A Minor Project Report

on
DESIGN OF EARTH RETAINING AND
EARTH SUPPORTING STRUCTUTRE
Submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of the
Degree of
Bachelor of Technology
In
Civil Engineering
Under The Guidance of
Dr. Syed Mohammad Abbas
Submitted By
Saurav Kumar MD. Naqui Alam
16BCE075 ( 16BCE049 )
Syed. Hamdan Ali
14BCE0014

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA

NEW DELHI
DECEMBER , 2019
 DIVISION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA

CERTIFICATE
Certified that this is a bona-fide record of the project titled

Submitted By
SAURAV KUMAR (16BCE075)
NAQUI ALAM ( 16BCE049 )
SYED HAMDAN ALI (14BCE014)
Of VIITH semester , Civil Engineering in the year of 2019in partial
fulfillments of requirements for the award of Degree of bachelor of
Technology in Civil Engineering of Jamia Millia Islamia.

PROJECT GUIDE HEAD OF DIVISION

DR. SYED MOHAMMAD ABBAS DR. SHAMSHAD AHAMD

ABSTRACT
The aim of this project is to produce an interactive excel sheet that could be used as user
interface for desigining of retaining wall as per rankines or coulomb theory.One of the
main feature is to design safe and economical retaining wall by giving various input to
excel sheet.
In the existing environment there is no such user friendly interface to design deifferent
retaining wall in Ms excel is easily availablel . IIT Guwahati has developed a simple app
that is able to provide a basic design of cantilever retaining wall based on user inputs.
In our project on “design of Retaining wall” ,we have tried to show using various function
of Ms Excel we can create a versatile user interface sheet to analyse the stability of the
retaining wall as per IS-456:2000. Our project is easily available on GITHUB website the
link is here https://github.com/sauravkumar12?tab=repositories.

Table Of Contents:-
1 Introduction
1.1 Requirements of retaining wall
1.2 Types of retaining wall
1.3 Earth supporting structure
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Types of Eath Supporting Structure

2 Design of Retaining wall

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Stability of retaining wall
2.2.1 Effect of surcharge on level backfill
2.2.2 Effect of water on the backfill
3 Gravity Retaining wall
3.1 Design requirement of retaining wall
3.2 Problem & solution of gravity retaining wall
4 Cantilever Retaining wall
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Design Requirement
4.3 Problem & solution of Cantilever Retaining wall
 CHAPTER 1: RETAINING WALL
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Retaining wall are the structures which are used to hold back earth, coal, or ore etc and do

not allow the retained mass to assume its naturel slope due to which retained mass exert

lateral pressure on the retaining wall .

When built from stone , brick or plain concrete , the retaining walls have to be so designed

as to avoid occurance of tensile stress at any point , produced by the action of the lateral

pressure of the earth . Such retainings walls , therefore , become massive in size and

depend upon their own weight for stability . With for stability. With the increase in the

height of the retained earth they prove to be uneconomical .

1.1.1 REQUIREMENTS OF RETAINING WALL

The main function of retaining walls is to stabilize hillsides and control erosion. When

roadway construction is necessary over rugged terrain with steep slopes, retaining walls

can help to reduce the grades of roads and the land alongside the road. Some road

projects lack available land beside the travel way, requiring construction right along the

toe of a slope. In these cases extensive grading may not be possible and retaining walls

become necessary to allow for safe construction and acceptable slope conditions for

adjacent land uses. Where soils are unstable, slopes are quite steep, or heavy runoff is

present, retaining walls help to stem erosion. Excessive runoff can undermine roadways

and structures, and controlling sediment runoff is a major environmental and water

quality consideration in road and bridge projects. In these situations, building retaining

walls, rather than grading excessively, reduces vegetation removal and reduces erosion

caused by runoff. In turn, the vegetation serves to stabilize the soil and filter out

sediments and pollutants before they enter the water source, thus improving water quality.

1.2 TYPES OF RETAINING WALL

 ● Gravity walls

● Semi Gravity Retaining Wall

● Flexible walls

● Special type of retaining walls

On the basis of attaining stability, the retaining structures are classified into
following:
(I) Gravity walls :
Gravity walls are stabilized by their mass. They are constructed of dense, heavy materials

such as concrete and stone masonry and are usually reinforced. Some gravity walls do use

mortar,relying solely on their weight to stay in place, as in the case of dry stone walls.

They are economical for only small heights.

Fig 1.1 Gravity wall

(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_1.
gif)
 Fig 1.2 Dry Stone Gravity Wall
(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_2.g
if)

(II) Semi gravity wall

These walls generally are trapezoidal in section. This type of wall is constructed in

concrete and derives its stability from its weight. A samll amount of reinforcement is

provided for reducing the mass of the concrete. This can be classified into two

Cantilever retaining wall

Counterfort retaining wall

Fig 1.3 Semi Gravity Retaining wall

(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_3.g

if)
(a) Cantilever retaining wall

This is a reinforced concrete wall which utilises cantilever action to retain the backfill.

This type is suitable for retaining backfill to moderate heights(4m-7m). In cross section

most cantilevered walls look like “L”s or inverted “T”s. To ensure stability, they are built

on solid foundations with the base tied to the vertical portion of the wall with

reinforcement rods. The base is then backfilled to counteract forward pressure on the

vertical portion of the wall. The cantilevered base is reinforced and is designed to prevent

uplifting at the heel of the base, making the wall strong and stable. Local building codes,

frost penetration levels and soil qualities determine the foundation and structural

requirements of taller cantilevered walls. Reinforced concrete cantilevered walls

sometimes have a batter. They can be faced with stone, brick, or simulated veneers. Their

front faces can also be surfaced with a variety of textures. Reinforced Concrete

Cantilevered Walls are built using forms. When the use of forms is not desired, Reinforced

Concrete Block Cantilevered Walls are another option. Where foundation soils are poor,

Earth Tieback Retaining Walls are another choice. These walls are counterbalanced not

only by a large base but also by a series of horizontal bars or strips extending out

perpendicularly from the vertical surface into the slope. The bars or strips, sometimes

called “deadmen” are made of wood, metal, or synthetic materials such as geotextiles.

Once an earth tieback retaining wall is backfilled, the weight and friction of the fill against

the horizontal members anchors the structure.

 Fig 1.4 : cantilever Retaining Wall
(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_4.gif)

(b) Counterfort retaining wall

For a large heights, in a cantilever retaining wall, the bending moments developed in the

stem, heel slab and toe slab become very large and require large thicknesses. The bending

moments can be considerably reduced by introducing transverse supports, called

counterforts,( spaced at regular intervals of about one-third to one half of the wall height)

interconnecting with stem with heel slab. It is economical for the heights above 7m.

Fig 1.5 : counterfort Retaining wall

(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_5.gif)
1.3 EARTH SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

1.3.1 Introduction

These are the temporary structure which retain the soil mass while exacavation work .

These are also called flexible retaining wall such as sheep piles wall and diphragm walls

1.3.2 Types of earth supporting structure.

(a) Sheet piles:

Sheet piles are generally made of steel or timber. The use of timber piles is generally

limited to temporary structures in which the depth of driving does not exceed 3m.

For permanent structures and for depth of driving greater than 3m, steel piles are most

suitable. Moreover, steel iles are relatively water tight and can be extracted if required and

reused. However, the cost of sheet steel piles is generally more than that of timber piles.

Reinforced cement concrete piles are generally used when these are to be jetted into fine

sand or driven in very soft soils, such as peat. For tougher soils , the concrete piles

generally break off. Based on its structural form and loading system, sheet pile walls

can be classified into 2 types

1) Cantilever Sheet Piles and

2) Anchored Sheet Piles

(b) Diaphragm Wall:

Diaphragm walls are commonly used in congested areas for retention systems and

Permanents foundations wall . They can be installed in close proximity to existing

structures, with minimal loss of support to existing foundations. In addition, construction

dewatering is not required, so there is no associated subsidence. Diaphragm walls have also

been used as deep groundwater barriers through and under dams.

Diaphragm walls are constructed by the slurry technique which was developed in Europe,

and has been used in the United States since 1940’s. The technique involves exacavating a

narrow trench that is kept full of an engineered fluid or slurry. The slurry exerts hydraulic

pressure against the trench walls and acts as shoring to prevent collapse. Slurry trench

excavations can be performed in all types of soil, even below the ground water table. Cast

in place; diaphragm walls are usually excavated under bentonite slurry. The construction

sequence usually begins with the excavation of discontinuous primary panels. Stop-end

pipes are placed vertically in each end of the primary panels, to form joints for adjacent

secondary panels. Panels are usually 8 to 20 feet long, with widths varying from 2 to 5 feet.

