The stability of drystone retaining walls on highways

The current stock of masonry-faced earth retaining walls on roads in Great Britain is, by and large, performing satisfactorily and seems likely to do so for many more years. The explanation for the stability of such walls is complicated and a number of factors are involved. But current design codes preclude the use of many of these optimistic, but nevertheless real, factors. Improved methods of assessment should help ensure that the current stock on our roads is kept in good order so that this part of our national heritage is preserved. (Original abstract - amended)