What Causes Retaining Wall Failures During Disasters?
Retaining walls are built to hold back earth—but under the stress of a natural disaster, failure can happen fast. We frequently respond to:
- Excessive Rain or Flooding – Saturated soil increases hydrostatic pressure and causes walls to bulge or blow out
- Seismic Activity – Shifts foundations and loosens backfill, leading to full or partial collapse
- Landslides – Move entire sections of retained slopes or embankments
- Undermining and Erosion – Removes foundational support and causes leaning, cracking, or settlement