foundation wall analysis at loading dock

[sponcyv]

I am looking at an existing building. This is a distribution center and the existing section at the loading dock (image attached) concerns me. The foundation is very small and they are not tying back into the slab to resist the retained soil loads. There is a 4' grade differential between the retained grade and exterior grade. I have analyzed the wall and it fails in overturning. The passive pressure on the outside of the wall is not great enough to resist the forces. There will be a slab on grade on the exterior once the finished product is up, but they typically do not pour this until the wall is backfilled. It is my opinion that this wall is under-designed, but I wanted to run it out there to get other's opinions. This seems absolutely crazy to me being that this foundation is on an industrial building. I've seen larger footings in residential basement walls.

 

[RHTPE]

I would want to see what this looks like in plan. Is there a depressed interior for dock levelers? Are the perpendicular walls that might help to restrain the 8' tall wall? If this is a section at the loading dock, how does one get over the 8" 'curb' with a forklift?


Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA