Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Lecture - 09

Design of RC Retaining
Walls

By: Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali

Civil Engineering Department
UET Peshawar
www.drqaisarali.com

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 1

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Topics

 Retaining Walls

 Terms Related to Retaining Walls

 Types of Retaining Walls

 Soil Parameters

 Earth Pressure for Normal Conditions of Loadings

 Retaining Wall Failure

 Drainage and Other Details

 Design of Cantilever Retaining Wall: Example

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Objectives

At end of this lecture, students will be able to

 Classify types of retaining walls

 Explain failure mechanism of retaining walls

 Analyze and design RC Cantilever Wall

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 3

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Walls
 Retaining walls are used to hold back masses of
earth or other loose material.

 Used in the construction of railways, highways,

bridges, canals, basement walls in buildings, walls of
underground reservoirs, swimming pools etc.

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Walls

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 5

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Terms Related to Retaining Walls

Surcharge

Backfill

Arm or stem Reinforcement

Deflected
Applied shape
placement
loading on
GL wall

Toe Heel

key

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Types of Retaining Walls

 Gravity Wall (a),

 Cantilever Wall (b),

 Counterfort Wall (c).

Retains the earth

Weight of earth on top
entirely by its own
of heels and
weight contributes
contains to
stability
no reinforcement

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 7

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Soil Parameters
Table: Unit weight (γ), effective angles of internal friction (φ), and
the coefficient of friction with concrete (f)
Unit Weight
Should be used Soil (γs), pcf φ (degree) f
as backfill for 1. Sand or gravel without fine
110 to 120 33 to 40 0.5 to 0.6
retaining w alls particles, highly permeable
w hereever 2. Sand or gravel with silt mixture,
120 to 130 25 to 35 0.4 to 0.5
possible low permeability
3. Silty sand, sand and gravel with
The value of Φ 110 to 120 25 to 30 0.3 to 0.4
high clay content
may be un- 4. Medium or stiff clay 100 to 120 25 to 35 0.2 to 0.4
conservative
under saturated 5. Soft clay, silt 90 to 110 20 to 35 0.2 to 0.3
conditions

the φ values do not account coefficient of friction “f”

for probable additional betw een concrete and
pressures due to pore w ater, various soils
seepage, frost, etc
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Earth Pressure for normal conditions

of loading
 Conditions of Loading:
1. Horizontal surface of fill at the top of the w all (figure a),

2. Inclined surface of fill sloping up and back from top of the w all (figure b),

3. Horizontal surface of fill carrying a unif ormly distributed additional load

(surcharge), such as from goods in a storage yard or traffic on a road
(figure c).
h′ = s / γ s

The increase in pressure

caused by unif orm surcharge
s (f igure c) is computed by
conv erting its load into an
equiv alent imaginary height
of earth (h') abov e the top of
the wall such that,
h′ = s / γs

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 9

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 RC retaining wall may fail in three different ways:

1. The individual structural parts (stem, toe, heel) of the wall
may not be strong enough to resist the acting forces.

2. The wall as a whole may be bodily displaced by the earth

pressure, without breaking up internally.
1. Overturning

2. Sliding

3. The soil beneath the wall may fail.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 11

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Individual Parts (stem, toe and heel) of

Retaining Wall
⚫ The stem, heel or toe of the retaining wall may fail in bending
and shear such as when a vertical cantilever wall is cracked
by the earth pressure acting on it.

⚫ The design of these components require the det ermination

of the necessary dimensions, thicknesses, and
reinforcement to resist the moments and shears.

⚫ The usual load factors and strength reduction factors of the

ACI Code may be applied.

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Individual Parts of Retaining Wall

⚫ ACI load factors relating to structural design of retaining
walls are summarized below (ACI 5.3.1):
⚫ U = 1.2D + 1.6L + 1.6H

⚫ U = 0.9D + 1.6H

⚫ U = 1.2D + 1.6L
Table: ACI Load Factors
Location Load Factor
Pressure of Soil 1.6
Weight of Toe Slab 0.9
Weight of Heel Slab 1.2
Weight of Surcharge 1.6

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 13

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Individual Parts of Retaining Wall

⚫ Reinforcement requirements in stem, toe and heel of a RC retaining
w all
0.0015Ag
(ACI 11.6.1) Maximum spacing for both
horizontal and vertical
reinforcement: 3h or 18″
0.0025Ag
(ACI 11.6.1)
As,main ≥ (3 √ (f c ′)/f y bd ≥ 200 bd/f y)

Supporting bars
(#4 @ 18″)
approximately

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure Due to Bodily Displacement of Retaining Wall

⚫ To safeguard the wall against bodily displacements, i.e., to
ensure its external stability, the overall factors of safety is
evaluated by comparing resisting forces to maximum loads
acting under service conditions.

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure Due to Bodily

Displacement of Retaining Wall
⚫ Factor of safety against overturning
about toe:
(FOS) OT = Stabilizing moment / overturning
moment

= ∑W a / P y ≥1.5

Where “a” is the distance of the resultant ∑W =

Rv fromthe toe
fRv = f (∑ W)
⚫ Factor of safety against sliding:
(FOS) S = fRv / P ≥1.5 ; w here Rv = ∑W

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure Due to Bodily Displacement of Retaining Wall

⚫ Determination of “a”: “a” can be determined by taking moment of
applied loads about toe (point O).

Taking moment of all forces about toe edge:

Rva + Py = W1x1 + W2x2 + W3x3 + W4x4
Where, Rv = W1 + W2 + W3 + W4 x4

Therefore, W3 Rv W4
x3
P
{W1x1 + W2x2 + W3x3 + W4x4 – Py}
a=
Rv a
∑Wx – Py x2 W1 y
a= W2
Rv O
x1
Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 17

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ If the pressure of the wall on the soil beneath exceeds the
maximum allowable limits, the soil beneath the wall may fail.

⚫ Computed soil bearing pressures, for service load

conditions, are compared with allowable values set suitably
lower than ultimate bearing values.

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ Soil pressure distribution for various locations of resultant
“R” of Rv and P.

R = P + Rv R = P + Rv R = P + Rv
R = Rv

R R R

R at mid R within R at edge of R outside

location middle third middle third middle third

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 19

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ Bearing Pressure Calculation
⚫ When Resultant of vertical and horizontal loads lie in middle third of
base slab (a > l/3)

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ Bearing Pressure Calculation
⚫ When Resultant of vertical and horizontal loads lie just at the edge of
middle third of base slab (a = l/3)

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 21

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ Bearing Pressure Calculation
⚫ When Resultant of vertical and horizontal loads lie outside the middle
third of base slab (a < l/3)

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Retaining Wall Failure

 Failure of Soil Beneath the Wall

⚫ It is good practice, in general, to have the resultant located
within the middle third.

⚫ If, as is mostly the case, the resultant strikes within the

middle third, adequate safety against overturning exists and
no special check need be made.

⚫ If the resultant is located outside the middle third, a factor of

safety of at least 1.5 should be maint ained against
overturning.

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Failures or damage to retaining walls, in most

cases, occur due to one of two causes:
1. Overloading of the soil under the w all w ith consequent forward tipping, and

2. Insufficient drainage of the backfill.

 Allowable bearing pressures should be selected with great

care.

 Soil immediately underlying the footing and the deeper layers

should necessarily be investigated.

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Drainage and Other Details

 Drainage can be
provided in various
ways:
Continuous back drain:
Most efficient but
expensive if material not
available locally

Longitudinal Drains:
To prevent outflow to
seep into the soil
underneath the w all

Weep Holes:
usually spaced
horizontally at 5 to
10 ft.
Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 25

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Design the cantilever retaining wall for the following data:
400 lb/ft 2 (Live load surcharge)

Unit weight of soil, γs = 120 pcf

Angle of internal friction, Φ = 30o
11′-6″ (with adequate drainage to be prov ided)
Base friction coefficient, f = 0.6
K ah = 0.333, K ph = 3.0

3′-6″ γ c = 150 pcf;

fc′ = 4500 psi; fy = 60000 psi

Allowable bearing pressure

(qa) = 8000 psf

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes

⚫ Trial dimensions for cantilever retaining wall can be calculated as
shown in figure below using thumb rules (Reference: topic 24.7, pg 705, Treasu res of
R.C.C Design by Sushil Kumar).

