Retaining walls that are taller than 24 inches require careful design to ensure stability against various pressures, including lateral soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and other forces exerted on the wall. At this height, the forces acting on the wall can become significant enough to compromise its structural integrity if not properly accounted for in the design.
As the wall height increases, the horizontal load exerted by the earth behind the wall also increases, necessitating more robust engineering solutions such as proper drainage, appropriate wall material, and considerations for the wall's footing. Engineering guidelines recommend that walls above this height should be designed to handle these challenges to prevent issues such as wall failure, sliding, and tilting.
To maintain structural integrity and ensure safety, it is crucial that retaining walls taller than 24 inches meet specific design standards that address these forces adequately.