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Sitework & Earthworkaka: concrete retaining wallaka: MSE wallaka: block wall

Retaining Wall

In Plain English

A wall built to hold soil in place where the ground changes elevation — keeping hillsides from sliding down.

Definition

A structure designed to hold back soil and support a grade change, allowing different elevations on either side of the wall. Retaining wall types include gravity walls (rely on weight), cantilever walls (reinforced concrete), MSE walls (mechanically stabilized earth), and soldier pile walls. Proper drainage behind the wall (weep holes or drainage aggregate) is essential to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.

Example

An 8-foot-tall MSE retaining wall with geogrid reinforcement allowed the parking lot to be constructed on a previously sloped site.

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