After placing the retaining wall (soil retention) using underpinning, Berlin wall, secant pile wall, or soilmix wall, excavation is carried out just below the level of the ground anchors. Then, the ground anchors are drilled using an anchor drilling machine.

Ground anchors do the same for the retaining wall (soil retention); they hold it in place. Ground anchors consist of a rod with a grout layer around it. They transfer the weight of the soil and any overlying buildings, which press against the soil retention, deeper into the ground. The retaining wall pulls on the ground anchors, transferring the force through the rod and grout layer to the underlying soil.