Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
(OP)
I am trying find some guidance stating minimum heights below which a design is not required for a retaining wall. For example, if a wall height is 3 in, 6 in, 9 in, etc. is a design required for a retaining wall? Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
Thanks






RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Get out the shovel I reckon. (Or guess.)
Wouldn't be that much different from a lot of other "inspections" I've seen.
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Footings are a luxury.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Whether it needs PE seal- would depend on the project it was on, not just on the wall.
Whether it needs design calculations- judgment issue, if in doubt, make up a spreadsheet with your typical or minimum dimensions/ reinforcement, and then see how high you can go before those don't work.
It is appropriate to say "Based on prior experience, design loads will not govern the dimensions or details" or however you care to word it.
Around here, I've seen a few low retaining walls that won't kill anybody, but long-term poor performance may mess up the foundation of the house that they are next to, so there could be some low liability even if there's no danger to life.
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
OBC, Division A, Part 1 (Compliance and General), cl. 1.1.2.2(2)c states (paraphrased):
Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 apply to (c) a retaining wall exceeding 1000mm in exposed height adjacent to, (i) public property, (ii) access to a building, or (iii) private property to which the public is admitted.
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required
Also repeated in Division A, Part 1, 1.3.1.1 - Designated Structures
RE: Minimum Retaining Wall Height below which Design is not Required