The bottom of every SRW is embedded below the final grade in front of the wall. Embedment enhances the wall stability and provides long-term protection for the leveling pad and wall base.

As a minimum, walls should have 1/10 of the exposed height (H/10) embedded below grade. Embedment should be increased for special conditions, such as a slope at the base, soft foundation soils or shoreline applications. If the grade in front of the wall is greater than a 3:1 slope (horizontal:vertical), the embedment should be at least 1/7 of the exposed wall height (H/7).