How is retaining structure used?

A retaining wall helps in maintaining the surface of the ground at different elevations on either side of the structure. If the retaining wall was not there, the soil at higher elevation would tend to move down till it acquires its natural, stable configuration as in figure. Consequently the soil that is now retained at a slope steeper than it can sustain by virtue of its shear strength exerts a force on the retaining wall. The force is called earth pressure. The gravity retaining wall is the simplest type of retaining wall and the other common type is the cantilever retaining wall.

Construction of a Retaining Wall