Retaining wall next to house foundation

Retaining walls are a versatile tool for geotechnical engineers, enabling construction on or along slopes and on sites with limited territory in towns and cities.

They show up in all types, shapes and sizes – from simple seriousness retaining walls to bored pile walls for basements and earth retaining walls using geogrids – to suit a wide range of venture needs, and site conditions.

This reference offers a comprehensive introduction to retaining walls. Along the way, we’ll take a closer glance at the different types of retaining walls available as successfully as how they work, the methods of reinforcement, and what to consider in retaining wall designs.

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What is a retaining wall?

A retaining wall is a wall that holds back earth or water on one side of it. Above ground, retaining walls are vertical, or near-vertical, structures designed to create level areas on sloping sites. 

Retaining walls systems are used in geotechnical engineering primarily to reinforce soil, increase its bearing capacity and increase the soil’s resistance to differential settlement.