Retaining Walls: Definition, Types, and Uses
A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back or support soil, preventing it from eroding or collapsing onto a lower area. These walls are commonly used in landscaping, road construction, and structural engineering to create level surfaces on sloped terrain.
Types of Retaining Walls
1. Gravity Retaining Walls
- Relies on its own weight to resist soil pressure.
- Made of concrete, stone, or bricks.
- Suitable for small to medium height applications.
2. Cantilever Retaining Walls
- Uses a reinforced concrete slab to resist soil pressure.
- Has a base slab and a vertical stem for added stability.
- Ideal for medium to high walls (up to 10m).
3. Counterfort Retaining Walls
- A variation of the cantilever wall with additional diagonal supports (counterforts).
- Used for taller walls to resist heavy soil loads.
4. Anchored Retaining Walls
- Supported by cables or rods driven deep into the soil.
- Suitable for high loads and limited space applications.
5. Gabion Retaining Walls
- Made of wire mesh cages filled with rocks.
- Provides drainage and flexibility, making it suitable for erosion control.
6. Sheet Pile Retaining Walls
- Constructed from steel, vinyl, or wood sheets driven into the ground.
- Used for soft soils and waterfront structures.
7. Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls
- Uses geogrids or geotextiles to reinforce the soil.
- Economical and flexible for large retaining structures.
Uses of Retaining Walls
- Slope stabilization to prevent landslides.
- Creating level ground for landscaping and construction.
- Preventing erosion near water bodies and roads.
- Supporting roadways on elevated or sloped terrain.
- Enhancing aesthetics in gardens and parks.