Retaining Wall Failure?
Retaining Wall Failure?
(OP)
I have a question regarding a masonry retaining wall that "appears" to underdesigned. Without taking the wall and footings out are there any ways to retrofit an existing masonry retaining wall?
The retaining wall is built 100% but has yet to be completely backfilled (approx. 75%). The contractor has already expressed his concern about the wall. Apparently the wall is showing signs of failure and he has raised the question about the design.
The wall was designed by an older engineer that I am aquainted with and he has contacted me to assist with any possible repairs/retrofit options.
Besides tearing the wall down and starting over I have very few ideas. Possibly adding another 8" cmu wall to the inside of the existing wall and adding to the existing footing?
The wall is at max. 6'-8" high and is 8" cmu w/ (1) #5 vertical @ 24" o.c. It is directly adjacent to a parking lot and driveway for a gas station in Florida. So there will be heavy cars/trucks. I have used the 250 psf surcharge over the heel of the footing as per AASHTO reg's.
Not only does the stem seem to be overstressed but the footing also appears to be undersized.
How can this issue be resolved without completely taking the wall down? Or can it?
The retaining wall is built 100% but has yet to be completely backfilled (approx. 75%). The contractor has already expressed his concern about the wall. Apparently the wall is showing signs of failure and he has raised the question about the design.
The wall was designed by an older engineer that I am aquainted with and he has contacted me to assist with any possible repairs/retrofit options.
Besides tearing the wall down and starting over I have very few ideas. Possibly adding another 8" cmu wall to the inside of the existing wall and adding to the existing footing?
The wall is at max. 6'-8" high and is 8" cmu w/ (1) #5 vertical @ 24" o.c. It is directly adjacent to a parking lot and driveway for a gas station in Florida. So there will be heavy cars/trucks. I have used the 250 psf surcharge over the heel of the footing as per AASHTO reg's.
Not only does the stem seem to be overstressed but the footing also appears to be undersized.
How can this issue be resolved without completely taking the wall down? Or can it?






RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
If a couple of the courses ontop of the wall were removed, and a concrete beam/cap was added, how would the post tensioning work? Would the existing verticals be used for the post tensioning or would additional strands have to be added to the wall?
dik
I guess it would be possible to use deadmen. But the top of the wall has a single k.o. block w/ (1) #5 cont. I would not feel comfortable relying on that for a tie back.
In addition, the footing itself is undersized. It should be at least 12" wider and 4" deeper.
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
You might have to core into the openings where the mild steel is and anchor into the ground.
I'm not 100% certain but I think there are masonry applications for this. You shouldn't have to use a full blown rock anchor.
Regards,

Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
DaveAtkins
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
Good Luck!
RE: Retaining Wall Failure?
The other issue and maybe it's not even an issue is that the contractor has been driving his heavy equipment right up against the wall. I am sure that it hasn't helped in anyway, but what recourse is there if this is the case. Is there any way to make sure that civil contractors do not use there grading equipment right against the wall. This has always worried me when designing retaining walls.