What type of bulkhead is designed to withstand lateral loading through ties?

A tied bulkhead is specifically designed to handle lateral loading by utilizing tensioned ties or cables that anchor the structure to the earth or other stable materials behind it. This design allows the bulkhead to effectively resist the lateral forces exerted by soils or water pressure, ensuring stability and preventing structural failure.

The use of ties means that the forces acting on the bulkhead are redistributed, improving the bulkhead's ability to withstand loads that might otherwise push it outward. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios such as waterfront structures where additional support is needed to counteract the hydrostatic pressures from behind the wall.

In contrast, other types of bulkheads may not employ this tensioning system. Flexible bulkheads, for instance, may allow some degree of movement under load, which could compromise their structural integrity. Timber bulkheads rely on the natural strength of the wood and may not provide the same level of resistance without engineered support. A slope retaining wall is primarily designed to retain soil and may not be optimized for lateral loading in the same way that a tied bulkhead is.

Overall, the tied bulkhead's design makes it uniquely suited to manage lateral loads through the effective use of ties, making it the correct choice in this context.