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Retaining Wall Inspection Criteria

zero1238

Structural
Oct 6, 2017
78
When it comes to residential retaining walls built from timber ties, poured concrete, and segmental block, I understand the theory behind sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity, but I'm not sure of the allowable tolerances when it comes to bowing or lateral shifting. The international residential code covers factors of safety for sliding/overturning but I don't see anything in there about allowing lateral movement or bowing; does anyone know a good code or reference that makes mention of this? This is for the inspection of an existing residential retaining wall.
 
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If it is bowing, it is likely not designed or constructed properly
Also, it is about impossible to inspect a residential retaining wall.
"Well it ain't leaning so I guess it is OK for now"
"Well, it's leaning a little bit. Better budget some funds for future repair replacement"
 
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Just to clarify, what do you mean by "lateral shifting", I assume you are not talking about sliding.
When you say timber ties, do you mean cross-tie or tie like "tension tie"?

Off the top of my head, i do not know of any set criteria for retaining walls as compared to other structures. Also, you may have different criteria based on the material such as segmental block as opposed to concrete etc.

Since different wall materials are constructed with different structural mechanisms such as a cantilever retaining wall as compared to a segmental wall that works on a different concept, you may have different tolerances based on that.

Also, most residential retaining walls I have ever seen were not designed and/or installed properly.
 
I've designed quite a few retaining walls and tbh I have never really checked deflection criteria, nor do I know anyone that has
Be it masonry or timber
The only time maybe is for a masonry internal retaining wall - you may consider the effects of deflection on the rest of the structure
 
If the structure was just built and is already deflecting, then that's a problem.

If the structure was built a long time ago and is deflecting, it may be okay. Deflection may be especially visible if it's a cantilever wall. It may mean some theoretical overload has happened, or creep from forms pulled off too early, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's certain to fail. Doing the structural calculations to check the design, and then possibly doing some monitoring may be a good approach in that situation.

In my opinion, deflections around about 10% of the height are very noticeable and, even if the wall is structurally sound, will affect the value of the structure.
 
It's typical to put retaining walls at a 1:10 backwards rake here to minimise the aesthetic implications of some inevitable movement
 

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