Once the excavation of a panel is complete, a steel reinforcement cage is placed in the

center of the panel. Concrete is then poured in one continuous operation, through one or

several tremie pipes that extend to the bottom of the trench. The tremie pipes are extracted

as the concrete raises in the trench, however the discharge of the tremie pipe always

remains embedded in the fresh concrete. The slurry, which is displaced by the concrete, is

saved and reused for subsequent panel excavations. When the concrete sets, the end pipes

are withdrawn. Similarly, secondary panels are constructed between the primary panels, and

the process continues to create a continuous wall. The finished walls may cantilever or

require anchors or props for lateral support.

Fig. 1.6. Construction Stages of a Diaphragm Wall using Slurry Trench Technique.
(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_46.gi
f)
  

 
 CHAPTER 2: DESIGN OF RETAINING WALL

2.1 INTRODUCTION
Design of retaining wall is done in two way first it is design for its stability and second is

its structural design as per IS-456:2000. Structural design of retaining wall is beyond the

scope of this project.

2.2 STABILITY OF RETAINING WALL

(A) Stability against sliding
Horizontal forces (active earth pressure) tend to slide the wall away from the fill. This

tendency is resisted by friction at the base of wall. The structure shall have a factor against

sliding of not less than 1.4 under the most adverse combination of the applied

characterstics forces. In this case only 0.9 times the characterstics dead load shall be taken

into account.

(clause 20.2, IS 456 : 2000)

FOS|SLIDING = Stabilising force
Destabilsing force

(B) Stability against overturning

The stability of a structure as a whole against overturning shall be ensured so that the

restoring moment shall not be less than the sum of 1.2 times the maximum overturning

moment due to the characterstics dead load and the 1.4 times the maximum overtrning

moment due to characterstics imposed loads. In case where dead load provides the

restoring moment, only 0.9 times the characterstics dead load shall be considered.

Restoring moment due to imposed load shall be ignored.

(clause 20.1, IS 456 : 2000)

FOS|OVERTURNING = Resisting moment

Overturning moment
(C) No bearing capacity failure

The distribution of pressure on the soil beneath the base is, in general, nonuniform. The

pressure is maximu under the toe and the minimum under the heel. The maximum pressure

under the toe should remain less than the allowable bearing pressure on the soil. Otherwise

the wall will sink at the toe.

Firstly the line of action of resultant force from the centre of the base is obtained using the

equation

X = resisting moment – overturning moment

Resultant force

If the resultant loading eccentricity “ e ” lies within the “ middile third “ of the footing i.e.,

|e| < L/6 , it is seen that the entire contact area of the footing is subject to a nonuniform

pressure which varies linearly from qmax to qmin . These pressures are easily obtained by

superposing the separate effects due to the direct load P and the bending moment M (Pe)

with area A=BL and the section modulus Z=LB2 6, where B is the width of the retaining

wall in the direction of eccentricity e, and L is the length of retaining which is assumed as

unity.

qmax,min = (vertical force/A) ( 1 + 6e/L)

in the limiting case of |e|=L/6, qmin =0 and qmax =2P/A, resulting in a triangular pressure

distribution . The uniform pressure distribution q=P/A is obtained as special case of e =0.

When the resultant eccentricity e exceeds L/6, becomes it will negative value for qmin,

implying a tensile force at the interface . However such tension resisting capacity cannot

be practically expected expected from soil.

2.2.1 Effect of surcharge on level backfill
Frequently, gravity load act on a level backfill due to the construction of buildings and the

movement of vehicles near at the top the retaining wall. These additional loads can be

assumed to be static and uniformly distributed on the top of the backfill, for calculation

purposes. This distributed load ws (KN/M2) can be treated as statically equivaent to an

additional fictious height, hs = ws /Ye , of soil backfill with unit weight Ye . This additional

height of backfill is called surcharge, and is expressed either in terms of height hs, or in

terms of the distributed load ws.

surcharge

w
xw
Pa1

Pa2

µR
R XR
B
Fig 2.1 : effect of surcharge on a level backfill

The presence of the surcharge not only adds to the gravity loading acting on the heel slab,

but also increases the lateral pressure on the wall by KaYshs =Kaws .

