Lebanese University

faculty of engineering
3rd branch

Design of a Retaining Wall

Prepared by : Zainab Mazloum “5763”

Authorized by : Dr Bassel Seif el Din

subject : Soil Mechanics 2

Table of Content:

Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
Slope Stability Analysis......................................................................................................................... 4
Retaining Wall:......................................................................................................................................7
Stability Check:....................................................................................................................................... 9
Rc Design:............................................................................................................................................. 11
Water Intrusion:................................................................................................................................... 13
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................... 14
References.......................................................................................................................................... 15

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Introduction

The stability of slopes and the design of retaining walls are critical considerations in civil
engineering projects involving the construction of structures on or adjacent to natural slopes.
Proper evaluation of soil mechanics plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety and
functionality of such structures. This report presents an in-depth analysis of the geotechnical
aspects related to retaining wall design and slope stability.

The primary objective of this report is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the

principles, theories, and methodologies involved in assessing and mitigating risks associated
with slope stability and the design of effective retaining walls. By examining the behavior of soil
under certain conditions, including slope inclination, soil properties, and groundwater levels,
we aim to develop suitable design recommendations that promote stability, minimize potential
failure, and facilitate safe construction practices.

Key aspects covered in this report include:

1. Slope stability analysis

2. Retaining wall design considerations

3. Lateral earth pressure analysis

By presenting a comprehensive overview of these topics, this report serves as a valuable

resource for understanding the underlying principles and considerations necessary for
designing safe and stable structures within geotechnically challenging environments.

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Slope Stability Analysis

Consider a 7 (m) deep excavation in a clay deposit with a slope angle of 40 degrees. The rock
is located at a depth of 12 (m). The soil density is 19.5 kN/m3 and the undrained cohesion of
clay is 40 (kPa).

Figure 1.1 studied backfill

a) Calculate the safety factor of this slope using the chart method.
its a homogeneous clay with no friction angle

the factor of safety against sliding is Fs = c’/c

where c’= γH/Ns ; Ns to be extracted from the chart

for B=40 nd=12/7=1.714 => Ns =5.6

so c’= 19.5*7/5.6=24.375 Kn/m2

Hence Fs= 40/24.375=1.641. accepted

b)Calculate the safety factor of this slope using BISHOP’s simplified method.

An arbitrary circle of sliding is used and then cut into slices to estimate the Fs

inorder to use the following equation:

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 Figure 1.2 failure surface

Area weight (γ*v) alpha wsin(alpha) cos(alpha) L

A1=(4*7.4)/2 =14.8 14.8*19.5=288.6 57 242.04 0.544 8

A2=(10+7.4)*4/2=34.8 678.6 35 389.22 0.82 4.8

A3=(10+8.6)*1.5/2=27.9 544.05 20 186.07 0.94 3

A4=(8.6+7)*2.6/2=20.28 395.46 5 34.46 0.996 2.6

A5=(7+4.2)*2.6/2=14.56 283.92 -3 -14.86 0.998 2.6

A6=(3.2+4.2)*3.8/2=14.06 274.17 -15 -70.96 0.965 3.8

A6=(3.2*5)/2=5 156 -35 -89.47 0.82 6

Σ=676.5

since there is no friction angle => Fs= (1/676.5)*(cΣ(l/cos(α))=2.

c) Determine the excavation height H for a safety factor equal to 2.

First get the modified cohesion for a factor of safety=2 ; c’=c/2=40/2=20.

for β=40 and Ns =5.6 ; Ns=γ*H/c’ => H=(20*5.6)/19.5=5.743 m.

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d) Determine the safety factor for a slope of 30o and 55o . Indicate the rupture type
for each case. What do you conclude?
for β=30 ; Ns=5.9 ; c’= 19.5*7/5.9=23.13 so Fs=1.7

This type of failure is called base failure (midpoint circle) which occurs when there is a weak soil
strata under the toe and failure plane passes through base of slope

for β=55 ; Ns=5.4 ; c’= 19.5*7/5.4=25.23 so Fs=1.58

This type of failure is called toe failure, the failure circle is referred to as a toe circle if it passes
through the toe of the slope. It is the most common mode of failure of finite slope. This failure
basically occurs when soil mass is homogenous above and below the toe.

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Retaining Wall:

For the retaining wall shown below. Knowing that the friction between the base of retaining
wall and the soil below is δ=2/3φ

Figure 2.1 retaining wall position and conditions

a) give a preliminary design of the retaining wall.

