International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

What term is often used to refer to tiebacks that anchor retaining walls?

1. Dead men

2. Load bearers

3. Stabilizers

4. Support brackets

The correct answer is: Dead men

The term "dead men" is commonly used to refer to tiebacks that anchor retaining walls. In the context of civil engineering and construction, dead men are structural elements designed to provide stability by resisting lateral forces that threaten to displace retaining walls. These elements are typically buried and help distribute the forces exerted by the soil behind the wall, thus ensuring the wall remains intact and upright under load conditions. The term itself can be traced back to historical methods of anchoring walls and structures, emphasizing its significance in providing long-term stability. By anchoring the retaining wall back into the soil, dead men play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of wall failures due to pressure from the soil and other environmental factors. Understanding this terminology is essential for professionals in the field, as it emphasizes the technical approaches used to ensure safety and compliance in construction practices. The other options may describe various components or supports used in construction but do not specifically refer to the anchorage system employed for retaining walls.