Types of Retaining Walls

Module No. 4 ➢ Semi gravity Retaining Wall:

 This type of retaining walls havea wider base to improve
the stability of the wall and to prevent
the development of tensile stresses in
By the base.
 Light reinforcement is sometimes used
Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon in the base or stem to reduce the large
section of the wall.
Figure: Semi gravity Retaining Wall

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Retaining Walls Types of Retaining Walls

 Retaining walls are structural members used to provide ➢ Cantilever Retaining Wall:
stability for soil and hold back masses of earth or other  This is one of the most common types of retaining wall
loose material. because of economy and simplicity of
 They are used in many design construction.
situations where there are abrupt  This wall consists of the vertical arm
changes in the ground slope. that retains the earth and is held in
position by a footing or base slab.
 Retaining walls are used in many
other locations, such as for bridge  It is a reinforced concrete wall that is
abutments, basement walls, and generally used for heights from 10 – 20
Figure: Cantilever Retaining Wall
culverts. ft.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Types of Retaining Walls Types of Retaining Walls

 Various types of retaining walls are used, such as: ➢ Counterfort Retaining Wall:
➢ Gravity Retaining Wall:  Retaining walls higher than 20 ft develop a relatively large
 This type of retaining wall is usually constructed with plain bending moment at the base of stem, which makes the
concrete or masonry blocks and design of such walls uneconomical.
depends completely on its own weight  To over come this difficulty,
to provide stability against sliding and transverse walls or counterforts
overturning. are provided that tie the stem and
 The practical height of a gravity wall the base together at suitable
does not exceed 10 ft. intervals and act as tension ties to
Figure: Gravity Retaining Wall support the stem/vertical wall. Figure: Counterfort Retaining Wall
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Types of Retaining Walls Lateral Pressures on Retaining Walls

➢ Buttress Retaining Wall: Ha = Ca w h2 / 2 and

 This type of retaining wall is similar to counterfort Hp = Cp w hʹ 2 /2
retaining wall except that the transverse walls are located where, Ca and Cp are the coefficients of active and passive
on the side of stem, opposite to soil pressures, respectively.
the retained material and act as  According to Rankine’s theory, the co-efficients of active
compression struts. and passive soil pressures Ca and Cp may be calculated by
 Buttress as compression elements, using the relations:
are more efficient than the tension 1 – sin φ 1 + sin φ
Ca = and Cp =
counterforts, however, due to 1 + sin φ 1 – sin φ
exposed buttress, these type of Figure: Buttress Retaining Wall where, φ = angle of internal friction
retaining walls are not popular. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Forces on Retaining Walls Lateral Pressures on Retaining Walls

 Retaining walls are usually subjected to gravity loads and

soil pressure due to retained material on the wall.
 The pressure intensity (P) at a depth ‘h’ below the soil
surface may be calculated by using the relation:
P =C w h
where, w = the unit weight of the soil, and
C = coefficient that depends on the physical properties
of soil
 The value of C varies from 0.3 to 1.0 for loose grained soil
(such as sand) to cohesive soils (such as clay), respectively.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Lateral Pressures on Retaining Walls Lateral Pressures on Retaining Walls

 If the retaining wall moves away from the backfill, active

pressure intensity is developed and, the vice versa.
 For a linear pressure, the active and passive pressure
intensities Pa and Pp can be calculated
by using the relations:
Pa = Ca w h and
Pp = Cp w hʹ
 And, the total horizontal
active and passive soil
pressure intensities Ha and Hp can be calculated by using
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
the relations:
 Steps for the Analysis of Retaining Walls Steps for the Analysis of Retaining Walls

➢ To analyze the retaining wall and check the safety of wall  Step # 6: Check the safety of the wall against sliding:
against overturning and sliding, the following steps are According to guidelines, the retaining wall will be safe
followed: against sliding, if the safety factor is ≥ 2, which is given by,
 Step # 1: Calculate the soil pressure co-efficients (Ca and F + Hp
Cp) by using the relations: Safety factor =
Ha
1 – sin φ 1 + sin φ where, F = µR and, Hp = Cp w hʹ 2 /2
Ca = and Cp =
1 + sin φ 1 – sin φ here, µ = co-efficient of friction b/w soil and concrete, and
where, φ = angle of internal friction R = vertical forces acting on the base
Note: The factor of safety against sliding should not be ˂ 1.5
if the passive resistance Hp is neglected and should not be
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon ˂ 2.0 if Hp is taken into consideration.