Pa = KaYs hs + KaYs h

2.2.2 Effect of water in the backfill

When water accumulates in the backfill , it can raise the lateral pressure on the wall to

very high levels. If the water in the backfill does not have an escape route, it will build up

a hydrostatic pressure on the wall, causing it to behave like a dam the resulting pressure

distribution are depictedin figure 2.2

Pa4 h-hw

w h
Pa1

hw

Pa2 Pa3

µR
R

Fig 2.2 : effect of water on a backfill

Pa = KaYs(h-hw) + KaYsub hw + Yw hw

Pressure due to water is increased by Y whw . The purpose of the retaining wall is to retain

earth, and not water. Hence submerged earth conditions should be avoided by providing

and maintaining proper drainage facilities (including provision of weep holes). Failure to

do so can result in the building up of enoromous pressures, which if not anticipated in the

design, can result in serious failures.

The presence of water does not significantly alter the shearing resistance of granluar soil;

hence the coefficient, Ka is practically the same for the both dry and submerged condition.
 CHAPTER 3 GRAVITY RETAINING WALL

3.1 INTRODUCTION

The gravity wall provides the stability by virtue of its own weight, and therefore is rather

massive in size. It is usually built in stone masonary, and occasinally in plain concrete.

The thickness of the wall is also governed by the need to eliminate or limit the resulting

tensile stress to do its permissible limit (which is very low in case of concrete and

masonary). Plain concrete gravity walls are not used for heights exceeding about 3m, for

obvious economic reason.

Fig 3.1 : Residential gravity retaining wall ( https://encrypted-

tbn0.gstatic.com/images?

q=tbn:ANd9GcTrA7DiOTwTIDBqlmTIm3zZY3hN42HoeBLfDzkY1n5mettr0OX4hQ&s

3.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENT OF RETAINING WALL

Gravity retaining wall is designed to resist earth pressure by their weight .They are

constructed of the mass , concrete , brick , stone masonary.since these materials can not

resist appreciable tension , the design aims at preventing tension in the wall. The wall must
be safe against sliding and overturning. Also the maximum pressure exerted on the

foundation soil should not exceed the bearing capacity of the soil . so before the actual

design, the soil parametrs that influence the earth pressure and the bearing capacity of the

soil must be evaluated. These include the unit weight of soil, the angle of shearing

resistance, the cohesion intercept,and the wall friction. Knowing these parameters, the

lateral earth pressure and bearing capacity soil can be determined.

Fig 3.2 (a) Fig 3.2 (b)

(https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101083/Images/Mod_6%20images/fig_45.

gif)

The figure shown above fig 3.2 (a) the forces acting on yhe wall per unit length are

Active earth pressure and

The weight of the wall

The passive earth pressure acting on the lower portion of the face of the wall, which

usually small and usually nglected for design purposes. The full mobilisaton of passive

earth pressure not occur at the time of failure so we not consider it.

At first we decide which theory we have to apply for calculating of active earth pressure.

Normally we use rankine or coloumb earth pressure theory.

For using raknkines theory a vertical line ab is drawn through heel point (fig 3.2 (b)). It is

assumed that the rankine active condition exist along the vertical line AB.While checking

the stability the weight of soil above the heel zone ABC should be taken into consideration

, in addition to the active earth pressure and weight of the wall.

But the coulomb theory directly gives the lateral earth pressure on the back face of the

wall . weight of the backfill is not to be considered .

Once the forces acting on the wall have been determined, the stability is checked using the

procedure discussed in the section 2.2. For convenience, the section of the retaining wall is

divided into rectangles and triangles for the computation of the weight and the

determination of the line action of the weight.

For a safe design, the following requirement must be satisfied.

● No sliding

Horizontal forces tend to slide the wall away from the fill. This tendency is resisted by the

friction at the base.

= Coefficient of friction between the base of the wall and soil (= tan  ).

= Sum of the all vertical forces i.e. vertical component of inclined active force.

A minimum factor of safety of 1.5 against sliding is recommended.

● Overturning

The wall must be safe against overturning about toe.

● No bearing capacity failure and no tension

First calculate the line of action of the Resultant force ( e ) from centre of the base.

(No Tension will develop at the heel)

The pressure at the toe of the wall must not exceed the allowable bearing capacity of the

soil. The pressure at the base is assumed to be linear. The max. Pressure at the Toe & min

at the Heel is given by:

should be less than the Safe bearing capacity(  ) of the soil &  should not

be Tensile in any case. Tension is not desirable. The tensile strength of the soil is very

small and tensile crack would develop. The effective base area is reduced.

