALL

and positioning posts for

[00011 The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning relates to a receiving planking members for a retaining wall. The present invention also and to a retaining wall having at least two posts positioned and aligned by such an apparatus post for use with the same apparatus.

[0002] Some types of retaining walls or fences are constructed from sleepers that can be received by the flanges of upright steel posts having an 'I' or 'H' cross-sectional profile.

[00031 A typical method of constructing such retaining walls comprises positioning the posts in individual foundation holes at a distance apart which approximately corresponds to the length of a sleeper, individually clamping each post and aligning them to a plumb line set up along the posts. Each post is then fixed by pouring concrete into the foundation holes. Some posts can weigh up to 40 to 50 kg making physical manipulation of the posts difficult. time-consuming and labour-intensive.

[0004] The posts can be displaced as the concrete sets so constant attention is required to re-position the posts to the correct alignment until the posts are fixed. If the posts sink too far into the holes it can be difficult to raise them to the correct height. Due to such difficulties, the lower ends of the posts often touch the bottom of the foundation holes leading to early corrosion and which can be contrary to requirements set for clearances between the lower ends of the posts and the bottom of the foundation holes. If the posts have been set too high in the foundation holes or if the lowermost sleeper has been incorrectly placed, the excess at the tops of the posts above the applied sleepers must be removed. This can remove part of the coating protection of the post leaving the post prone to further corrosion.

[0005] The process is more complex when aligningaseriesofequidistantlyspaced-apart posts on a flat surface and even more so on an inclined surface.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for aligning and positioning posts for receiving planking members for a retaining wall, each post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web being provided with at least two apertures spaced-apart by the width of the planking member, the apparatus having spacing structure being held above the ground by support structure, the spacing

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structure being configured to hold a pair of posts upright in parallel alignment spaced-apart by the length of the planking member, each end portion of the spacing structure being engageable end to at least one aperture of a respective post such that the posts hang therefrom with a lower projecting downwardly into corresponding post holes thereby supporting the posts for fixing the lower ends of the posts into the post holes, the aperture of each post to which the end of the portion of the spacing structure is engaged being selectable so as to permit adjustment height of the posts relative to the ground and wherein the end portions of the spacing structure are disengageable from the apertures once the posts have been fixed in the post holes thereby forming a pair of parallel spaced-apart posts.

[0007] Preferably, at least one post has a series of apertures, the apertures spaced-apart by the width of the planking member. A series can be three or more apertures. At least one end portion can be defined as a bracket, which is engageable to two apertures of the posts. The two apertures can be adjacent to each other.

[0008] The spacing structure is extendable to allow the distance between the end portions to be adjusted to accommodate planking members of differing lengths.

[0009] The support structure can have two support members. The support members can be fixed to the support structure. Alternatively, the support structure can have at least two support members arrangeable at spaced-apart locations along the spacing structure. Preferably, each support member is extendable so as to allow adjustment of the height of the spacing structure relative to the ground. More preferably, at least one support member has a leg extending from the support member to the ground, the leg being extendable in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the support member. The leg can be rotatably connected to the support member thereby allowing angular variation of the leg with an axis of the support member.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retaining wall having at least two posts positioned and aligned by the apparatus as described above, the two posts having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web having at least two apertures spaced-apart by the width of a planking member, the posts being fixed into the corresponding post holes, and wherein the planking members are received between the

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of the flanges of the posts thereby forming a retaining wall and wherein a lowermost one planking members is supported by means engaged to a selected aperture in each post.

[0011] The means and flanges of the posts can define channels, the length of which is an integer multiple of the width of a planking member. The means can be defined as a support bracket. Preferably, when the planking members are received in the channels, a surface of the uppermost planking member is flush with the top surface of at least one post.

[0012] At least one post can have a cap, the cap being releasably attachable to the top portion of the post. Preferably, the cap has a pair of flanges extending from a base, the flanges being arranged to receive the web of a post, at least one flange having an inwardly directed protrusion configured to be received by either end of a corresponding aperture provided on the web when the base is positioned to abut the top of the post thereby retaining the cap on the post.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post for use with the apparatus as described above or when used in a retaining wall as described above, the post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web having at least two apertures. Preferably, the at least two apertures are spaced-apart by the width of a planking member.

[0014] One of the at least one pair of flanges can project further from the web than the other.

