Data needed to perform structural calculations concerning retaining walls

For every structural calculation related  to retaining walls some minimal data are needed from a geotechnical design report such as:

• y-unit weight of the soil behind and in front and at the base of the future wall [SI]=kN/m³;
• Ø-angles of friction of the soils mentioned above [SI]=deg;
• c_u –undrained cohesion strength which is defined as the soil’s interior strength besides its own weight [SI]=kN/m²

With these values known or determined (depending on the ground investigation report) the stuctural engineer can perform basic calculations in order to determine :

Ka-active earth pressure coefficient =>Pa-active earth pressure that will act on the future wall

Kp-passive earth pressure coefficient =>Pp-passive earth pressure that will act on the future wall

(for a detailed presentation on how to proper estimate those coefficients click here or go to the Terms Explanation Post and/or for an automated solution here ! )

and then by proper dimensioning the wall(or even area of reinforcement if needed depending on the type of the wall ) the following design checks can be performed:

• overall failure of the ground containing the wall
• failure of the wall by sliding
• failure of the wall by toppling
• bearing failure of the ground beneath the wall
• structural failure of the wall .

Note:more details on the subjects described above can be accesed by clicking here and following  the chapter 9 of the document!