Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is a structure that holds back soil or rock from a building, structure, or area. Think of it like a strong barrier that keeps soil in place, especially when there's a change in ground height. Civil engineers design these walls to prevent erosion, create usable flat areas on slopes, and protect buildings and roads. They're common in construction projects ranging from residential properties to major infrastructure works like highways and bridges. When reviewing resumes, you might see terms like "structural wall," "earth retention system," or "soil retention structure" - these all refer to similar concepts.
Examples in Resumes
Designed Retaining Wall systems for multiple commercial properties, reducing erosion risks by 80%
Managed construction of 500-foot Structural Retaining Wall for highway expansion project
Supervised installation of Earth Retention Wall systems for residential developments
Typical job title: "Retaining Wall Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Retaining Wall Engineers
Professional Organizations
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a challenging retaining wall project you managed and how you addressed the complications?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and understanding of both technical and project management aspects. They should mention factors like soil conditions, budget constraints, and safety measures.
Q: How do you approach value engineering in retaining wall projects?
Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss balancing cost savings with safety and durability, mention material choices, and demonstrate knowledge of alternative design solutions that maintain structural integrity while reducing costs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when designing a retaining wall?
Expected Answer: Should mention soil type, drainage requirements, wall height, loading conditions, and local building codes. Look for practical understanding rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Q: How do you ensure proper drainage in retaining wall design?
Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of water management, describe basic drainage systems, and demonstrate understanding of how poor drainage can lead to wall failure.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main types of retaining walls?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic types like gravity walls, cantilever walls, and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls in simple terms.
Q: What safety considerations are important in retaining wall construction?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety factors like proper excavation, soil stability, protective equipment, and following construction guidelines.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic wall design calculations
- Understanding of soil types
- Reading construction drawings
- Knowledge of safety regulations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex wall system design
- Project coordination
- Construction oversight
- Cost estimation
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced structural analysis
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Client relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic soil mechanics
- Unfamiliarity with construction safety standards
- Lack of experience with design software
- Poor understanding of drainage principles
Related Terms
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