Figure 2.2 suggested design dimensions

b) Find the horizontal and vertical forces acting on the wall (active and passive).
a frictionless type is highly not recommended for building a retaining wall but if it occurred
the calculations will be as follow

since friction angle is zero => no friction on wall => Rankine is applicable

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 2×40
● active earth pressure : ka= 1 − 19.5×8
=0.487

@ top :

e1 = -2c× 𝑘𝑎=-55.8

@ bottom : Figure 2.3 passive and active coefficients

e2 = 19. 5 × 8 − 2c× 0. 487 =100.2

Since the pressure at the top is negative, so there are some depth causing cracking on the wall
and may be calculated as following: (19.5 *Zc ) * 0.487 − 2 *40* √0487 = 0.0 → Zc = 5.875m

● due to load :

an estimation of a weight of 4 floors building of 50m2 is 392 KN

=> q= 30 kN/m2

width of load 6m ; ka=1

a=0

b=1.5

c=6 Figure 2.4 Krey method

kaq= 1 × 30 = 30

● passive earth pressure :

2×40
Kp=1 + 19.5×8
=1.5

@ top :

e= 2c√1.5 = 55.8

@ bottom :

e2 = 19. 5 × 8 + 55. 8 = 211. 8

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Now, for design purposes, we modify this pressure to be zero at the top of the wall (for more
safety)

Pa1 = (area of modified triangle) =(8 − 5. 875) × 100. 2 ÷ 2 = 106. 465

line if action z1= 0.7(from base)

Pa 2= 40* 1.5/2=30 line of action z2= 1.5/3=0.5

pa 3 = 40*4.5=180 line of action z3 = 4.5/2=2.25

pa 4 = 40* 1.5/2=30 line of action z2= 1.5/3=0.5

If we want to calculate passive force :

PP = (area of trapezoidal) = 1*(55.8+211.2)/2=267 zp=0.403

passive due to cohesion = 163.773. z=4.1

Figure 2.5 load distribution

Stability Check:

c) Check the Overturning stability.

Mot= ∑Mpa = 𝑀𝑝𝑎1 +𝑀𝑝𝑎2 + 𝑀𝑝𝑎3 + 𝑀𝑝𝑎4 =1156.465

first get the weights : moment measured from 0

w1 = γ × 𝑉 = 19. 5 × 2. 1 × 7. 4 = 303 ; (3. 7 + 0. 6) = 4. 3

w2 = 0. 3 × 7. 4 × 25 = 55. 5 ; (3. 7 + 0. 6) = 4. 3

w3 = (0. 3 × 7. 4 ÷ 2) × 25 = 27. 75 ; 0. 6 + 7/3 = 2. 99

w4 = 5 × 0. 6 × 25 = 75 ; 2.5

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 Figure 2.6
vertical loads

moment about O : M1 =1303.6 ; M2 = 213 ; M3=79.235 ; M4=22.5;

Mr= 2345.4 ; Mp = 790.3

Fot= Mr/Mot = 2.311 stable

This can be enhanced by increasing the width of the footing (increase the width of heel) to
increase the weight of soil above the base and the weight of the base itself.

d) Check the Sliding stability

FR = ∑V * tan(K1ϕ2 ) + PP= PP = 430.773

Fd= Pah = 346.465

Fs= Fr/fd = 1.24

If the Sliding stability not satisfied, what modifications you shall do:

Solution (1): Increase the base width of the footing (width of the heel) to increase vertical
forces but this solution isn’t efficient in our case because phi is zero.

Solution (2): Use a base key (beam) of depth D under the base of the wall, this base key

increase the passive force.

Figure 2.7 retaining wall with a base key Figure 2.8 stress distribution

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e) Determine the stress distribution under the footing.

𝑀𝑟−𝑀𝑜𝑡
𝑋= Σ𝑉
=3.34

𝐵
𝑒0 = 2
− 𝑋 = 0. 83

Σ𝑉 6𝑒 474.25 6×0.9
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐵 ×1
× (1 + 𝐵
)= 5
(1 + 5
) = 185. 91

Σ𝑉 6𝑒 474.25 6×0.9
𝑞𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝐵 ×1
× (1 − 𝐵
)= 5
(1 − 5
) = 3. 794

f ) Check the punching stability.

δ 2
𝑞𝑢 = (𝑐𝑢× 𝑁𝑐 + 𝑞0)(1 − 90
)

𝐹ℎ 346.465
𝑡𝑎𝑛δ = 𝐹𝑣
= 303
= 1. 14 =>δ=48.82

Nc = 5.14 ; Nq = 1 ; it's considered a strip foundation => s = 1

48.82 2
𝑞𝑢 = (40× 1 + 30)(1 − 90
) = 49. 32 𝐾𝑝𝑎

𝑞𝑙−𝑞0 49.32−19.5×1
𝑞𝑎𝑑𝑚 = 𝐹
+ 𝑞0 = 3
+ 19. 5 × 1 = 29. 44

𝑄𝑎 = 𝐵' × 𝑞𝑎 = (5 − 2 × 0. 83) × 29. 44 = 98. 33 𝐾𝑝𝑎

Qa>Qu

or ,qmax ≤ qall

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Rc Design:

g) Calculate and draw the Reinforcement of the wall.

