A retaining wall return is typically a section of a retaining wall that turns back from the main line, often at a perpendicular angle, serving to fully enclose or support the retained material at the end of the structure.
Understanding Retaining Wall Returns
Retaining walls are engineered structures designed to hold back soil or rock, preventing erosion or landslides and creating usable land at different elevations. While the main part of the wall runs along a primary line, a 'return' is a segment that deviates from this line. This turn helps manage the retained earth at the termination point of the main wall section.
Return Walls in Culvert Systems
Based on the provided reference, a specific type of 'return wall' is described in the context of culverts.
- Definition from Reference: According to the explanation, "A return wall is provided at the endpoint of a culvert perpendicular to the culvert direction."
- Purpose: This wall, described as being "built parallel to the center line of a road and in continuation of an abutment or wing, to retain the embankment."
Essentially, in this specific scenario near a culvert, the return wall is a structure built at the very end of the culvert opening. It turns 90 degrees from the direction the culvert flows, running parallel to the nearby road. Its key function, like other retaining structures, is to hold back the earth embankment beside the road and around the culvert opening. It acts as an extension of the culvert's abutment or wing walls, preventing soil from slumping or eroding around the edges of the culvert structure.
Key Characteristics of a Return Wall (Culvert Context)
The reference highlights several specific characteristics for a return wall near a culvert:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | At the endpoint of a culvert |
| Orientation relative to Culvert | Perpendicular to the culvert direction |
| Orientation relative to Road | Parallel to the center line of the road |
| Connection | In continuation of an abutment or wing (part of the culvert headwall) |
| Primary Function | To retain the embankment |
Function and Practical Insight
The primary function of a retaining wall return, especially in the context of a culvert or bridge abutment, is to provide necessary lateral support for the earth embankment at the termination point of the main retaining structure. Without a return, the soil at the edges of the main wall would be unsupported and prone to erosion or collapse, undermining the road, the embankment, and the stability of the main structure itself. The return wall effectively wraps around the corner, ensuring the embankment is fully contained.
