Tie rod systems are used in all cases in which two or more points of a structure must be stabilized relative to one another. Earth filled dams that are laterally stabilized by driven sheet piles are stabilized by tiebacks at the head. Stabilizing cross ties with remarkable tensile force capacity can also be realized. Drifting horizontal forces in individual or strip foundations can also be transferred using tie rods.

Tensile loads in soil can be economically tied back using ground anchors or tensile piles. Large, heavy and noticeable counter balances or retaining structures can be eliminated because tensile loads are directly transferred into the soil so that only unobtrusive transition structures and connections remain at the surface. Depending on the characteristics of the load-bearing soil strata, and the method of excavation, different varieties of civil engineering systems can be chosen.