Steps for the Analysis of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 2: Calculate the total horizontal active soil pressure  Ex #1: A semi-gravity plain concrete retaining wall is
(Ha) by using the relation: shown in the figure below. The bank of supported earth is
Ha = Ca w h2 / 2 assumed to weigh 110 lb/ft3, with an angle of internal
where, Ca = Coefficient of active soil pressure friction of 35 and co-efficient of friction between
w = unit weight of soil concrete and soil of 0.5. Check the safety of the wall
h = total height of the wall against overturning and sliding.

 Step # 3: Calculate the overturning moment (Mo) by using

the relation:
Mo = H a x h / 3
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Steps for the Analysis of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 4: Calculate the balancing moment (Mb) about the 1 ft

toe by referring the figure:

 Step # 5: Check the safety of the wall against overturning:
According to guidelines, the retaining wall will be safe
against overturning, if the safety factor is ≥ 2, which is 11 ft

given by,
Balancing moment
Safety factor = Toe Heal
Overturning moment 2 ft
1 ft
Mb
= 9ʺ 12ʺ
Mo 5 ft 3 in.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Solution:  Step # 3: Calculate the overturning moment (Mo) by using

Data: the relation:
Height of the wall = h = 11 ft Mo = Ha x h / 3
Unit weight of soil = w = 110 lb / ft3 here, Ha = 1796.85 lb /ft
Angle of internal friction = φ = 35 h = 11 ft
Coefficient of friction between soil and concrete = µ = 0.5 Mo = 1796.85 x 11 / 3
Required: Check the safety of the wall against overturning
= 6588.45 lb-ft /ft
and sliding = ?

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 1: Calculate the soil pressure co-efficients (Ca and  Step # 4: Calculate the balancing moment (Mb) about the toe:
Cp) by using the relations: Referring the figure, we have,
1 – sin φ 1 + sin φ Moment
Ca = and Cp = Force (lb/ft) Moment arm (ft)
1 + sin φ 1 – sin φ (lb-ft/ft)

where, φ = angle of internal friction W1 = 5.25 x 1 x 145 = 761.25 5.25/2 = 2.625 1998.28

here, φ = 35 W2 = 1 x 10 x 145 = 1450 0.75 + 0.5 = 1.25 1812.50

1 – sin 35 1 + sin 35 W3 = ½ (2.5x10) x145 = 1812.5 0.75+1+1/3(2.5) = 2.58 4676.25

Ca = and, Cp =
1 + sin 35 1 – sin 35 W4 = ½ (2.5 x 10) x 110 = 1375 0.75+1+2/3(2.5) = 3.42 4702.50

1 – 0.574 1 + 0.574 W5 = 1 x 10 x 110 = 1100 0.75+1+2.5+0.5 = 4.75 5225.00

= = 0.27 = = 3.69
1 + 0.574 1 – 0.574 Ʃ = R = 6498.75
Mb =
18414.53
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 2: Calculate the total horizontal active soil pressure  Step # 5: Check the safety of the wall against overturning:
(Ha) by using the relation: As we know that the retaining wall will be safe against
Ha = Ca w h2 / 2 overturning, if the safety factor is greater or equal to 2.
here, Ca = Coefficient of active soil pressure = 0.27 For this we have,
w = unit weight of soil = 110 lb/ft3 Balancing moment
h = total height of wall = 11 ft Safety factor =
Overturning moment
Ha = 0.27 x 110 x (11)2 / 2 18414.53
= 1796.85 lb /ft = = 2.79
6588.45
Now since the safety factor is greater than 2, hence the wall
is safe against overturning.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Guidelines for the Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 6: Check the safety of the wall against sliding: 2. Thickness of Stem: Stems are normally tapered and
As we know that the retaining wall will be safe against thickest at the bases as the shear and moment are higher at
sliding, if the safety factor is greater or equal to 2. the base. The stem base thickness may
For this we have, be estimated as 1/12 – 1/10 of the height
F + Hp (h) of wall with a batter (taper) of ¼ in.
Safety factor =
Ha per ft of height. The thickness at the
where, F = µR and, Hp = Cp w hʹ 2 /2 top of stem may be assumed to
here, µ = 0.5, R = 6498.75 lb / ft 8 – 12 in. with 12 in. preferable.
Cp = 3.69, w = 110 lb/ft3, For short walls up to 10 ft,
hʹ = 2 ft a constant thickness may Figure: Rules of thumb for design of Cantilever Retaining Walls
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon however be taken. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Guidelines for the Design of Retaining Walls

