A retaining wall is a steep vertical or near-vertical structure designed to retain soil to a slope, preventing it from collapsing or slipping. [1]
The primary purpose of retaining walls is to prevent soil erosion and maintain the stability of slopes. Slope stabilisation can be a crucial aspect of a project, especially when dealing with uneven terrain. For instance, retaining walls is essential in civil engineering and construction projects where a significant elevation difference must be managed between two adjacent areas of land. They help create usable, flat areas on terrains that would otherwise be too steep or unstable.
To ensure stability, retaining walls work by resisting the lateral earth pressure. This term refers to the horizontal pressure that the soil exerts against the wall. As the wall holds back the soil, the weight of the soil pushes against it. The weight varies based on how much soil is behind the wall, the angle of the slope and the type of soil. Retaining walls are often designed to either counteract this lateral pressure by using their own weight, incorporate drainage systems to reduce hydrostatic pressure, or use reinforcement methods to help control the force applied by the soil.
Engineers must analyse the lateral earth pressure amongst other factors when designing and constructing a retaining wall. If the wall is not built to adequately withstand these lateral forces, the structure can fail, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.
Retaining walls are used to bind soils between two different elevations, often in areas of terrain possessing undesirable slopes or in areas where the landscape needs to be shaped severely and engineered for various applications. [2] Some areas where retaining walls are used include:
There are many different types of retaining walls, each designed for specific functions and soil conditions. Some of the most common types of retaining walls include [3]:
Retaining walls offer a variety of practical and aesthetic benefits, making them a valuable addition to both residential and commercial landscapes. Below are ten key benefits of using retaining walls.
Sources