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Structures such as retaining walls prevent soil from separating from the surrounding surfaces when there has been an elevation change that exceeds the angle of repose of the soil. Supporting soil laterally with retaining walls allows the soil to retain at different levels on two sides. Retaining walls designed to contain slopes that are steep, parallel, or nearly vertical. As a simple definition, a retaining wall is a wall that holds back the soil. Although it may seem simple, do not let the simplicity fool you. The engineering behind retaining walls is surprisingly complex. Their ancient transformations have made a multitude of properties more productive, beautiful, and useful.