Design and analysis of Retaining Wall

This construction article presents some useful tips for designing and examining retaining wall for foundation.

Dimensions of base from stress considerations:

The base width b concerning the retaining wall must be selected carefully in order that the ratio of length of the toe slab to the base width should be maintained in such a manner that the stress p1 at the toe should not surpass the safe bearing capacity of the soil.

The topics covered:

1. Design for conventional retaining wall
2. Retaining Wall Design ? Proportioning
3. Earth Pressure on Retaining Wall
4. Equivalent Fluid Method
5. Retaining Walls with backfill slope of finite distance
6. Earth Pressure on Retaining Walls with backfill Slope of finite distance
7. Stability of retaining wall
8. Check Against Overturning
9. Check Against Sliding
10. Alternatives for improving FOS against sliding

11. Check for bearing capacity failure
12. Wall Joints

Drainage:

1. Wall Settlements
2. Design of Cantilever Retaining Wall

This useful construction video shows the detailed process for two-tiered retaining wall design and installation. It belongs to Versalok retaining wall block, containing Willow Creek pavers for the sidewalk.

The project is completed in 3 days. The project consists of 8 tons of class 5 base, 12 pallets of block (about 15 tons worth), three pallets of pavers (4 tons or so), 6 tons of rock backfill for the walls, sod, and mulch.

The most crucial factor in perfect design and installation of retaining walls is to identify and resist the proneness of the retained material to go downslope because of gravity. This produces lateral earth pressure behind the wall on the basis of the angle of internal friction (phi) and the cohesive strength (c) of the retained material, in addition to the direction and magnitude of movement the retaining structure encounters.

This construction video will help you to plan, design and construct the exact retaining wall.

Video Credit : Axel Landscape