therefore, F = 0.5 x 6498.75 3. Length of Base: For preliminary estimates, the base length
= 3249.37 lb / ft can be taken to be about 2/5 – 2/3 of the wall height while
and, Hp = 3.69 x 110 x (2)2 / 2 the projection of base in front of the stem
= 811.80 lb / ft varies b/w 1/6 to 1/8 of the height of wall.
3249.37 + 811.80
thus, safety factor = 4. Thickness of Base: The base thickness
1796.85
below the stem is estimated same as
= 2.26
the thickness of the stem at its base
Now since the safety factor is greater than 2, hence the wall i.e. 1/12 – 1/10 of the wall
is also safe against sliding.
height. A min. thickness of
12 in. is recommended. Figure: Rules of thumb for design of Cantilever Retaining Walls
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Guidelines for the Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

2. Thickness of Stem: Stems are normally tapered and  Ex #2: Estimate the dimensions of retaining wall and
thickest at the bases as the shear and moment are higher at check the safety of the wall against overturning and
the base. The stem base thickness may sliding to support a bank of earth of 15.5 ft high as shown
be estimated as 1/12 – 1/10 of the height in the figure. The soil weighs 110 pcf and the angle of
(h) of wall with a batter (taper) of ¼ in. internal friction is 35 . The co-efficient
per ft of height. The thickness at the of friction between concrete and soil is
top of stem may be assumed to 0.5. Consider that the allowable soil
8 – 12 in. with 12 in. preferable. pressure of 4 ksf and the top of backfill
For short walls up to 10 ft, is level without surcharge. Ignore the
a constant thickness may Figure: Rules of thumb for design of Cantilever Retaining Walls passive soil resistance and take weight
however be taken. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon of concrete = 150 pcf. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls
 Solution: 3. Length of Base:
Data:
As per guidelines, for preliminary estimates, the base
Height of bank of earth = 15 ft 6 in. length can be taken as 0.4 – 0.67 of the wall height.
Unit weight of soil = w = 110 lb/ft3 Assuming an average value of 0.53 of the height of wall,
Unit weight of concrete = 150 lb/ft3 the length of base will be,
Angle of internal friction = φ = 35
= 0.53 (18.5 ft) = 9.81 ft say 10 ft
Coefficient of friction b/w soil and concrete = µ = 0.5
Allowable soil bearing capacity = 4000 lb/ft2 and, the projection of base in front of the stem varies b/w
Required: Determine the dimensions of the Retaining wall and 1/6 and 1/8 of height of wall. Assume 1/6 of h, the
check the safety of the wall against overturning and projection of base in front of stem will be,
sliding = ? = 1/6 (18.5) = 3.08 ft, say 3.25 ft or 3 ft 3 in.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 1: Using the guidelines, estimate the dimensions of 4. Thickness of Base:

the Retaining wall As per guidelines, the thickness of base is estimated same
1. Height of Wall: as the thickness of the stem at its bottom.
As per guidelines, the overall height of the wall (h) is equal Now, since the thickness of stem at the bottom has been
to elevation at the base of footing which is obtained by estimated as 1 ft 6 in. therefore, same thickness of 1 ft 6 in.
adding height of the wall at ground level plus 3 to 4 ft, is taken for the thickness of base.
which is taken as frost penetration. Thus, the height of stem will be,
Thus, allowing 3 ft for frost penetration to the bottom of = 18.5 ft – 1.50 ft = 17 ft
footing in front of wall, the over all height of wall will be, The final trial dimensions of the retaining wall are shown in
= 15.5 + 3 = 18.5 ft the figure.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

2. Thickness of Stem: 1 ft
As per guidelines, the thickness of stem at the bottom of
wall may be estimated as 0.08 – 0.1 of the height of wall.
Thus, assuming 0.08 of the height of wall, the thickness of
Backfill
stem at the bottom of wall will be, 18ft 6 in.
= 0.08 (18.5 ft) = 1.48 ft say 1.50 ft Frost line

3 ft
1ft 6in.

