Abstract: A retaining wall system which uses rigid tieback elements having portions, column portions and web portions and wall panels disposed between the tieback elements. The tieback elements are designed to produce arching in the soil to reduce bearing stresses on the soil below base portions of the tieback elements by providing web portions sufficiently large to produce a complete ditch condition in the soil upon movement of the rigid tieback elements. This provides an economical retaining wall system in which multiple tiered walls can be spaced by an amount sufficient to produce a complete ditch condition. The wall can be implemented as a vertical wall or as a battered wall.