[0015] A post can have means engageable with an aperture of the post to support an end of a planking member and wherein the means and flanges of the post define a channel, the length of which is an integer multiple of the width of a planking member. The means can be defined as a support bracket. The web can have at least one rib extending longitudinally along the length of the web. Preferably, the web has two said ribs spaced-apart in parallel fornmation, the apertures being arranged therebetween.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post for a retaining wall for receiving planking members of the retaining wall, the post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web having at least one rib extending longitudinally along the length of the web.

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[0017] The web can have two such ribs in parallel formation, the apertures arranged from the web therebetween. Preferably, one of the at least one pair of flanges projects further than the other.

[0018] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a retaining wall according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figures 2a and 2b show perspective and cross-sectional views of a post for use in the retaining wall of Figure 1;

[00211 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for aligning and positioning posts of Figure 2 for receiving planking members for the retaining wall as shown in Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of an end portion of a spacing structure as applied to the post of Figure 2a;

[0023] Figure 5 shows a front view of the apparatus of Figure 3 aligning and positioning two posts of Figure 2a on level ground;

[0024] Figure 6 shows a front view of the apparatus of Figure 3 aligning and positioning two posts of Figure 2a on inclined ground;

[0025] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a post aligned by the apparatus of Figure 3 with planking members held by a support bracket;

[0026] Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of the support bracket of Figure 7;

[0027] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a cap applied to the top of a post;

[0028] Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the cap and post of Figure 9;

[0029] Figures 11 to 13 show front, rear and side views of the cap of Figures 9 and 10; and

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of the end

[0030] Figures 14 and 15 show perspective views of alternative embodiments portion of the apparatus as shown in Figure 3.

3 to 6 show

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figures views of an apparatus 6 for aligning and positioning posts 4, 5 for receiving planking members 8 for a retaining wall 2 as shown in Figure 1.

[00321 Each post 4, 5 as shown in Figures 1 to 2b, has at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges 10, 11 bridged by a web 12, the flanges 10, 11 arranged to receive the planking members 8 of the retaining wall 2. The post 5 has a single pair of flanges 10, 11 which is used to hold a single set of planking members 8. Such a post 5 is commonly known as an end post as they typically define the end of the retaining wall 2. The post 4 has two pairs of flanges 10, 11 which is used to retain planking members 8 on either side of the web 12. The flanges 10, 11 are typically set apart 10 mm greater than the expected breadth of the planking member 8 to allow the flanges 10, 11 to easily receive the planking members 8 even if the planking members 8, such as those made of wood, are of uneven shape or are slightly warped. Typically, the planking members 8 can have a breadth of 50 to 100 mm although planking members 8 having a breadth of 75 mm are in common use.

[0033] The posts 4, 5 have a series of apertures 14, spaced by the width of the planking member 8. The width of the planking members 8 can range from 150 to 300 mm, depending on engineering specifications, but typically the planking members 8 have a width of 200 mm. At approximately 30 mm from either or each end of the post is an aperture 16, which can be used to hang the posts 4, 5 for hot dip galvanizing and alternatively to retain a cap 18, which will be described further in Figures 9 to 13.

[0034] The web 12 of the posts 4, 5 can have a pair of strengthening ribs 20, each rib 20 extending longitudinally along the length of the web 12. The length of the posts 4, 5 range from 1 m to 2.5 m, but typical lengths can be about 1.5 m, 1.8 m, 2.0 m, 2.1 in and 2.4 m. In an alternative embodiment, a single rib 20 could be used along the web 12, however, the applicant considers that two said ribs, arranged parallel about a central axis of the web 12, allows the apertures 14, 16 to be arranged neatly therebetween and are also aesthetically pleasing. The at least one strengthening rib 20 allows a reduction in the thickness of the web 12 yet provides the strength required for the retaining wall 12. This reduces the amount of

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cost of metal used in producing the posts 4, 5 resulting in cost reductions, including the 4, 5 easier to galvanisation. The weight of the posts 4, 5 is also reduced making the posts manipulate manually.