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 27

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes

⚫ Let B = 0.65h = 0.65  15 = 9.75′

⚫ D = h/10 = 15/10 = 1.5′

⚫ Top w idth of arm of retaining w all = 8″

⚫ Width of arm at bottom = h/12 = 15/12 = 1.25′ = 15″

⚫ Length of toe = B/3 = 9.75/3 = 3.25′

⚫ Equivalent depth of surcharge (h′) = s / γ s = 0.4 / 0.120 = 3.33′

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

⚫ Active earth pressure at base (see figure) of retaining wall for the case
of horizontal backfill surface with surcharge is given as:

(Pa) = (1/2){Kahγ s h(h + 2 h′)}

⚫ Here h = total height of retaining w all = 15′

Pa = (1/2)(0.333  0.120  15)(15 + 2  3.33)

= 6.49 kips

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 29

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

⚫ And location of resultant frombase of retaining w all is:

y = (h2 +3hh′)/3(h+2h′)

= (152 + 3  15  3.33)/3 x (15 + 2  3.33) = 5.77′

⚫ Therefore, Overturning moment (OTM) = Pay = 6.49 x 5.77 = 37.45 ft-k

⚫ Now calculate the weights of areas and take their moment about toe
edge (shown next).

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

Table: Weights and moments about front edge (toe) of

retaining wall.
x (from
S.No γ Area (A) W = γA Wx
toe)
1 0.15 (8/12) × 13.5 = 9 1.35 3.58 4.83

2 0.15 (1/2)(7/12)(13.5) = 3.94 0.591 4.11 2.43

3 0.15 9.75 × 1.5 = 14.625 2.2 4.875 10.73

4 0.12 3.25 × 2 = 6.5 0.78 1.625 1.27 13.5′

5 0.12 (1/2)(7/12)(13.5) = 3.94 0.4728 4.31 2.04

6 0.12 5.25 × 16.83 = 88.35 10.602 7.125 75.54

∑W=Rv ∑(Wx)=
=16.00 k 96.84 k

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 31

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

⚫ F.O.S against OT = ∑(Wx) / OTM

= 96.84 / 37.45 = 2.58 > 1.5 O.K.

⚫ Factor of Safety against sliding = fRv / Pa

Total horizontal force sliding the w all (Pa) = 6.49 kips

Resistance to sliding = fRv = 0.6  16.00 = 9.6 kips

Factor of safety against sliding = fRv / Pa = 9.6 / 6.49 = 1.47

⚫ This is slightly less than the recommended value of 1.5 and can be
regarded as adequate. However, FOS can be increased by providing
key.

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

⚫ Check for Allow able Pressure:

Rv = 16.00 kips

⚫ To find the point of action “a” of Rv, take moment of forces about the
toe of w all:

aRv = ∑(Wx) – OTM

a = {∑(Wx) – OTM}/Rv = (96.84 – 37.45)/ 16.00= 3.71′

l/3 = 9.75/3 = 3.25′ < 3.71′

⚫ The resultant lies w ithin the middle third.

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes (Stability checks)

⚫ q1 = (4l – 6a) Rv/l2

⚫ q2 = (6a – 2l) Rv/l2

⚫ l = 9.75′; a = 3.71′; and Rv = 16.00 kips

⚫ q1 = (4  9.75 – 6  3.71)  16.00/9.752

= 2.8 ksf

⚫ q2 = (6  3.71 – 2  9.75)  16.00/9.752

= 0.46 ksf

⚫ Allow able pressure = 8000 psf or 8 ksf > q1, O.K.

⚫ If not, increase the w idth (B) of the retaining w all.

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 01: Sizes

⚫ Selected dimensions.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 35

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 02: Loads (Toe Slab)

⚫ Factored Self w eight of toe = Ignored
b = Unit
width
⚫ Factored earth fill load fromabove= Ignored

⚫ Factored soil pressure at exterior end of toe slab = 1.6  2.80  1= 4.48 k/ft

⚫ Factored soil pressure at interior end of toe slab = 1.6  2.03 x 1 = 3.24 k/ft

0.46
0.46

h=1.5′
2.80 2.03

3.25′

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 02: Loads (Heel)

