Worked Example:
Figure
A.1-Retaining Wall Cross Section
Consider the cantilever retaining wall with the cross-section shown in the above Figure A.1, which
retains a 2m depth of soil having the groundwater table at -1.0m level.
Design Parameters:
Soil Bearing Capacity, qall : 100 kPa
Coefficient of Soil Friction, ф: 30°
Unit Weight of Soil, ɣs: 18 kN/m3
Unit Weight of Water, ɣw: 10 kN/m3
Unit Weight of Concrete, ɣc: 25 kN/m3
Surcharge, ω: 12 kN/m2
Ground Water Level: -1m from 0.00 level
Height of Surcharge, h: 0.8m
Height of Wall: 2.0m
f’c: 32 Mpa
fy: 460 Mpa
concrete cover: 75mm
1. Analytical Geometry and Variables
Before we proceed with the design, it is important for the designer to know the geometric variable and
parameters of the retaining wall. Refer to Figure A.2 below.
Figure A.2-Retaining Wall Geometric Variables
where:
H: Height of the retaining wall
L: Width of the base
D: Thickness of the base
B: Width of the toe
C: Stem thickness at the bottom
T: Stem thickness at the top
2. Approximate Proportions of a Cantilever Retaining Wall
The next thing to consider is the assumptions that we can make in terms of the geometry of the
retaining wall that we are designing. Given the height, H of the retaining wall, we can assume or counter
check our initial design considerations should at least according to the following geometric proportions:
Base width: L= 0.5H to 2/3H
Thickness of base: D= 0.10H
Stem thickness at the bottom: C=0.10H
Width of the toe: B= 0.25L to 0.33L
Stem thickness at the top: t=250mm (minimum)
Based on the above approximate geometric proportions, let us assumed the following parameters to be
used in our design:
Base width: L= 1.5m
Base thickness: D= 0.25m
Stem thickness: C=t =0.25m
Width of Toe: B= 0.625m
3. Analytical Model
Sketches of the retaining wall forces should be considered to properly distinguish the different forces
acting on our retaining wall as tackled in the previous article, Retaining Wall: A Design Approach. Based
on our example in Figure A.1, we have the forces due to soil pressure, due to water and surcharge load
to consider. Figure A.3 below is most likely our analytical model.
READ ALSO: How to Determine the Boundary Zones in Walls
Figure A.3-Retaining Wall Forces Diagram
Considering the Figure A.3, we can derive the following equation for the active pressures, Pa and passive
pressure Pp. Notice that the pressures acting on the wall are equivalent to the area (triangle) of the
pressure distribution diagram. Hence,
Pa1=1/2 ɣKaH2 →eq. 1, where H is the height of retained soil
Pa2=1/2 ɣHw2 →eq.2, where Hw is the height of the groundwater level
Pa3=ωKah →eq.3, where h is the height of surcharge
The passive pressure, Pp would be:
Pp=1/2 ɣkpHp2 →eq.4
Values of Coefficient of Pressure, ka and kp
According to Rankine and Coulomb Formula, the following are the equation in calculating the coefficient
of pressure:
Ka= (1-sin ф)/(1+sin ф)
Ka= 0.33
Kp= (1+sin ф)/(1-sin ф)
Kp= 3
Substituting the values, we have the following results:
o Pa1=1/2 ɣkaH2 = 11.88kN
o Pa2=1/2 ɣHw2= 5kN
o Pa3=ωkah= 3.17 kN
o Pp=1/2 ɣkpHp2= 9.72kN
3. Stability Check:
There are two checks to consider the stability of the retaining wall. One is the check for an overturning
moment and the other one is the check for sliding. The weight of the retaining wall including the gravity
loads within it plays a vital role in performing the stability check. Refer to Figure A.4 for the mass or
weight calculations.
