Geotechnical Design Part 4: Retaining Structures TSYH 4216

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

Module 1 - Introduction to Retaining Structures

• Explain the purpose and function of a retaining wall.
• State and be aware of the possible ways in which a retaining wall could fail if incorrectly designed, constructed or maintained.
• State and describe the common types of retaining walls.
• List and describe the criteria that are evaluated in the selection of a retaining wall type.

Module 2 - Lateral Earth Pressure Theory

• Explain the theory of active and passive earth pressure used in retaining wall design.
• Apply earth pressure theory to calculate the lateral soil pressures that act against retaining structures produced by a horizontal cohesionless backfill.
• Describe and calculate the effect of sloping backfill, groundwater, and surcharge loads behind a retaining wall.

Module 3 - Stability Requirements for Retaining Structures

• Apply Rankine Earth Pressure theory to design of retaining walls.
• Describe the external forces that act against a retaining wall.
• Describe the design requirements for retaining walls and understand their effects on stability.
• Check the stability of simple gravity and cantilever type retaining walls by calculating the factors of safety with regard to overturning and sliding and bearing capacity failure.
• Design a simple gravity and cantilever type retaining wall to satisfy the criteria required for stability.

Module 4 - Practical Design and Construction Consideration

• Explain the effects of water pressure on wall stability and understand the methods used to provide adequate drainage of the backfill zone.
• Explain the effects of frost action and differential settlements on wall stability.
• Describe the effects of the construction procedure, the nature of the backfill and post construction conditions on the magnitude of the actual pressure exerted on a retaining wall.

Effective as of Fall 2003