What is a Retaining Wall?

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.

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:

• Hillside farming
• Landscaping
• Roadway overpasses
• Railways
• Basements
• Underground car parks

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.

• Prevent Soil Erosion – On sloped land, water runoff can quickly wash away topsoil, leading to the destabilisation of the ground and loss of plant life. Retaining walls help to hold the soil in place, providing stability and protecting the landscape from erosion caused by wind, rain or gravity.
• Increase Usable Land – Retaining walls increase the amount of flat, usable land in areas that were once sloped and unworkable. Terracing a hilly site makes room for functional outdoor spaces that would otherwise be impractical or impossible to use.
• Improve Water Drainage – Retaining walls can be designed to manage and direct water flow, preventing water accumulation or pooling in certain areas. Proper drainage systems can be built into the wall to channel water safely away from the retained soil, reducing the risk of erosion, flooding or water damage on the site.
• Protect Buildings and Infrastructure – For homes or structures built on or near slopes, retaining walls act as a safeguard, preventing the collapse of soil and debris that could damage buildings, roads or other nearby infrastructure. This is particularly important in areas prone to landslides or heavy rainfall.
• Increase Property Value – Retaining walls not only serves a functional purpose but can also boost the value of a property. By maximising the usability of outdoor space and providing structural protection from erosion, they can make a residential or commercial property more attractive to buyers.
• Low Maintenance – Many types of retaining walls, especially those made from durable materials like stone or concrete, require little to no maintenance once installed. These walls are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and the natural movement of soil, making them a long-lasting solution for stabilising land.