Figure
A.4-Retaining Wall Weight Components
The self-weight component of the retaining wall should be factored down or to be multiplied by weight
reduction factor (0.9) to account for uncertainty because they are “stabilizing” in this context. Hence,
o Weight due to soil: W1= 18kN/m3 x 0.6m x 0.625m x 1.0m = 6.75kN
o Weight due to footing: W2= 0.9 x 25kN/m3 x 0.25m x 1.5m x 1.0m = 8.44kN
o Weight due to wall: W3= 0.9 x 25kN/m3 x 0.25m x 2.0m x 1.0m = 11.25kN
o Weight due to soil: W4= 18kN/m3 x 0.625m x 2.0m x 1.0m = 22.5kN
o Weight due to water: W5= 10kN/m3 x 0.625m x 1.0m x 1.0m = 6.25kN
o Weight due to surcharge: Ws= 12kN/m2 x 0.625m x 1.0m = 7.5kN
o Total Weight, WT = 62.69kN
3.1 Check for Overturning Moment:
To satisfy the Overturning Moment Stability, the following equation should follow:
where:
o RM: Righting Moment due to the weight of the retaining wall
o OM: Overturning Moment due to lateral earth pressure
With reference to Figure A.4 diagram and taking moment at the point, P conservatively neglecting the
effect of passive pressure hence:
RM= W2 (0.75) + W3(0.75) + W4(1.19) + W5(1.19) + Ws(1.19) = 57.91 kNm
OM= Pa1 (0.67) +Pa2 (0.33) +Pa3 (0.4) = 10.88kNm
RM/OM = 5.32 > 2.0, hence SAFE in Overturning Moment!
READ ALSO: Development Length in Reinforcing Bars
3.2 Check for Sliding
To satisfy the stability against sliding, the following equation should govern:
where:
o RF: Resisting Force
o SF: Sliding Force
The sliding check should be carried out with reference to the Figure A.4 diagram and considering the
summation of vertical forces for resisting force and horizontal forces for sliding force conservatively
neglecting the passive pressure, hence:
RF= W1+W2+W3+W4+W5+ Ws = 55.94kN
SF= Pa1+Pa2+Pa3 = 20.05kN
RF/SF = 2.79 > 1.5, hence SAFE for Sliding!
4. Check the Wall Thickness for Shear
The nominal shear is equal to the lateral forces on the retaining wall, neglecting the effect of passive
pressure which will give us:
Nominal Shear, Vn = 20.05kN
Ultimate Shear, Vu = 1.6Vn = 32.08kN
For the thickness of the wall to be safe in shear, the ultimate shear, Vu should less than the allowable
shear, Vallow as recommended by the ACI 318 code.
Vc = 0.17√fc’bwd
where: ф=0.75
bw=1000mm
d= 250mm-75mm-6mm = 169mm
Vc = 0.17√fc’bwd = 162.52kN
Vallow= 121.89kN
Since Vu < Vallow, hence SAFE in Shear!
5. Design the Wall Stem for Flexure
Nominal Moment, Mn = 10.88kNm
Ultimate Moment, Mu = 1.6Mn = 17.40kNm
Mu =φ fc’ bd2ω (1- 0.59 ω)
17.40×106 = 0.90 x 32 x 1000 x 1692 ω (1-0.59 ω)
ω = 0.0216
ρ = ω fc’/fy= 0.00150
As= ρbd = 0.00150x1000x169 = 254mm2
Asmin= ρminbt = 0.002 x 1000 x 250 = 500mm2
Required Vertical Bar: Try T10-200; As act= 392mm2 x 2 sides = 785.4mm2
Required Horizontal Bar: Try T10-250; As act= 314mm2 x 2 sides= 628.32mm2
Hence: use T10-200 for vertical bar and T10-250 for horizontal bar.
6. Check for Bearing Pressure under Footing
The foundation bearing capacity usually governs the design of the wall. The soil, particularly under the
toe of the foundation, is working very hard to resist the vertical bearing loads, sliding shear, and to
provide passive resistance to sliding. The bearing capacity of the soil should be calculated taking into
account the effect of simultaneous horizontal loads applied to the foundation from the soil pressure.
For the footing to be safe in soil pressure, the maximum soil pressure under working load shall be less
than the allowable soil bearing capacity. The maximum soil bearing pressure under the footing
considering 1m strip is:
where:
o P= 62.69kN
o A= (1×1.5) m2
o M=10.88 kNm
o b= 1m
o d=1.5m
Substituting the values above will give us:
qmax= 70.81kPa < qall=100 kPa, hence, oK!
