Wall, Retaining

Definition

A Retaining Wall is a wall designed to resist the lateral pressures of retained soil.

Purpose

The purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil and prevent erosion, providing support for vertical or near-vertical changes in ground elevation. It is used to create level areas in sloped landscapes and to stabilize soil in various construction projects.

Examples of Use

• Landscaping: Retaining walls create terraces and prevent soil erosion in gardens and yards.
• Infrastructure: Used alongside roads and highways to stabilize slopes and prevent landslides.
• Building Construction: Retaining walls provide foundational support for buildings on sloped sites.

Related Terms

• Gravity Wall: A retaining wall that relies on its mass to resist the pressure from the retained soil.
• Cantilever Wall: A retaining wall that uses leverage to hold back soil, typically with a concrete or steel reinforcement.
• Retaining Wall Drainage: Systems designed to remove water from behind retaining walls to reduce pressure and prevent failure.

Notes

Retaining walls must be designed to handle the specific load and soil conditions of the site. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water pressure buildup, which can lead to wall failure.