3.3 PROBLEM AND SOLUTION OF GRAVITY RETAINING WALL

Data given:

Backfill soil properties

BACKFILL SOIL PROPERTIES DEGREE RADIAN

Angle Of Inclination Of Backfill Soil ( i ) = 0 0
Angle of Internal Friction of Soil (φ) = 40 0.70
Friction Angle Between Wall & Soil ( δ ) = 26.67 0.47
Table-1 : Backfill soil properties
Base soil proprties

BASE SOIL PROPERTIES    

Cohesion factor KN/M2 = 25  
Adhesion Factor = 0.9  
Actual Cohesion Factor = 22.5  
Friction Angle B/W wall & Soil= 15 0.26
Internal Friction Angle of Soil= 20  
Base of Retaining Wall= 3  
Table-2 : Base soil properties

Solution :

Step 1 : Preliminary proportioning of retaining wall

Total height of retaining wall ( H ) - 5m

Height of retaining wall below ground level- 4m

Length of base of retaining wall- 3.33 ( two-third of H )

Width of base of retaining wall- 0.5m (one-tenth of H )

Top width of stem- 0.3m (minimum)

Length of toe and heel- 0.83m ( one-sixth of H )

Proportioning of wall is shown in figure below

Step – 2 : calculation of earth pressure coefficient ( by coloumb’s theory )

sin2 (α + φ)
Ka=
2
2
[( √
sin α sin (α −δ ) 1+
sin ( φ+ δ ) sin ( φ−i )
sin ( α−δ ) sin ( α +i ) )]
Now substituting the value of α, δ, φ, and i from table-1, we get

Ka = 0.268

Step- 3 : Calculation of earth pressure( given unit weight of soil 18 KN/M3 )

 1
Pa= ∗γ∗K a∗H 2
2
Substituting all the values of γ,Ka,H we get,
Pa=60.37KN/m2
 Figure : 3.3 : Output Screen 1

STEP-2 : CALCULATION OF EARTH PRESSURE COEFFICIENT

Earth Pressure Constant= 0.368    

Figure : 3.4 : Output screen 2

STEP-3 : CALCULATION OF EARTH PRESSURE

Unit weight Of Soil,KN/M3= 18    

Active Earth Pressure(PA)= 1458.81    

Figure : 3.5 : Output screen 3

Step:4 Calculation of forces

STEP-4 : CALCULATION OF FORCES

Unit Weight Of Concrete,KN/M3= 24  

Vertical Forces Horizontal Force Lever Arm MR MO

W1= 32.4     1.7 54  
W2= 40     1.7 66.7  
W3= 36.9     1.3 47.6  
W4= 36.9     2.1 77.3  

PAV= 49.3     2.50 123.2  

    PAH= 34.9 1.67   58.1

∑ 195.5   34.9   368.7 58.1

Figure : 3.6 : Output Screen 4

Pav=Pasin(δ+β)
Substituting all the values of δ,β we get,
Pav=49.3
Similiarly , Pah=Pacos(δ+β) we get,
Pah=34.9
Total vertical ( ∑ V) =195.5
Total horizantal force (∑H)=34.9
Step 5: Stability of Retaining Wall
Cab+ ∑ Vtanδ
FOS Sliding : = 3.651 (safe)
∑H
∑ MR
FOS Overturning : = 6.341 (safe)
∑ Mo
∑ MR−∑ Mo
No tension condition : x́= = 1.589
∑V
b
Eccentricity : −x́ = 0.078 (safe)
2

STEP-5 : STABILITY OF RETAINING WALL

  FOS|sliding= 3.651 SAFE  

           

  FOS|overturning= 6.341 SAFE  

           