[00351 The greatest forces on the retaining wall 2 are on the outwardly-facing flanges 11, i.e. the flanges 11 facing away from the retained earth 9. Therefore, as the inwardly-facing flanges 10 do not carry as much of the load of the posts 4, 5, these flanges 10 do not need to extend as far from the web 12 without compromising the strength of the posts 4, 5. The ratio of the projections of the inwardly-facing 10 and outwardly-flanges 11 can be about 8:10, such that, for example in Figure 2b, the inwardly facing flanges 10 extend about 30 mm from the web 12 while outwardly-facing flanges 11 extend about 40 mm beyond the web 12. In an alternative embodiment, the outwardly-facing flanges I Ican have at least one strengthening rib (not shown) which can allow reduction of the thickness of the outwardly-facing flanges 11, if necessary. Reducing the amount that the inwardly-facing flanges 10 extend from the web and/or the thickness of such flanges 10, 11 reduces the amount of steel used so that the posts 4, 5 can be produced more cheaply, can weigh less and cost less to galvanise.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 6 for aligning and positioning posts 4, 5, while Figures 5 and 6 show example uses of the apparatus 6 on level and inclined ground, respectively. Specifically, the apparatus 6 has a spacing structure 22 having a pair of telescopic halves, one half 24 being defined by a sleeve 24 into which the second half 26 is extendible or retractable into the sleeve 24 to allow adjustment of the length of the spacing structure 22. The halves 24, 26 are securable by a pin and aperture combination 28, or alternatively by a screw assembly (not shown). However, any type of fastening arrangement could be used to fix the halves 24, 26 when the spacing structure 22 is at a desired length, such as the length of the planking member 8.

[0037] The spacing structure 22 is held above the ground by a support structure 30, the support structure 30 having a pair of support members 32 arranged at spaced-apart locations along the spacing structure 22. Each support member 32 has three sections 34, 36, 38. Each central section 34 is attached to one of the telescopic halves 24, 26 of the spacing structure 22. Alternatively, each central section 34 can be movably attachable to the support structure 30, so as to be able to arrange the support members 32 at spaced-apart locations along the spacing structure 22.

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[0038] The central section 34 is defined by a upright sleeve 34, the sleeve 34 having ends 36 is into which top and bottom sections 36,38 are insertable. In particular, the bottom section of the extendable or retractable into the central section 34 to allow adjustment of the height 38 can be fixed spacing structure 22 relative to the ground. The top and bottom sections 36, 40 together to the central section 34, respectively, by separate pin and aperture combinations The (the pin and aperture combination for bottom and central sections 34, 36 is not shown). bottom section 36 can include a base 42 with holes 44, into which pins (not shown) can be received to anchor the base 42 to the ground.

[0039] To hold the support members 32 in a vertical direction, each top section 38 has a leg 46 which extends in a plane perpendicular to an axis of a support member 32. The top section 38 is extendible or retractable into the top end of the sleeve 34 to allow adjustment of the height of one end of the leg 46 relative to the ground. The leg 46 is rotatably connected to the top section 38 by a swivel connection 47, as shown in Figure 3, which allows angular displacement of the leg 46 with respect to the support member 32. The length of the leg 46 is also adjustable, so as to adapt to the varying height of the top section 38 to the ground. As an example, the leg 46 can be a turnbuckle 46 where threaded rods can be manipulated to adjust the length of the leg 46 as needed. Each leg 46 includes a base 48 with holes 50 for receiving pins (not shown) to anchor the bases 48 into the ground thereby stabilising the apparatus 6 in the vertical direction.

[0040] The spacing structure 22 has opposing end portions 52 that are engageable to at least one aperture 14 of a pair of posts 4, as shown in Figure 3. As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the end portions 52 have brackets 54 that have holes 55 that can align to at least one aperture 14 of the posts 4. A bolt and nut combination 56 can be used to secure the holes of the brackets 54 and posts 4 together. The brackets 54 extend perpendicularly on either side of each end portion 52 of the spacing structure 22 and have supports 58 on either side of the bracket 54 in the form ofright-handed triangles 58. As shown in Figures 4 and 5. when the brackets 54 are thus engaged to the posts 4, the spacing structure 22 is perpendicular to the posts 4 and the pair of posts 4 is therefore in parallel alignment.

[00411 When the end portions 52 of the spacing structure 22 are so engaged to the posts 4, the posts 4 hang from the end portions 52 with the lower ends 60 in corresponding post holes 62 in the ground. Thus, the apparatus 6 can easily align and position a pair of posts 4 i sNlemoN RPCrhlBDC SAF2M3, _do-2 01I2)I017

8. The height of upright in parallel alignment spaced-apart by the length of planking member the apparatus 6, via the adjustment of bottom section 36 relative to the central section 34, is 60 easily adjustable to ensure a clearance (typically 50 mm to 75 mm) between the lower ends and the bottom of the post holes 62 as required by engineering specifications.

