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← HistoryWhich outcome results from water accumulation behind Inca retaining walls?
A)Increased hydrostatic pressure against masonry✓
B)Accelerated thermal expansion cycles
C)Decreased soil stabilization on terraces
D)Reduced seismic resilience during earthquakes
💡 Explanation
Water accumulation increases hydrostatic pressure because pore water pressure reduces the effective shear strength of the soil behind the wall, therefore the additional force contributes to potential wall failure via overturning, rather than seismic or thermal issues.
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