Retaining wall design
Retaining wall design
(OP)
I'm designing a retaining wall. I'm going to assume that the soil behind the wall is compacted fill. Can I use a standard density or do I need to test the soil to be more accurate? Also, what angle of internal friction should I use for the backfill? Thanks.





RE: Retaining wall design
PD You might overstress the wall compacting the backfill. Consult your geotech.
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
You should hire a geotech, if there is issues of concern like seismic considerations, if any, bearing capacity of soil. I dont know, i'm just thinking loud. I know to little about the project. Can you tell me something else; location, hieght of wall, geology, are you going to demolish and contruct new wall, are there going to be any additional loads other than the backfill, what is the project about?
RE: Retaining wall design
It's in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so siesmic considerations shouldn't govern I think. Wall height is 12 feet at the apex. No additional loads. Thanks for your help.
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
Just curious: Why do you say to use Ko conditions? Isn't that for a restrained wall? I'm using a cantelever retaining wall.
Also, as far as the bearing pressure allowable, I have a table that states the worst case scenario as .5 TSF. But, it also states that the factor of safety is included. I need an allowable bearing pressure of 5000 PSF. Should I backfill with rock or something or should I try and extend the heel?
Thanks in advance.
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
Fortunatly, you have a senior engineer with a seal to oversee the design. That said, I'd strongly encourage you to take a few hand auger borings and collect samples of the wall backfill and the toe conditions before going much further. The best advice given so far is to hire a geotechnical consultant and base the design on Ko conditions.
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
RE: Retaining wall design
I agree and we may just have to do this. That was my original question really. Do I need an investigation or are there standards that I could use. So, my answer is do the geotechnical study. Thanks again all.
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
RE: Retaining wall design
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!