1. Different types of retaining structures

A retaining structure can hold back either earth in fill, i.e. added on, or the soil in place, in cuttings.

The thrust force exerted by the retained earth mass (see article [C 242] ) can be taken up in various ways.

Three main modes can be distinguished:

• the thrust is taken up by the weight of the retaining structure;

• the thrust is absorbed by the retaining structure;

• the thrust is taken up by anchors.

There...