  No Tension Condition= 1.589    

  Eccentricity,e= 0.078 SAFE  

Figure : 3.7 : Output Screen 5

Step 6: Bearing capacity calculation (Mayerhof’s method) ;
Angle of internal friction (base soil )φ =20
Bearing capacity of factor ;
Nc=14.835
Nq=6.399
Ny=2.871
Since retaining wall length >width so it be treated as strip footing
Therefore shape factor Sc,Sy,Sq=1
Depth factor ;
Dc=1.090 , dq=1.045,dy=1.045
Inclination factor;
Ic=0.787
Iq=0.787
Iy=0.787
Calculating NET ULMITATE BEARING CAPACITY
1
q nu=q u−γ D f =(c N c Sc d c i c +γ D f N q S q i q d q + γB N γ Sγ i γ d γ −γ D f )
2
qnu , KN/M2 =373.2674
Qnu , KN/M = qnu * ( B-2e )
Substituting the value of B = 3.33 m and e = 0.078,We get Q nu = 1186.05 KN/m

Q nu
Factor of safety ,Bearing= F . O . S=
∑V
Substituting the value we get F.O.S = 7.453

OUTPUT SCREEN OF EXCEL SHEET IS SHOWN BELOW :

STEP-6 : BEARING CAPACITY CALCULATION (MAYERHOF'S METHOD )

             
ANGLE OF INTERNAL FRICTION (BASE SOIL)= 20    
BEARING CAPACITY OF FACTOR            
NC = 14.835          
NQ = 6.399          
NY = 2.871          
Since retaining wall length > width so it can be treated as strip footing
Therefore Shape Factor SC , SY , Sq = 1      
DEPTH FACTOR   INCLINATION FACTOR
dc = 1.090     ic = 0.787763  
dq = 1.045     iq = 0.787763  
dy = 1.045     iY = 0.787763  

Figure : 3.8 : Output Screen 6

NET ULMITATE BEARING CAPACITY qnu , KN/M2 = 373.2674  

 Q nu , KN/M = 1186.015  

FOS|Bearing = 6.06745 SAFE

Figure : 3.9 : Output Screen 7

CHAPTER 4 : CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL

4.1 INTRODUCTION:-
The 'cantilever wall' is the most common type of retaining structure and is generally
economical for heights up to about 8 m. The structure consists of a vertical stem, and a
base slab, made up of two distinct regions, viz. a heel slab and a toe slab. All three
components behave as one-way cantilever slabs: the 'stem' acts as a vertical cantilever
under the lateral earth pressure; the 'heel slab' acts as a (horizontal) caintilever under the
action of the weight of the retained earth (minus soil pressure acting upwards from below);
and the 'toe slab' also acts as a cantilever under the action of the resulting soil pressure
(acting upward).

4.2 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS :-

An important consideration in the design of cantilever and counterfort walls is the position
of the vertical stem on the base slab. It can be shown that an economical design of the
retaining wall can be obtained by proportioning the base slab so as to align the vertical soil
reaction R at the base with the front face of the wall (stem). For this derivation, let us
consider the typical case of a level bacfill. The location of the resultant soil reaction, R, is
dependent on the magnitude and location of the resultant vertical load, W, which in turn
depends on the dimension X (i.e., the length of heel slab, inclusive of the stem thickness).
For convenience in the derivation, X may be expressed as a fraction, αx, of the full width L
of the base slab (X =α x L). Assuming an average unit weight γ, for all material (earth plus
concrete) behind the front face of the stem (rectangle abcd), and neglecting entirely the
weight of concrcte in the toe slab,
R = W = γhX = γh( αxL )
For a given location of R corresponding to a chosen value of X, the toe projection of the
base slab (and hence its total width, L) can be so selectcted by the designer as to give any
desired distribution of base soil pressure. Thus, representing the distance, L,, from the heel
to R as a fraction αR, of base width L, the base pressure will be uniform if L is so selected
as to make αR= 0.5. Similarly, for αR= 2/3, the base pressure distribotion will be triangular.
Thus, for any selected distribution of base pressure, aR is a constant and the required base
width L = LR/αR. Considcring static equilibrium and taking moments about reaction point
e, and assuming Xw ≈ α x L/2
 L h
(
W α x L−α x
2 )
=Pa
3
3
α x2 C n γ e h
2
(
γ e h L αR α x −
2
=
6 )
Ca
L
h
=
√ 3
2 α R α x −α x
2

For economical proportioning for a given height of wall (h), the length of the base (L)
must be minimum, i.e., L/h should be minimum., this implies that (2αR αx -αx2 ) should be
maximum. The location of R, and hence the base width for any selected pressure
distribution, is dependent on the variable X, i.e., αx . For maximising (2α R α x −α 2 x )

