counterfort
Structural support wall
A counterfort is a buttress or reinforcing structure built against a wall to strengthen it against lateral pressure.
In retaining walls, counterforts are vertical ribs connecting the wall face to its foundation, resisting the thrust of earth or water behind it.
The term appears mainly in engineering and architecture: The dam's counterforts were spaced at regular intervals.
Erosion control structure
- embankmentRaised earth structure
- terracePaved outdoor extension
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
- erosionGradual wearing away
drainage · backfill · foundation · abutment · underpinning · stability · earthwork · reinforcement
revetment
Erosion control structure
- embankmentRaised earth structure
- terracePaved outdoor extension
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
erosion · drainage · backfill · foundation · abutment · underpinning · stability · earthwork · reinforcement · concrete
rampart
Fortified defensive wall
- bastionFortified defensive position
- citadelFortified urban stronghold
- redoubtEnclosed temporary fortification
bulwark · parapet · battlement · embrasure · barbican · scarp · glacis · revetment · turret · loophole
arch
Curved spanning structure
cathedral · ribbed · nave · aisle · clerestory · tracery · spire · apse · chancel · transept
counterfortload
Carried weight or burden
breach · opening · void · structural weakness · cantilever
fort, fortress, fortify, fortified, counterfeit, counterbalance, fortification, countervail, countercharge