![Basement wall design to BS8110:2005 1 Basement wall design to BS8110.2005](https://excel.civilmdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Basement-wall-design-to-BS8110.2005.png)
A basement wall is thus one kind of retaining wall. But the term usually refers to a cantilever retaining wall, which is a freestanding structure without lateral support at its top. These are cantilevered from a footing and rise above the grade on one side to retain a higher level grade on the opposite side.