What is a Retaining Wall?
A retaining wall holds back earth materials such as rock and dirt, and supports and stabilizes them from moving downward or sliding down hills in erosion or other downward movement. Structures that hold back water may be considered retaining walls as well. Retaining walls are usually made of stone, brick, vinyl, steel, metal, concrete, or wood. Railroad ties used to be implemented in retaining walls, but out of environmental concern, they no longer are. The walls may be found at beaches to keep dirt behind sand from moving. While one-piece concrete or wood walls used to be most popular, now segmental walls are used more often because they’re cheaper, easier and more environmentally friendly. The most important consideration in building a retaining wall is the lateral earth pressure, smallest at the top, because they will move the wall if not addressed correctly.
