The retaining walls These structures are frequently used in the fields of civil engineering, building construction, and urban infrastructure. Their primary function, as their name suggests, is to withstand and contain the pressure exerted by soil or other materials, particularly on steep slopes or where the terrain needs to be modified.
In this article, we’ll show you the main types of retaining walls, their applications, advantages, and which one might be the most cost-effective and efficient solution based on the site conditions and the project’s objectives.
Types of Retaining Walls, Characteristics, and Uses
The Types of Retaining Walls and their design must take into account a number of aesthetic, structural, and functional aspects to prevent them from becoming a hazard or collapsing. The advanced planning and the precise choice will result in stable structures to prevent soil masses from collapsing and to support water-filled embankments or mining waste.
What is a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a structural element which is designed for contain generally land or a portion of land and provide lateral support on vertical or semi-vertical soil slopes. These walls are commonly used in areas with steep gradients, for slope stabilization, grade-leveling, access ramps, basements, roads, overpasses, and perimeter walls.
In addition to providing stability to the ground, they serve both a structural and functional purpose, allowing for the creation of usable space and facilitating access or construction work on uneven terrain. An essential aspect of their design is the drainage system, since water accumulation can dangerously increase the thrust on the structure.
Types of Retaining Walls
There are Different classifications of retaining walls, The most common types and their characteristics are listed below:
Gravity walls
This type of wall remains stable due to its own weight. It is generally built using in-situ concrete, stone, or concrete blocks designed for retaining walls. They are typically used for low-rise structures and on sites where the earth pressure is not excessive.
They are mostly made of concrete, cyclopean concrete or stone concrete, without reinforcement. They are economical and functional for heights under 3.5 m.
These walls can also be classified as follows:
- Retaining walls from birth, made from individual interconnected boxes.
- Retaining walls made of gabions, made from metal cages filled with stones and arranged by hand.
Cantilevered walls
They are constructed of reinforced concrete—whether precast or prestressed—with a T- or L-shaped profile and connected to the foundation. To ensure stability, they use part of the weight of the backfill (from the concrete slab base).
Walls with buttresses
It is a variation of the cantilever wall, but with sloped or vertical reinforcements on the back called buttresses. These help reduce the amount of concrete used and the stress on the wall.
They are used for retaining walls of great length and considerable height (8–10 meters or more), where cantilever walls would be too bulky or costly.
Anchored retaining walls
Used in confined spaces, when a thin retaining wall is needed, or for loose soil over rock. The following materials are used in their construction: rods that extend to the sides of the foundation and are then filled with concrete to form the anchor.
Suitable for high-load applications and steep slopes where a more slender solution is required.
Stacked Retaining Walls
They are used piles made of reinforced concrete and placed side by side at a depth sufficient to counteract the force of the earth.
They can maintain the lateral pressure at excavation depths without significantly affecting the surrounding environment.
Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls
They are the most usual and economical, since they are supported by granular fill and held together by reinforcements such as plastic mesh or metal strips.
In addition to these main types, there are also variations and combinations, as well as precast retaining walls or those designed for specific site conditions (semi-gravity walls, lattice walls, etc.). The choice of retaining wall type will depend on factors such as the wall’s height, soil type, the loads it must bear, drainage conditions, available space, and economic and aesthetic considerations.
What type of retaining wall should you choose?
Selecting the most appropriate type of retaining wall will depend on certain factors, such as:
- Terrain Conditions: slope, cohesion, groundwater level.
- Wall height: It's not the same to own 1 meter of land as it is to own 5 meters.
- Budget: There are more affordable options, such as low-cost retaining walls made of blocks, gabions, or gravity walls.
- Aesthetics and Environment: In residential areas, green walls or walls with architectural finishes may be preferred.
- Expected lifespan: Some systems, such as reinforced concrete, offer a longer service life.
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In summary, the Types of Retaining Walls are built based on the function that they must comply with, the ground conditions, construction materials, and cost. The bulkiest and heaviest are the retaining walls of gravity, the most durable ones are those to which the following are added buttresses and the most common ones are mechanically stabilized soil.
In Structuralia It is possible to pursue graduate programs focused on civil and structural engineering, where students acquire the training needed to address these and other topics, leading to a successful professional career.
