Basic structures: A wall constructed specifically to resist the lateral pressure of retained earth fill is called a…

Introduction / Context:
Where earth is held back at a change in level—such as cut slopes, basement perimeters, or approach embankments—structures must resist the active earth pressure. Correct terminology matters for design, detailing, tender documents, and site instructions. This question distinguishes the generic wall designed to retain soil from similar-sounding elements.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The wall's primary function is to withstand lateral pressure of soil and any surcharge.
• Backfill may be granular or cohesive, drained or undrained.
• Common related terms include breast walls, parapets, buttresses, and counterforts.

Concept / Approach:
A retaining wall resists lateral earth pressure using its weight (gravity and semi-gravity types), stem/bases (cantilever type), or anchored/counterfort systems. Breast walls are often low retaining walls along hill roads but the generic, broad term for soil-retaining structures is “retaining wall.” Parapet walls are low upstand walls for safety or aesthetics and do not retain soil. A buttress is a projecting strut supporting a wall; a counterfort is a reinforced concrete web on the back of a retaining wall—both are components, not the generic name of the retaining structure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the intended function: resist earth pressure.Match function to the general term: retaining wall.Differentiate parts (buttress/counterfort) and non-retaining walls (parapet).Select “Retaining wall.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks and codes classify gravity, cantilever, counterfort, and anchored systems under the umbrella of retaining walls.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Breast wall: Often a specific application on hill roads; still a type of retaining wall, but the broad, correct generic term is “retaining wall.”Buttress/counterfort: Structural components, not the overall wall type.Parapet wall: Not designed to retain soil.

Common Pitfalls:
Using component names (buttress/counterfort) as if they were the wall type; confusing parapets with retaining structures because of similar geometry.

Final Answer:
Retaining wall.