[0042} As each post 4 is provided with a series of apertures 4 spaced-apart by the width of a planking member 8, the apertures 14 to which the end portions 52 are engaged can be selected to adjust the heights of the posts 4 both relative to the ground and relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 5, ifthe posts 4 are to be aligned and positioned along level ground, the brackets 54 at the end portions 52 of the spacing structure 22 can be engaged with apertures 14 at the same location on the posts 4 so the posts 4 are at the same height relative to the ground. Alternatively, asshown in Figure 6, the brackets 54at the end portions 52tofthe spacing structure 22are engaged to apertures 14 at different locations onthe posts 4, the pair of posts 4 can be staggered in height relative to each other such that the heights of the posts 4 differ by an integer multiple of a width of a planking member 8, as shown in Figure 6.

[0043] The post holes 62, once the apparatus 6 has positioned and aligned the posts 4, can be filled with a fixing material 64, such as concrete. The apparatus 6 effectively holds the posts 4 stably in accurate alignment, preventing the posts 4 from sinking into the fixing material 64 or otherwise becoming misaligned. Thus, little or no physical manipulation of the posts 4 is required while the fixing material 64 cures and hardens. Once fixed, the apparatus 6 can be disengaged from the posts 4 by undoing the bolt and nut combinations 56, and detaching the spacing structure 22 from the posts 4 thereby providing a fixed pair of posts 4 in parallel alignment.

[0044] In an example use of an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 6 is used to align and position posts 4 for a retaining wall 2 along level ground. As shown in Figure 4, a pair of posts 4 can be provided and the lower ends 60 inserted into corresponding post holes 62 that have been previously evacuated. An apparatus 6 as described above in Figure 3 can be positioned between the posts 4. The telescopic halves 24, 26 can be manipulated so that the length of the spacing structure 22 corresponds to the length of the planking members 8 to be used in the retaining wall 2.

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can be

[0045] Next, the brackets 54 at the end portions 52 of the spacing structure 22 14 at the bolted to at least one, preferably two apertures 14 of each post 4. The two apertures same location on each post 4 can be selected to engage with the end portions 52 of the spacing in structure so that the height of the posts 4 relative to the ground is the same, as shown that the lower Figure 5. The height of the spacing structure 22 can then be adjusted such ends 60 of the posts 4 project downwardly into the post holes 62 with a clearance between the lower ends 60 and the bottom of the post holes 62 as required by engineering specifications.

[0046] By adjusting the angular displacement and length of the legs 46, the posts 4 can be aligned upright, perpendicular to the ground or at an angle (between 0° and 20) to the vertical according to the engineering specifications. The horizontal and vertical alignment of the apparatus 6 and the posts 4 can be then checked by using a spirit level

[0047] To align a series of three or more equidistantly spaced-apart posts in parallel alignment, similar steps can be followed as described above to position successive posts 4' with further apparatus 6' on either side of the pair of posts 4, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0048] After the posts 4, 4'have been positioned and aligned and the apparatuses 6, 6' are detached from the posts 4,4', means in the forn of support brackets 66 can be used to support the lowermost planking member 8" between the flanges 10, 11 between any two posts 4 of the retaining wall 2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Each support bracket 66 is positioned such that the support bracket 66 is engageable with any aperture 14 of the post 4, the aperture 14 of the post being chosen so as to select the number of planking members to be used in the wall 2. The support bracket 66 and flanges 10, 11 define channels 68, each channel 68 having a length that is an integer multiple of the width of the planking members 8. When the planking members 8 are received between the channels 68, the combined width of the planking members 8 received thereby fit exactly within the channels 68, such that the top surface ofthe uppermost planking member 8'is flush with the top of the post 4, as shown in Figures I and 7. This removes the need to cut off the excess of the top of the posts 4 which could protrude beyond the top surface of the uppermost planking member 8'.

[0049] Although only two planking members 8', 8" are shown for illustration in Figure 7, it can be understood by those in the art that a support bracket 66 can be so engaged with any aperture 14 in the posts 4, 5 so as to accommodate any appropriate number of planking

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with six members 8, 8', 8" so as to form a retaining wall 2, an example of which is shown planking members in Figure 1.

for

[00501 In a further example use of the embodiment of the present invention positioning and aligning posts 4, 5 for a retaining wall 2 on an inclined surface, similar steps can be utilized as described above. However, in this example, when the brackets 54 at the end portions 52 of the spacing structure 22 are engaged with the apertures 14 of the post 4, the apertures 14 on each post 4 can be selected so as to select the height of the posts 4 to differ by an integer multiple of the width of a planking member 8 so as to accommodate the incline of the ground.

