counterfort retaining wall

architecture

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

A counterfort retaining wall is a type of cantilever retaining wall that incorporates counterforts, which are essentially buttresses or supports. These counterforts are attached to the inner face of the wall and serve to further resist the lateral thrust or pressure exerted on the wall.1

Essentially, a retaining wall is a freestanding structure designed to hold back soil or other materials, preventing erosion or supporting an embankment. While basic gravity walls rely on their mass for stability, cantilever walls use footings and tie beams. The counterforts in a counterfort retaining wall provide an additional layer of support, making it a more robust design for managing lateral forces.1

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retaining wall
A counterfort retaining wall is a cantilever wall with counterforts, or buttresses, attached to the inside face of the wall to further resist lateral thrust. Some common materials used for retaining walls are treated lumber, concrete block systems, poured concrete, stone, and brick.
Read More
A counterfort retaining wall is a cantilever wall with counterforts, or buttresses, attached to the inside face of the wall to further resist lateral thrust. Some common materials used for retaining walls are treated lumber, concrete block systems, poured concrete, stone, and brick.
Read More