A retaining wall is designed to resist the lateral earth pressure exerted by soil or other materials, preventing collapse or movement of the structure.

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is commonly used in the United States for classifying soils based on their grain size distribution, plasticity, and other properties.

Shear strength is a soil property that represents its resistance to deformation caused by shear stresses.

Pile foundations are often used for structures subjected to uplift forces, as they provide deep anchorage into the soil.

Consolidation is the process in which soil settles over time due to the expulsion of water from its pores under the influence of an applied load.

Geotextiles are often used as filters between different soil layers to prevent the migration of fines and ensure proper drainage.

Permeability is the soil property that governs its ability to transmit water through its pores.

Compaction is the process of increasing the density and strength of soil by applying mechanical energy.

Clay is a fine-grained soil known for its high plasticity and expansive behavior, meaning it can undergo significant volume changes with changes in moisture content.

Slope stability analysis is conducted to evaluate the risk of slope failure and determine appropriate measures to ensure stability.

Pile foundations are often used for structures subjected to dynamic loads, as they provide deep anchorage into the soil and can effectively transfer the loads to deeper, more stable soil layers.

Dewatering is the process of removing water from soil to improve its stability and strength, often achieved through pumping or drainage systems.

Shear strength is the soil property that governs its ability to support loads without excessive deformation.

Soil investigation is conducted to determine the bearing capacity of a soil and its suitability for supporting structures.

Sand is a coarse-grained soil known for its high permeability and relatively low plasticity.