The cross section above shows a simple example of ditch-in-front construction. In this example, the soil from the ditch is piled against a revetment made of wood, at right. This adds extra strength and makes it possible to retain an almost vertical interior slope on the parapet. The earth placed in front of the ditch, at left, is called the glacis. If used, the glacis was sloped in such a way to cause artillery shot to ricochet over the main works.

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