⚫ Factored Self w eight of heel = 1.2γconchb =1.2  0.15  1.5  1= 0.27 k/ft

⚫ Factored earth fill load = 1.6γfillh fillb = 1.6  0.12  13.5  1= 2.592 k/ft

⚫ Factored surcharge load = 1.6γfillh surchargeb = 1.6  0.12  3.33  1 = 0.639 k/ft

⚫ Total factored load on heel = 0.27 + 2.592 + 0.639 = 3.50 k/ft

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 03: Analysis (Arm)

⚫ Analysis for flexure

⚫ General equation of factored active earth pressurew.r.t bottomof arm is:

Pa = 1.6  (1/2)(0.333  0.120h)(h + 2  3.33)

⚫ Taking moment at the base of the arm. Moment arm w ill be equal to:
y = {(h2 +3h  3.33)/3}(h+2  3.33)

⚫ Mu = Pay (neglecting passive earth pressurefor safety)

= 1.6(1/2) (0.3330.120h) (h + 2  3.33) (h2 +3h  3.33)/3(h+2  3.33)
= (0.0319h2 + 0.212h) (h2 +9.99h)/3(h + 6.66)

Using this equation, bending moment diagram for arm can be drawn for
various values of h..

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 03: Analysis (Arm)

⚫ Analysis for flexure
Mu = P ay = (0.0319h2 + 0.212h) (h 2 +9.99h)/3(h + 6.66)
0 < h < 13.5′
0

3 1.24 kip-ft

6 6.11 kip-ft
Pa
9 16.34 kip-ft
y
12 33.64 kip-ft
45.49 kip-ft

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 03: Analysis of Arm for Shear

Kahγs (h + h′)h′/ (h+h′) = Kah γs h′
= 0.3330.120 3.33 = 0.133 kip

0
12.46′
3
Factored Shear (Vu ) =
1.6  4.75 = 7.6 kip
6
0.63 kips

9
Kah γs (h + h′)
= 0.3330.120 (13.5+3.33)
12 = 0.67 kips 4.75 kip

Shear force diagram

Load causing shear at critical section

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Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 03: Analysis (Toe)

⚫ Analysis for flexure and shear Vu = 8.3 kips

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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:

⚫ Step No 03: Analysis (Heel)

⚫ Analysis for flexure and shear

Vu = 14.14 kips

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Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Arm)

⚫ Design for flexure:

⚫ For h = 13.5′; Mu = 45.49 ft-kip/ft = 545.87 in-kip/ft

A smin = 3{√(4500)}/60000)bd = 0.0034  12  (15 – 2 – 0.5) = 0.51 in2/ft

Φ Mn = ΦA sminf y (d-a/2) = 0.9  0.51  60  (12.5 - 0.66/2) = 335.2 in-k/ft (27.93

ft-kip/ft)

⚫ Φ Mn < Mu, therefore using trial method A s = 0.846 in2, (#8 @ 11.17″)

⚫ Maximum spacing for main steel reinforcement is:

⚫ 3h = 3 x 15 = 45″ ; 18″

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 43

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Arm)

⚫ Similarly for other depths, the design is given in tabular form as below :

Table: Design of main bars in arm of retaining wall.

Maximum Final
Thickness Governing Governing
Depth (h), Moment (M) Design spacing Spacing
of arm As min ΦMn,min Moment Area of
ft (in-k/ft) spacing allowed for #8
(w), in (in-k/ft) steel
by ACI Bars

0 8.00 0 0.224 58.81 58.81 0.224 42 18 18

3 9.56 14.89 0.287 98.98 98.98 0.287 32 18 18
6 11.11 73.36 0.351 149.52 149.52 0.351 26 18 18
9 12.67 196.09 0.414 210.45 210.45 0.414 24 18 9
12 14.22 403.74 0.478 281.75 403.74 0.66 14 18 9
13.5 15.00 545.87 0.51 335.2 545.87 0.846 11 18 9

⚫ Therefore, froma depth of 13.5 ft to 9 ft, provide #8 @ 9″.

⚫ And from9 ft to top end, provide #8 @ 18″.

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Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Arm)

⚫ Horizontal Bars: ( ACI 11.6.1)

⚫ A st = 0.0025bh (for deformed bars larger than #5)

⚫ A st = 0.0025  12  15 = 0.45 in2/ft (3/4″ @ 11.73″)

⚫ Use 3/4″ @ 9″ c/c

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 45

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Arm)

⚫ Although not required by the Code for cantilever retaining walls, vertical steel
equal to 0.0015 times the gross concrete area will also be provided on exposed
face of w all.