[0051] In Figures 9 to 12, there are views of a cap 70 for covering a top of the post 4 of the retaining wall 2. The cap 70 has a pair of parallel flanges 72, 74 projecting from a base 76. The flanges 72, 74 are able to receive the web 12 of the post 4 when the base 76 is positioned on the top surface of the post 4. One flange 72 has an inwardly-directed protrusion 78 configured to be loosely received by either end of the corresponding aperture 16. The cap 70 is then removable from the post 4, if necessary, for maintenance, repair or deconstruction. The flange 72 can have a width that is about the distance between the strengthening ribs 20, as shown in Figure 10.

[0052] Figures 14 and 15 show alternative embodiments of the end portions 80, 82 of the spacing structure 22, where each end portion 52 has an arm 84, 86 extending therefrom at an angle to an axis of the spacing structure 22. Engagement of the arms 84, 86 to the apertures 14 ensure that the spacing structure 22 and posts 4 are arranged perpendicular to each other, so that the pair of posts 4 are arranged to be parallel. Figure 14 shows that the arm 84 and end portion 80 are engaged to adjacent apertures 14 while Figure 15 shows that the arm 86 and end portion 82 are engaged to apertures 14 that are spaced apart by the width of two planking members 8.

[0053] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described

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refers to exemplary embodiments. For example, it can be understood that while the description and a retaining wall, that the description can as easily relate to a fence having such aligned fasten the end positioned posts. Further, any fastening arrangements, such as those used to the portions of the portions of the apparatus to apertures of the post or those which connect spacing structure or support structure, can be substituted with any fastening arrangements known to those skilled in the art.

[0054] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0055] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (15)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for aligning and positioning posts for receiving planking members for a retaining wall, each post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web being provided with at least two apertures spaced-apart by the width of the planking member, the apparatus having spacing structure being held above the ground by support structure, the spacing structure being configured to hold a pair of posts upright in parallel alignment spaced-apart by the length of the planking member, each end portion of the spacing structure being engageable to at least one aperture of a respective post such that the posts hang therefrom with a lower end projecting downwardly into corresponding post holes thereby supporting the posts for fixing the lower ends of the posts into the post holes, the aperture of each post to which the end portion of the spacing structure is engaged being selectable so as to permit adjustment of the height of the posts relative to the ground and wherein the end portions of the spacing structure are disengageable from the apertures once the posts have been fixed in the post holes thereby forming a pair of parallel spaced-apart posts.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post has a series of apertures, the apertures spaced-apart by the width of the planking member.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end portions of the spacing structure are engageable to two apertures of each post.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing structure is extendable to allow the distance between the end portions to be adjusted to accommodate planking members of differing lengths.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each support member is extendable so as to allow adjustment of the height of the spacing structure relative to the ground.

6. A retaining wall having at least two posts positioned and aligned by the apparatus according to any one of preceding claims, the two posts having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web having at least two apertures spaced-apart by the width of a planking member, the posts being fixed into the corresponding post holes, and wherein the planking members are received between the flanges of the posts thereby forming a retaining wall and wherein a lowermost one of the planking members is supported by means engaged to a selected aperture in each post.

7. A retaining wall according to claim 6, wherein the means and flanges of the posts define channels having a length from the lowermost aperture to the top which is substantially an integer multiple of the width of a planking member.

8. A retaining wall according to claim 7, wherein, when the planking members are received in the channels, a surface of the uppermost planking member is flush with the top surface of the post(s).

9. A retaining wall according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one post has a cap, the cap being releasably attachable to the top portion of the post(s).

10. A post for a retaining wall when used in a retaining wall according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the post having at least a pair of spaced-apart flanges bridged by a web, the web having at least two apertures.

11. A post according to claim 10, wherein the apertures are spaced-apart by the width of a planking member.

12. A post according to claim 10 or 11, wherein one of at least one pair of flanges projects further from the web than the other.

13. A post according to any one of claims 10 to 12, having means engageable with an aperture of the post to support a planking member and wherein the means and flanges of the post define a channel having a length from the lowermost aperture to the top which is substantially an integer multiple of the width of a planking member.

14. A post according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the web having at least one rib extending longitudinally along the length of the web.

15. A post according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the web has two ribs spaced-apart in parallel formation, the apertures being arranged centrally therebetween.