What is the purpose of a retaining wall in construction?

The purpose of a retaining wall is to hold back soil or rock. This structural element is specifically designed to counteract the lateral pressure of the soil that it retains, thereby preventing erosion, land degradation, or shifting of the landscape that could lead to collapse. Retaining walls are essential in scenarios where there are changes in elevation, such as on sloped terrain, as they maintain the stability of the area behind them.

While retaining walls can have other benefits, such as potentially enhancing aesthetic appeal or contributing to the anchoring of foundations in certain scenarios, their primary function is to act as a barrier against the horizontal forces exerted by the soil or rock against them. This specialized design and function make them vital in construction, particularly in landscaping, roadways, and hillside developments.