⚫ A s = 0.0015  12  15 = 0.27 in2

⚫ Using 3/4″ dia bar w ith area A b = 0.44 in2

⚫ Spacing =Area of one bar (A b)/A st

= (0.44 in2/0.27 in2/ft)  12 = 19.5″ (using #6 @ 19.5″)

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Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Arm)

⚫ Design for Shear:

⚫ V u = 7.6 kips

⚫ Shear Capacity is given as:

ΦV c = Φ2√(4500)  12  12.5/1000 = 15.09 kips > 7.6 kips O.K.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 47

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Retaining Wall Failure

 Solution: Detailing in arm of retaining wall.

0.0015Ag (#6 @ 18″)

(#8 @ 18″)

Horizontal
reinforcement (#8 @ 9″)
(#6 @ 9″)

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Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Toe)

⚫ Design for flexure:

⚫ Mu = 258 in-k/ft

A smin = 3{√(4500)/60000)bd = 0.0034  12  (18 – 3 – 0.5) = 0.592 in2/ft

Φ Mn = ΦA sminf y (d – a/2) = 0.9  0.592  60  (14.5 – 0.774/2) = 451.16 in-k/ft

⚫ Φ Mn > Mu, therefore A s = A smin = 0.592 in2/ft (#8 @ 16″)

⚫ Maximum spacing for main steel reinforcement:

⚫ 3h = 3  18 = 54″; 18″

⚫ Finally use #8 @ 16″ c/c.

⚫ Also provide #4 @ 18″ c/c as supporting bars for main bars.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 49

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Toe)

⚫ Design for Shear:

⚫ V u = 8.3 kip

⚫ ΦV c = 2  0.75  √(4500)  12  14.5/ 1000 = 17.51 kip > 8.3 kip, O.K.

⚫ If not O.K, then increase thickness of toe.

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Heel)

⚫ Design for Flexure:

⚫ Mu = 578.8 in-kip/ft

A smin = 3{√(4500)/60000)bd = 0.0034  12  (18 – 3 – 0.5) = 0.592 in2/ft

Φ Mn = ΦA sminf y (d-a/2)= 0.9  0.592  60  (14.5 – 0.774/2) = 451.16 in-kip/ft

⚫ Φ Mn < Mu, therefore using trial method A s = 0.765 in2,(#8 @ 12.39″)

⚫ Maximum spacing for main steel reinforcement:

⚫ 3h = 3 x 18 = 54″ ; 18″

⚫ Finally use #8 @ 12″ c/c.

⚫ Also provide #4 @ 18″ c/c as supporting bars for main bars.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 51

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Heel)

⚫ Design for Shear:

⚫ V u = 14.14 kips

⚫ ΦV c =2  0.75  √(4500)  12  14.5/ 1000 = 17.51 kips > 14.14 kips, O.K.

⚫ If not, increase thickness of heel.

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Example
 Solution:
 Step No 4: Design (Heel)

⚫ Development length check of Armreinforcement in Heel slab

⚫ Thickness of heel slab = 1′-6″ = 18″

⚫ ldh =(0.02f y/√f c′)db > 8db or 6 in (w hichever is greater) (ACI 25.4.3.1)

⚫ ldh = (0.0260000/ √(4500))(1) = 17.88″ < hheel .

⚫ Increase depth or change steel grade.

⚫ If grade 40 steel is used, ldh = (0.0240000/ √(4500))(8/8) = 11.92″.

⚫ Therefore either revise the design, specially of arm, using grade 40

steel or increase depth of base slab to at least 22″. When depth is
increased, the revision of design is not required.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 53

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 54

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Pictures of Retaining wall

Construction

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 55

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Pictures of Retaining wall

Construction

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Pictures of Retaining wall

Construction

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 57

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

Pictures of various failures of

Retaining wall at Nathia Gali

Various failures of Retaining wall at Nathia Gali

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 58

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 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

References
 ACI 318-14

 Design of Concret e Structures (14th Ed.) by Nilson, Darwin and

Dolan.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Ali CE-416: Reinforced Concrete Design – II 59

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar

The End

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