αx =α R
α R L= αx L=X

X = αxL
a b

W
XW=α x L/2
Pa = Caγeh2/2

e d F = µR
R=W LR = α R L
L
Figure : 4.1 Proportioning of retaining wall

Width of Base :
Applying the above principle, an approximate expression for the minimum length of base
slab for a given height of wall is obtained from

L 1 Ca
( )
H min
≈
αR 3√
Lmin ≈ ( αh ) √C /3
R
a

Alternatively , the minimum width of slab is given by;

 Ca
X min=α x Lmin =α R Lmin =h
√ 3
The effect of surcharge or sloping backfill may be taken into account, approximately, by
replacing h with h + h,, or h', respectively.
Alternatively, and perhaps more convenienlly, using the above principle, tile heel slab
width may be obtained by equating moments of W and Pa about the point d. The required
L can then be worked out based on the base pressure distribution desired. It may be noted
that the total height h of the retaining wall is the dilfercnce in elevation between the top of
the wall and the bottom of base slab. The latter is based on geotechnical considerations
(availability of firm soil) and is usually not less than 1 m below the ground level on the toe
side of the wall. After fixing up the trial width of the heel slab ( = X) for a given height of
wall and backfill conditions, the dimension L may be fixed up. Initially, a triangular
pressure distribution may be assumed, resulting in L = 3/2 X . Using other approximations
related to stem thickness and base slab thickness, a proper analysis should be done to
ascertain that
(1) the factor of safety against overturning is adequate;
(2) the allowable soil pressure, qa is not exceeded; and
(3) the factor of safety against sliding is adequate.
Condition (1) is generally satisfied; however, if it is not, the dimensions L and X may he
suitably increased. If condition (2) is not satisfied, i.e., if q max > qmin the length L should be
increased by suitably extending the length of the toe slab; the dimension X need not be
changed. If condition (3) is not satisfied, which is usually the case, a suitable 'shear key'
should he designed.

Proportioning and Design of Elements of Cantilever Walls :-

Initial Thickness of Base Slab and Stem
For preliminary calculations, the thickness of the base slab may he taken as about 8
percentof the height of the wall plus surcharge (if any); it should not be less than 300 mm
The base thickness of the vertical stem may be taken as slightly more than that of the base
slab. For economy, the thickness may be tapered linearly to a minimum value (but not less
than 150 mm) at the top of the wall; the front face of the stem is maintained vertical'. If the
length of the heel slab and/or toe slab is excessive, it will be economical to provide a
tapered slab. With the above preliminary proportions, the stability check and
determination of soil pressure (at the base) may be performed, and dimensions Land X of
the base slab [Fig. 4.1 ] finalised. It may be noted that changes in thicknesses of base slab
and stem, if required at the design stage, will he marginal and will not affect significantly
either the stability analysis or the calculated (gross) soil pressures below the hase slab.
Design of Stem, Toe Slab and Heel Slab
The three elements of the retaitling wall, vie., stem, toe slab and heel slab have to be
designed as cantilever slabs to resist the factored moments and shear forces. For this a load
factor of 1.5 is to be used.
 In the case of the toc slab, the net pressure is obtained by deducting the weight of the
concrete in the toe slab from the upwad acting gross soil pressure. The net loading acts
upward (as in the case of usual footings) and the flexural reinforcement has to be provided
at the bottom of the toe slab. The critical section for moment is at the front face of the
stem, while the critical section for shear is at a distance d from the face of thc stem. A
clear cover of 75 mm may be provided.in base slabs. In the case of the heel slab, the
pressures acting downward, due to thc weight of the retained earth (plus surcharge, if any),
as well as the concrete in the heel slab. exceed the gross soil pressures acting upward.
Hence, the net loedittg acts downward, and the flexural reinforcement has to be provided
at the top of the heel slab. The critical section for moment is at the rear face of the stem
base.
In the case of the stem (vertical cantilever), the critical section for shear may be taken d
from the face of the support (top of base slab), while the critical section for moment
should be taken at the face of the support. For the main bars in the stem, a clear cover of
50 mm may be provided. Usually, shear is not a critical design consideration in the stem
(unlike the base slab). The flexural reinforcement is provided near the rear face of the
stem, and may be curtailed in stages for economy .
Temperature and shrinkage reinforcenment( Astmin= 0.12 percent of gross area) should be
provided tramvcrse to the main reinfocement. Nominal vertical and horizontal
reinforcement should also be provided near the front face which is exposed.
4.3 PROBLEM & SOLUTION OF CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL :-

Question:-
Determine suitable dimensions of a cantilever retaining wall, which is required to support
a bank of earth 4.0 m high above the ground level on the toe side of the wall. Consider the
backfill surfacc to be inclined at an angle of 15 o with the horizontal. Assume good soil for
foundation at a depth of 1.25 m below the ground level with a safe bearing capacity of 160
KN/m2. Further assume the backfill to comprise granular soil with a unit weight of 16
KN/m3and an angle of shearing resistance of 30 o. Assume the coefficietlt of friction
between soil and concrete to be 0.5.

