Abstract: A retaining wall has at least two facing panels in a tier adjacently interconnected by at least a pair of panel interconnectors mounted to the inner surfaces of the panels to allow adjacent panels to rotate relative to each other. Horizontal flexible anchoring devices, which include rigid anchors flexibly or rigidly connected to the panel interconnectors, connect the facing panels to an earth mass. The panels may tilt, or horizontally deform, relative to deformations in the earth mass. Front horizontal panel adjustment devices allow the tension of the connection between the flexible anchoring devices and the panel interconnectors to be varied from the front of the wall to allow horizontal alignment of the panels after the earth wall has been built. An adjustable inner panel supports the facing panels prior to the start of earth wall construction. Geofabric layers, independent of the flexible anchoring, are used during construction to stabilize the earth wall.

Abstract: A boulder rolling down a slope is caught with an energy absorbing device to dissipate a portion of its kinetic energy and to redirect the boulder downwardly into the ground to absorb the rest of the kinetic energy and to stop it. This is accomplished by temporary deformation of joints in the energy absorbing device to dissipate the kinetic energy and redirect the boulder downwardly into the ground. The energy absorbing device will return substantially to its undeformed state for intercepting additional boulders which may roll down the slope.