How should walls serving as retaining walls be treated before demolition?

Retaining walls are crucial structural elements designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion, and their integrity is essential for ensuring safety during demolition activities. Before demolishing such walls, it is vital to ensure they are properly braced or underpinned. This precaution prevents potential collapses, which could lead to significant hazards for workers and damage to surrounding structures.

Bracing provides necessary support to the wall, ensuring that it remains stable during the demolition process. Underpinning, similarly, involves strengthening the foundation of the wall to accommodate the changes in load that occur when the wall is removed. Both methods are critical in maintaining the safety of the worksite and protecting workers from the risks associated with destabilized structures. Thus, the requirement for proper bracing or underpinning prior to demolition reflects the fundamental principles of construction safety and risk management.