The answer to 'how does retaining wall work' is a retaining wall is a structure built to hold back soil or rock, typically along a slope or hillside. Retaining walls are used to create level areas, prevent erosion, and provide support for landscaping features. They are commonly made of concrete, stone, brick, or wood, and are designed to withstand the lateral pressure of the soil they are holding back.
Retaining walls work by transferring the weight of the soil and any additional loads, such as buildings or landscaping, into the ground below. The wall is anchored into the ground, either through a buried footing or by being embedded in the soil. As the soil behind the wall tries to shift or slide downhill, the wall resists that movement and keeps the soil in place. This allows for the creation of usable, level spaces on sloped or uneven terrain.