Solution:-
Data Given : h=4.0 + 1.25 m; µ=0.5
θ=15” γe=16KN/m3
ϕ=30o qa =160KN/m2

cosθ−√ cos 2 e−cos 2 ϕ

Earth pressure coefficient ;C a=
[
cosθ + √ cos2 e−cos 2 ϕ]cosθ=0.373

1+sinθ
Cp = =3.0
1−sinθ
Step1 : Preliminary proportions
Thickness of footing base slab = 0.08h = 0.08 x 5.25 = 0.42 m
Assume a thickness of 420 mm.
Assume a stem thickness of 450 mm at the base of the stcm, lapering to a value of 150 mm
at the top of the wall.
For an economical proportioning of the length L of the base slab, it will be assumed that
the vertical reaction R at the footing base is in line with the front face of the stem. For
such a condition, (assuming the height above top of wall to be about 0.4 m), the length of
the heel slab (inclusive of stem thickness)
X = (√Ca/3)h’ , substituting the value of Ca and h’ we get , X = 2.5833m
Assuming a triangular base pressure distribution,
L=1.5X = 3.875m
The preliminary proportions are shown in Fig. 4.2

STEP-1: PRILIMINARY PROPORTIONING

2500
OK SURCHAGRE
200

4000

W1 PA1

W2

W3
PA2
1250 830 650 2383.333

420

2583.333
HEEL
TOE 3875
W4

Figure : 4.2 Output Screen 1

Step- 2 : Calculation of forces :

STEP-2: CALCULATION OF ALL THE FORCES
FORCES LEVER ARM MR MO
VERTICAL HORIZONTAL REF: FROM    
HEEL
 W1 279.517     1.192   333.0914889  
W2 24.15     2.483   59.973  
W3 9.781     1.8   17.605  
W4 40.688     1.9375   78.83203125  
    PA1 70 2.625     183.75
    PA2 73.5 1.75     128.625
SUM 354.136   143.5     489.501 312.375

Figure : 4.3 Output Screen 2

Step 3: – Stability of retaining wall

Distance of resultant vertical force from the heel -

∑ M R = 1.382m
∑V
Stabilising moment (about toe ) = ∑V* ( L – 1.382 ) = 882.77 KNm
0.9∗M R
(F.O.S)overturning = =2.53( safe )
Mo

Step – 4:- Soil Pressure at footing base

Resultant Vertical Reaction ( R=W ) – 354.136 KN
Distance of reaction ( R) from heel ( LR) – ( M R + M o )/R = 2.264 m
Eccenctricity ( e ) = LR – L/2 = 0.327 ( safe )
Hence the resultant lies within the middile third of the base, which is desireable
R 6e
qmax =
L(1+
L )
= 137.637 KN/m2

R 6e
and qmin =
L (
1−
L )
= 45.143 KN/m2
 W
MO

45.143
137.637

2264.32
R=W
3875

Figure : 4.4 output screen 3

Step- 5 stability against sliding
Sliding Force = PaCosθ = 143.5 KN
Resisting Force ( ignoring passive pressure on the toe side ) F = µR = 177.068 KN
0.9 F
F.O.S|sliding = = 1.111 < 1.40
P a cos θ

Hence a shear key may be provided to mobilise the balance force through passive
resistance
Assume a shear key 300mm *300mm, at a distance of 1300 mm from toe as show in Fig :
4.4

300

h1 950

300
h2 PP 30
1600
400

Figure : 4.4 ( Design of shear key )

Distance h2 = h1 + 0.3 + 1.6tanθ = 2.174 m
Pp = Cpγ(h22 -h12)/2 = 41.539 KN
0.9 F
F.O.S|sliding = = 1.750 (safe )
P a cos θ