The many years of experience with retaining structures at the ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG show that, independent of their structural loading, stone or mass concrete gravity walls, which have been in use since the railways were built, have the least expense for maintenance. Even structures built up to 160 years ago require little maintenance work, e.g. removal of plant growth. With anchored retaining structures of concrete, on the other hand, the maintenance work is considerably greater. This starts with regular inspection and extends to extensive repairs to the anchor heads.
With regard to the most economical construction of retaining structures, lifecycle costs are a significant parameter for the selection of a suitable type of structure, as with other railway works. Not only the construction costs, but also above all the maintenance costs are significant with a technical service life of 80 to 100 years. This basic idea of sustainable and safe railway operation is applied constantly in the regulations of the ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG.