Retaining Wall

A constructed element whose purpose is to resist lateral movement of soil or rock by providing sufficient overturning, sliding and bearing resistance and by controlling earth pressures and groundwater effects behind the retained mass.

An engineered vertical or near‑vertical structure—constructed of concrete, masonry, reinforced soil, timber, gabion or anchored elements—designed to resist and safely transfer lateral earth pressures and surcharge loads from retained soil or other materials to foundations or anchors, while providing drainage and mitigating hydrostatic forces.