EGR 290 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Shotcrete, Mechanically Stabilized Earth, Lateral Earth Pressure
Document Summary
A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure or area. Retaining walls prevent down slope movement or erosion and provide support for vertical or near-vertical grade changes. These are particularly useful where there is a change in level within a restricted area and insufficient space for banks of appropriate slope. They can also be used to good effect where ground conditions are such that a sloping bank would slump or fail or where there is an awkward junction between adjacent free- standing walls. Cofferdams and bulkheads, structures that hold back water, are sometimes also considered retaining walls. Retaining walls are generally made of masonry, stone, brick, concrete, vinyl, steel or timber. They also can be used as a barrier on a beach that stops the earth behind the sand eroding and collapsing.