first stabilize the moments around the center of wall

for 1 M= Mot=4475 => Mu = 1.5M = 6712=> d=t-cover=1200-70=1130

d=c*rad((Mu*10^6)/(f*B))=> c=2.18 and j=0.995

As=(Mu*10^6)/(fy*j*d)=16582 use 14 d 22

for 2 F1 = 98.76*5= 493.8 ; F2 = 36.24*0.5*5=90.6

so M =493.8*2.5+90.6*5/3 - 5148-200 = -3963

M= Mot=4475 => Mu = 1.5M = 5944=> d=t-cover=800-70=730

d=c*rad((Mu*10^6)/(f*B))=> c=2.18 and j=0.995

As=(Mu*10^6)/(fy*j*d)=16582 use 15 d 22

also ad steel to connect the previous ones

h ) Calculer les quantités et le prix du mur de soutènement.

An estimation of the cost of concrete and steel for every 1m length of a 12m height reinforced
concrete retaining wall.

1. Concrete:

- Volume of concrete per 1m length:

Volume = Width * Height * Thickness

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Assuming a wall thickness of 0.5m, the volume = 1m * 8m * 0.5m = 4 𝑚

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 3
For base of wall volume = 3 𝑚

- Cost of concrete per cubic meter:

The cost of concrete can vary depending on the region and the type of concrete mix used.
As a rough estimate, assuming a cost of $100 to $150 per cubic meter is reasonable.

=> cost per 1 m length = *100 = 1400 $

2. Reinforcement Steel (Rebar):

- Quantity of steel reinforcement per 1m length:

The quantity of rebar required depends on the design and engineering requirements of the
retaining wall. The size, spacing, and layout of the rebar will impact the quantity and cost.

- Cost of reinforcement steel per kilogram:

The cost of reinforcement steel can vary based on the type, grade, and market conditions.
As an estimate, assuming a cost of $0.60 to $1.00 per kilogram is reasonable.

- Total cost of reinforcement steel per 1m length:

Total Cost = Quantity of rebar* Cost per kilogram= d^2/162*length*quantity

Water Intrusion:

l ) Study the stability of the retaining wall in case that the water table is at 1 m below
the natural ground level.
active earth pressure:

𝑒0 =-55.8 ; 𝑒1 = 19. 5 − 2 × 40 =− 60. 5; 𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = (19. 5 − 10) × 7 − 80 =− 13. 5 𝐾𝑁

due to pore pressure :

𝑒0𝑤 = 0 ; 𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 10 × 7 − 80 =− 10 𝐾𝑁

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𝑀1 = ( 19. 5 × 1 ÷ 2) × (7 + 1 ÷ 3) = 71. 5

𝑀2 = (19. 5 × 7) × 3. 5 = 477. 75

𝑀3 = (86 × 3. 5) × 7 ÷ 3 = 702. 33

𝑀4 = 70 × 3. 5 × 7 ÷ 3 = 571. 66

in case of passive earth pressure:

p1 =(19.5-10)*1*1=9.5

p2=1*10=10

for calculating the weight :

above the water level: 𝑤 = 2. 1 × 1 × 19. 5 = 40. 95; 𝑀 = 40. 95 × 6. 95 = 284. 6

below water table: 𝑤 = 7 × 9. 5 × 2. 1 + 7 × 10 × 2. 1 = 286. 65 ;

𝑀 = 286. 65 × 6. 95 = 1992. 2

Mr=2276.8

Fs=stable

bearing capacity : since water table exist calculation must be held taking effective specific
weight

Meyrhof:

δ δ 2
𝑞𝑙 = (1 − 90
) 𝑐 𝑁𝑐 + (1 − 90
) 𝑞0𝑁𝑑

𝑞0 = γ × 1 + γ' × 11 = 19. 5 × 1 + 9 × 7 = 82. 5

42.29 42.29 2
𝑞𝑙 = (1 − 90
) × 40 × 5. 14 +(1 − 90
) × 82. 5 = 132. 17

𝑄 = 𝐵' × 𝑞𝑙 = 132. 17 × (8 − 2 × 0. 83) = 836. 088.

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15
Conclusion

In conclusion, the construction of a retaining wall is a crucial aspect of many civil engineering
projects. Retaining walls provide stability and support to prevent soil erosion, control slopes,
and create usable spaces. Through this presentation, we have explored the key considerations
and steps involved in building a retaining wall.

We began by understanding the importance of site investigation and geotechnical analysis to

assess soil conditions, water table levels, and slope stability. This information forms the basis
for determining the appropriate design approach and selecting the most suitable retaining wall
type.

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References
● Dr course (Poussée -Butée).
● Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering Third Edition.
● https://platform.skyciv.com/design/retaining-wall

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