What characterizes a gravity wall in civil engineering?

A gravity wall is characterized by its reliance on its own weight to maintain stability and resist lateral earth pressures. These walls are typically made of materials such as concrete or stone, which provide substantial mass. The design takes advantage of gravity, meaning that the wall’s weight counteracts the forces acting upon it, primarily the lateral loads from soil or other materials behind the wall.

In contrast to other wall types, such as those that use tension cables for support or employ anchoring methods, a gravity wall does not depend on external support systems. Its bulkiness and heavy construction are integral to its function; the wall is wider at the bottom and tapers towards the top, which allows for increased stability.

The other options depict walls that are designed for different structural purposes or rely on different principles, underscoring the unique role of a gravity wall in civil engineering applications. This distinct characteristic of relying solely on its self-weight makes the gravity wall a vital element in retaining structures, especially for managing soil and preventing erosion.