Solving for Ultimate bearing pressure:
where:
o P= 1.6x 6.75 + 1.4×8.44 +1.4×11.25 +1.6x 22.5 +1.6×6.25 +1.6×7.5= 96.37kN
o A= (1×1.5) m2
o M=17.40kNm
o b= 1m
o d=1.5m
Substituting the values above will give us:
qumax= 110.65kN
qumin= 17.85kN
7. Check the Required Length of the Base
If qumin is in tension check the required length otherwise ignore if it is in compression. Since our qumin is
tension (+), the value of L must be computed as follows:
READ ALSO: FRP & Other Concrete Strengthening Solutions
Figure A.5-Pressure Diagram under Tension
From Figure A.5:
Solve for Eccentricity:
e=M/P = 0.181
where:
o a=length of pressure
o qe= qumax
o b=1 meter strip
o a= 1.74m
L= 2(e+a/3) = 1.52 say 1.6m
8. Check the Adequacy of Footing Thickness for Wide Beam Shear
Fig A.6-Pressure Diagram under Compression
8.1 When qumin is in Compression
Solving for y by similar triangle: referring to Figure A.6 above
y/1.044 = (112.24-19.44)/1.5; y = 64.59 kPa
qc= 19.44 + 64.59 = 84.03 kPa
L’= (1.5m-1.044m) = 0.456m
B= 1m strip
qumax=112.24kPa
Vu= 44.75kN
8.2 When qumin is in Tension
qc=y
Solving for y by similar triangle: (referring to Figure A.6 above, L=a=1.75)
y/1.244= 112.24/1.75; y = 79.79 kPa
qc=79.79kPa
Vu= 1/2 (qc + qumax) L’b
L’= (1.6m-1.244m) = 0.356m
B= 1m strip
qumax=112.24 kPa
Vu=34.18kN
Hence, use: Vu=44.75kN
Vallow= фVc
Vc = 0.17√fc’bwd
where:
o ф=0.75
o bw=1000mm
o d= 250mm-75mm-6mm = 169mm
Vc = 0.17√fc’bwd = 162.52kN
Vallow= 121.89kN
Since Vu < Vallow, hence SAFE in Shear!
9. Check the Wall Thickness for Flexure
Figure A.7-Pressure Diagram for Flexure Check
9.1 When qumin is in Compression
Solving for y by similar triangle:(referring to Figure A.7 above)
y/0.875 = (112.24-19.44)/1.5; y = 54.13 kPa
qc= 19.44 + 54.13 = 73.57 kPa
Mu= (73.57×0.625) x (0.625/2) + (38.67×0.625) (1/2) x (2/3) (0.625) → (area of trapezoid x lever arm)
Mu=19.40 kNm
9.2 When qumin is in Tension
qc= qumin + y
Solving for y by similar triangle: (referring to Figure A.7 above. L=a=1.75)
y/1.075 = 112.24/1.75; y = 68.95 kPa
qc=19.44 + 68.95= 88.39 kPa
Mu = (88.39×0.75) x (0.75/2) + (23.85×0.75) (1/2) x (2/3) (0.75) → (area of trapezoid x lever arm)
Mu= 19.40kNm
Hence, use Mu=29.33kNm
Mu =φ fc’ bd2ω (1- 0.59 ω)
29.33×106 = 0.90 x 32 x 1000 x 1692 ω (1-0.59 ω)
ω = 0.0364
ρ = ω fc/fy= 0.002532
As= ρbd = 0.002532x1000x169 = 428mm2
Asmin= ρminbt = 0.002 x 1000 x 250 = 500mm2
Required Vertical Bar: Try T10-200; As act= 392mm2 x 2 sides = 785.4mm2
Required Horizontal Bar: Try T10-250; As act= 392mm2 x 2 sides= 628.32mm2
10. Reinforcement Details of Retaining Wall
The presented calculations above are actually too tiring to perform manually especially if you are doing
a trial and error design. Thanks to structural design soft wares and spreadsheets, available nowadays,
our design life will be easier.
Our team developed a user-friendly spreadsheet for the design of cantilever retaining wall based on the
above calculation. Grab your copy here!
