Counterfort

This involved new track drainage, strengthening of embankments and cuttings and the provision of counterforts.

Source: wiktionary

The soil above the base of a reinforced concrete cantilever or counterfort wall is included as part of the weight of the wall in stability calculations.

Source: wiktionary

Mair reports work described in 1844 to install counterforts in slopes, which were typically trenches that were two metres wide and around eight metres apart. They were dug down one metre and backfilled with gravel or rubble stone to provide internal buttresses and deep drains.

Source: wiktionary

With its counterforts projecting some 300 miles, [the Pamir] forms the western headland of all the plateaux and mountain systems skirting the Chinese Empire; it completely separates the two halves of Asia, and forms an almost impassable barrier to migration and warlike incursions.

Source: wiktionary