gravity wall

A gravity wall is a type of retaining wall that uses its own mass to resist forces, primarily from soil or water. Unlike other retaining structures that might use reinforcement or buttresses, a gravity wall relies on sheer weight for stability. These walls are typically constructed from massive concrete or masonry.12

In civil engineering, particularly in harbors and sea works, gravity walls are employed to hold land and water apart. They achieve stability through their substantial weight and the passive resistance of the ground beneath them. To ensure they don't settle or slide, their foundations are often built below the seabed level. Gravity dams, a specific type of gravity structure, are designed to withstand the immense pressure of stored water solely through their weight.32