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Factor of safety

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downunder73

Structural
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
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2
Location
AU
Why is the factor of safety against a retaining wall overturning greater than the safety factor against sliding?
 
I think the most common design safety factor used for retaining wall stability is 1.5, both for overturning and sliding. What is the basis of your question?
 
i thought 2.0 for overturn and 1.5 for sliding was the most typical. i hadn't ever thought about why before... and don't have a wild speculation to offer yet .... maybe next month or after a few more beers.
 
Stress distribution and resulting failure...

There is a potential for more stress distribution in sliding. Further, overturning is usually a "catastrophic" event, whereas sliding is generally not.

 
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