Limits for Retaining Wall Analysis
Limits for Retaining Wall Analysis
(OP)
When designing/analyzing retaining walls, at what distance(both uphill and downhill) of the wall does the analysis need to extend? I had a professor once tell me that when designing a retaining wall, anything (and everything) on the upside and downside of the wall has an effect. However, while this may be true in the classroom when theory rules, I believe there has got to be a limit where practicality sets in, and you no longer need to consider loadings at a "sufficient distance" from the wall.
I've attached a sketch illustrating my question. In my sketch I've labeled the two distances I'm curious about (x1 and x2). A "rule of thumb" I've developed based on my own reasoning is to extend a distance equal to the stem (height of the wall) behind the heel of the wall, and then extend at a 45-degree angle upwards. The area this would encompass I would consider to be my "area of influence" on my wall. This coupled with the Factor of Safety has been enough for me in the past (as I've worked on relatively short walls to date). Similarly, at what distance downhill (x1) would the analysis be sufficient?
Any guidance or things I'm missing on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for your time.
I've attached a sketch illustrating my question. In my sketch I've labeled the two distances I'm curious about (x1 and x2). A "rule of thumb" I've developed based on my own reasoning is to extend a distance equal to the stem (height of the wall) behind the heel of the wall, and then extend at a 45-degree angle upwards. The area this would encompass I would consider to be my "area of influence" on my wall. This coupled with the Factor of Safety has been enough for me in the past (as I've worked on relatively short walls to date). Similarly, at what distance downhill (x1) would the analysis be sufficient?
Any guidance or things I'm missing on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for your time.





RE: Limits for Retaining Wall Analysis
f-d
¡papá gordo ain't no madre flaca!
RE: Limits for Retaining Wall Analysis
RE: Limits for Retaining Wall Analysis
I have seen curved 40' high segmental retaining walls (SRWs) built where the critical item was the global situation that affects the geogrid design and placement. Obviously, no concrete footings were used. Since the length of the varying height walls (4' to 40') was about 10 km, the engineering was critical and quite sophisticated.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.