Retaining wall: Classification of retaining walls

Classification of retaining walls : Following are the different types of retaining walls , which is based on the shape and the mode of resisting the pressure. What is a retaining wall ? A retaining wall is a wall that holds back earth or water on one side of it. Above ground, retaining walls are vertical, or near-vertical, structures designed to create level areas on sloping sites. Retaining walls systems are used in geotechnical engineering primarily to reinforce soil, increase its bearing capacity and increase the soil’s resistance to differential settlement. Gabion Retaining Walls Cantiliver Retaining Wall : Cantiliver retaining wall is composed of stem and base slab and is constructed from reinforced concrete, precast concrete or prestress concrete. Cantiliver retaining wall is the most common type used as retaining walls . Sometimes cantilevered walls are buttressed on the front, or include a counterfort on the back, to improve their strength resisting high loads. Buttresses are short wing walls at right angles to the main trend of the wall ...