Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
(OP)
Hello all,
I've got a 12' retaining wall that I'm working on for a subdevelopment. There will be sidewalk right next to it along with curb and gutter and then a road.
For H20 loading at a 6' distance if one goes through the California Trench and Shore manual, analysis as point loads comes out to about a 300 psf surcharge for an H20 vehicle driving 6' from the wall.
The IBC specifies a live load of...I think its a 250 psf or 200 psf can't recall and don't have my IBC on me right now, for sidewalks, which will be cast right up against the wall. I assume this is for if and when small vehicles happen to drive on the sidewalk, but I'm not 100% clear on the intent.
This will be a cantilevered concrete wall with a fence stuck into the top.
I'm wondering if I need to stack these two surcharges (550 psf) or if using the 300 psf surcharge pretty well covers it.
Thanks in advance!
I've got a 12' retaining wall that I'm working on for a subdevelopment. There will be sidewalk right next to it along with curb and gutter and then a road.
For H20 loading at a 6' distance if one goes through the California Trench and Shore manual, analysis as point loads comes out to about a 300 psf surcharge for an H20 vehicle driving 6' from the wall.
The IBC specifies a live load of...I think its a 250 psf or 200 psf can't recall and don't have my IBC on me right now, for sidewalks, which will be cast right up against the wall. I assume this is for if and when small vehicles happen to drive on the sidewalk, but I'm not 100% clear on the intent.
This will be a cantilevered concrete wall with a fence stuck into the top.
I'm wondering if I need to stack these two surcharges (550 psf) or if using the 300 psf surcharge pretty well covers it.
Thanks in advance!






RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
REAL difficult via laws of physics for two bodies to occupy the same space at the same time.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
This would also cover the (temporary) construction load of 72 PSF (see Page 6-1).
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RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
Regarding an H20 truck jumping the sidewalk...the 300 psf load is based on a fixed distance of 6' between the tires and the wall.
If a 16 kip point load is placed 1' away from the wall the load goes up pretty substantially. The 300 psf surcharge will not account for this condition I don't think.
RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading
Using software a "precise" (not necessary accurate) solution can probably be obtained. However if this is done, then the 300 PSF assumption should NOT be included in the calculations - never mix simple assumptions with exact calcs. A precise solution could include the H20 wheel loads, IBC 250 PSF uniform sidewalk load, and be sure to consider the 8000 lb point load (actually on 20 sq. in.) applied at any location of the sidewalk (IBC 2003, Table 1607.1, Item 32, Note "e")
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RE: Retaining Wall Surcharge Loading