3 ft 3in. 1ft 6in. 5ft 3in.

10 ft
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 2: Calculate the co-efficient of active soil pressure  Step # 5: Calculate the balancing moment (Mb) about the toe:
(Ca) by using the relation: Referring the figure, we have,
1 – sin φ Moment
Ca = Force (lb/ft) Moment arm (ft)
1 + sin φ (lb-ft/ft)

where, φ = angle of internal friction W1 = 10 x 1.5 x 150

= 2250
10/2 = 5 11250
here, φ = 35 W2 = ½ (0.5 x 17) x 150
3.25 + 1/3(0.5) = 3.417 2178.34
= 637.5
1 – sin 35
Ca = W3 = 1 x 17 x 150
3.25 + 0.5 + 1/2(1) = 4.25 10837.5
1 + sin 35 = 2550
1 – 0.574 W4 = 5.25 x 17 x 110
3.25 + 1.5 + 1/2(5.25) = 7.375 72404.06
= = 0.271 = 9817.5
1 + 0.574 Mb =
Ʃ = R = 15255
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon 96669.90

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 3: Calculate the total horizontal active soil pressure  Step # 6: Check the safety of the wall against overturning:
(Ha) by using the relation: As we know that the retaining wall will be safe against
Ha = Ca w h2 / 2 overturning, if the safety factor is greater or equal to 2.
here, Ca = Coefficient of active soil pressure = 0.271 For this we have,
w = unit weight of soil = 110 lb/ft3 Balancing moment
h = total height of wall = 18.5 ft Safety factor =
Overturning moment
Ha = 0.271 x 110 x (18.5)2 / 2 96669.90
= 5101.24 lb /ft = = 3.07
31457.65
Now since the safety factor is greater than 2, hence the wall
is safe against overturning.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Step # 4: Calculate the overturning moment (Mo) by using  Step # 7: Check the safety of the wall against sliding:
the relation: As we know that the retaining wall will be safe against
Mo = Ha x h / 3 sliding, if the safety factor is greater than 1.5 when the
here, Ha = 5101.24 lb /ft passive resistance Hp is neglected.
h = 18.5 ft For this we have,
Mo = 5101.24 x 18.5 / 3 F
= 31457.65 lb-ft /ft Safety factor =
Ha
where, F = µR
here, µ = 0.50, R = 15255 lb / ft
Ha = 5101.24 lb/ft3
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

therefore, F = 0.50 x 15255

= 7627.5 lb / ft

7627.5
thus, safety factor =
5101.24
= 1.49 ˂ 1.5 which means that the wall is
not safe against sliding and the resistance provided does not
give an adequate safety against sliding. Thus a key should
be provided to develop a passive pressure large enough to
resist the excess force that causes sliding.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Effect of Surcharge

 Different types of additional loads are often imposed on

the surface of backfill behind the retaining wall.
 If the surcharge load (ws) is uniform,
an equivalent height of soil (hs= ws /w),
may be assumed acting on the wall to
account for the surcharge load.
 In such case, the total horizontal
active earth pressure (Ha) is given
by, Figure: Surcharge effect under a uniform load
Ha = Ha1 + Ha2 = Ca w h x hs + ½ Ca w h2
= Ca w (h hs + h2 /2 ) Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problems on Analysis and Design of Retaining Walls

 Ex #3: Estimate the dimensions of retaining wall and
check the safety of the wall against overturning and
sliding as shown in the figure. The top of earth is to be
level with a surcharge of 300 psf and the
soil weighs 100 pcf. The angle of
internal friction is 30 . Take the co-
efficient of friction between concrete
and soil = 0.5 and allowable soil
bearing capacity = 4 ksf.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon