What is the main concern of lateral pressure on walls?

The primary concern of lateral pressure on walls is indeed related to soil and water pressure. Lateral pressure occurs when external forces, particularly from soil and water, exert sideways pressure on retaining walls or foundation walls. This pressure can come from saturated soils due to rainfall or groundwater, which can increase the weight of the soil and the hydrostatic pressure against the wall.

Properly designed walls must account for this lateral pressure to prevent failure, such as wall bowing, cracking, or even total collapse, which could compromise the integrity of the structure. Understanding how soil mechanics interact with water content is crucial for any contractor involved in residential construction, as it directly impacts the safety and durability of the structure they are building.