Different situations call for different responses, which is why the industry makes use of a number of different types of earth retention structures. Here is a look at the most common types:

• Retaining walls: Retaining walls are used to keep soil locked into a specific position that is unnatural and otherwise unstable on its own. These retention structures typically set a boundary between two very distinct elevations of soil and can be engineered and designed to take on the look of the surroundings.

  Subcategories include cantilever walls and braced and anchored walls. Cantilever retaining walls are single-layer walls built on a slab base and capable of supporting tall slopes. Braced and anchored walls resist lateral force through the presence of ground anchors. These walls typically exceed 15 feet and are used when the lateral earth pressure is very high.

• Grouted soil walls: These earth retention walls are made of cemented soil particles and are typically used when internal bracing is avoidable. It speeds up the excavation process and can be used in conjunction with other retention systems when utilities interfere with installation. The advantages of grouted soil walls are increased slope stability, less lateral spreading, and faster excavation.
• Soil nail walls: Soil nail walls are unique in that they use large steel nails to stabilize embankments. They are useful for temporary or permanent excavation support and can be installed when movement can be tolerated. Soil nail walls are ideal for stratified soils, firm clays, weathered rock, and other similar earth compositions.
• Anchored block walls: This type of wall is used to stabilize landslides, repair damaged retaining walls, and improve slope stability. Anchored block walls are a cost-effective solution for both existing wall repair and slope stability control. They can be designed as a temporary or permanent support feature.
• Micropile slide stabilization: These retention walls are used for landslide stabilization, side hill fill stabilization, and for sites with limited access points. Micropile slide stabilization walls connect drilled micropiles with ground anchors to a strengthened concrete beam located near the surface of the soil. Micropiles can be used in any soil type and require very minimal environmental impact.
• Tiebacks: Tiebacks are used to horizontally reinforce temporary or permanent structures that are subjected to large amounts of lateral force. The two types of tiebacks include helical and hollow bar. Helical are preferred for their ability to disturb very little soil, while hollow bars are installed using a drilling bar while pressure grouting.