Stability and Sustainability Analyses of the Retaining Walls Built by the Incas

Incan retaining walls, constructed without cement using granite rocks ranging from 10 cm to 2 meters, have remained stable for over 500 years due to frictional resistance between rock pieces exceeding soil pressures. These freely drained structures, built for both road embankments and agricultural terraces on steep slopes, demonstrate remarkable sustainability under static and earthquake loads. The study analyzed their stability through field investigations and theoretical models, highlighting the Incas' advanced engineering techniques. This knowledge offers potential applications for modern sustainable construction, emphasizing durable, low-maintenance designs.

Vallejo, L. E., & Fontanese, M. (2014). Stability and Sustainability Analyses of the Retaining Walls Built by the Incas. Geo-Congress 2014 Technical Papers, 3789–3798. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784413272.367