A retaining wall is a structurally sound feature used to offset gravitational forces, improve drainage and prevent retained earth slippage, due to erosion or bad weather. Pooled water may lead to foundation instability, which a retaining wall prevents.

At Mercia Consulting Engineers, we provide sturdy options, including timber poles, concrete and tied back retaining wall designs.

More about Retaining Wall Designs.

Lateral earth pressure is primarily influenced by the vertical stress exerted by the soil or material behind a retaining wall. This stress is determined by factors such as the height and density of the backfill.

As the height of the backfill increases, so does the vertical stress, which results in greater lateral earth pressure at the base of the wall. This means that the deeper you go, the more intense the lateral pressure becomes, with the maximum force being applied near the bottom.

What Are the Different Types of Retaining Walls?

Retaining walls serve various functions and come in a wide range of designs, depending on the specific requirements of a project and the characteristics of the site. The four main categories of retaining walls include:

1. Gravity Retaining Walls: These walls rely on their mass and weight to hold back soil. Built from materials like concrete, stone, or masonry, gravity walls are most effective in shorter applications, as they resist the pressure exerted by the soil purely through their own weight. The thickness and base width of these walls increase with height to counteract the greater pressures at the bottom.
2. Cantilever Retaining Walls: Designed with a thin stem and a broad base slab, cantilever walls use leverage to resist earth pressure. The weight of the backfill pressing onto the base slab helps stabilise the wall. They are more economical than gravity walls for taller applications and are often reinforced with steel to improve strength.
3. Embedded Retaining Walls: Also known as piling walls, these structures are partially driven into the ground to retain soil. They are common in basement construction and other deep excavations where space is limited. The walls can be made of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber, and their depth in the ground allows them to withstand significant lateral forces.
4. Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls: These walls incorporate layers of geosynthetic materials, such as geogrids, to enhance stability. The reinforcement is embedded in the backfill, distributing the lateral pressure across a larger area and reducing the load on the facing of the wall. This type of wall is often used for large, sloped structures or where traditional retaining methods are impractical.

Each of these wall types has specific advantages depending on site conditions, load requirements, and budget constraints, and selecting the appropriate type is key to ensuring both functionality and longevity.

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If you're looking to engage a team for your retaining wall, talk to us. We can run you through the necessary stages and answer any questions you might have. Find out more by heading to our contact page.