Weep Holes may be utilized in which method of change in site grading?

• A. Earth Embankment
• B. Retaining Walls
• C. Timber Cribbing
• D. Stone Rip Rap

Answer: (B)

Weep holes are all about draining water from behind a structure to control hydrostatic pressure when the ground level changes. When you create a change in site grade using a vertical or near-vertical face, the soil behind that face can collect groundwater. If that water isn’t relieved, the pressure against the wall or back its surface can push, crack, or push the wall outward. Weep holes provide a controlled path for that water to escape from behind the wall, usually near the bottom, helping to keep the wall stable as the grade changes. This drainage concept is specific to retaining walls, where a backfill and a vertical or near-vertical face require an outlet for buildup water.

Earth embankments, timber cribbing, and stone rip rap are different methods of shaping or stabilizing terrain and slopes; they don’t inherently rely on weep holes to relieve water behind a vertical face, so the drainage role of weep holes is best associated with retaining walls.