QuickRWall

Users Guide
Retaining Wall Design Software

Version 3.0

Copyright (c) 2003-12 Ensoltech, Inc. All rights reserved.

QuickRWall is a proprietary computer program of Ensoltech, Inc. Although every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of this program and its documentation, neither Ensoltech nor Integrated Engineering
Software shall be held liable for any mistake, error, or misrepresentation in, or as a result of the usage of,
this program and/or its documentation. The results obtained from this program should not be substituted
for sound engineering judgment.

S ALES /S UPPORT
Integrated Engineering Software
519 E. Babcock St.
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-586-8988 (sales)
support@iesweb.com
www.iesweb.com

QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

CONTENTS

Contents
1 Overview
1.1 Introduction . . . .
1.2 License . . . . . .
1.3 Disclaimer . . . .
1.4 Requirements . . .
1.5 Installation . . . .
1.6 Technical Support
1.7 Limitations . . . .

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2 Menu Commands
2.1 File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.1 New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.2 Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.3 Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.4 Save As... . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.5 Print Report... . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.6 Print Full Page Drawing... . . . .
2.1.7 Preview Report... . . . . . . . . .
2.1.8 Preview Full Page Drawing... . .
2.1.9 Print Setup... . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.10 Create DXF File... . . . . . . . .
2.1.11 [Recent Files] . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.12 Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1 Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.2 Status Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 Project Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3.1 Add Load Case... . . . . . . . . .
2.3.2 Remove Load Case... . . . . . . .
2.3.3 Project Information... . . . . . . .
2.3.4 Set Defaults... . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3.5 Stored Walls... . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Design Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4.1 Choose Footing Reinforcement .
2.4.2 Choose Stem Reinforcement . . .
2.4.3 Position Key To Embed Stem Bars
2.4.4 Set All Embedment Lengths . . .
2.4.5 Set All Lap Splice Lengths . . . .
2.4.6 Set Bar Cutoff Lengths . . . . . .

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.5

2.6

CONTENTS

2.4.7 Design Preferences . . . . . . .

Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.1 Units... . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.2 Preferences... . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.3 Concrete Load Combinations...
2.5.4 Masonry Load Combinations... .
2.5.5 Stability Load Combinations... .
Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.1 Help Contents . . . . . . . . .
2.6.2 Update QuickRWall 2.0 . . . .
2.6.3 FAQ Answers . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.4 Technical Support Information...
2.6.5 Email support@iesqeb.com... .
2.6.6 Software License... . . . . . . .
2.6.7 About QuickRWall 2.0... . . . .

3 User Inputs
3.1 Criteria Inputs . . . . . . . . .
3.1.1 Design Code . . . . . .
3.1.2 Assumptions . . . . . .
3.1.3 Stability Criteria . . . .
3.1.4 Geotechnical . . . . . .
3.2 Load Case Inputs . . . . . . . .
3.2.1 General . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2 Backfill . . . . . . . . .
3.2.3 Water in Backfill . . . .
3.2.4 Passive Pressure @ Toe .
3.2.5 Surcharge (Uniform) . .
3.2.6 Surcharge (Line/Strip) .
3.2.7 Uniform Lateral Load .
3.2.8 Stem Axial Load . . . .
3.2.9 Seismic Loading . . . .
3.3 Wall (Footing/Stem) Inputs . .
3.3.1 General . . . . . . . . .
3.3.2 Material . . . . . . . . .
3.3.3 Footing Geometry . . .
3.3.4 Heel Reinforcement . .
3.3.5 Toe Reinforcement . . .
3.3.6 Transverse Reinf. (S&T)
3.3.7 Key . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.8 General . . . . . . . . .
3.3.9 Geometry . . . . . . . .
3.3.10 Reinforcement (Flexural)
3.3.11 Reinforcement (S&T) .
3.3.12 Sections . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Stem Section Inputs . . . . . .
3.4.1 General . . . . . . . . .
3.4.2 Masonry Block . . . . .
3.4.3 Reinforcement . . . . .

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

CONTENTS

4 Forces on the Wall

4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1.1 Forces Used for Stem Design
4.1.2 Multiple Load Cases . . . . .
4.2 Backfill Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3 Water Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.4 Passive Pressure @ Toe . . . . . . .
4.5 Uniform Surcharge . . . . . . . . . .
4.6 Line/Strip Surcharge . . . . . . . . .
4.7 Seismic Loading . . . . . . . . . . .
4.8 Wall Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.9 Soil Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.10 Bearing Reaction . . . . . . . . . . .
4.11 Friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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5 Checks
5.1 Stability Checks . . . . .
5.1.1 General Notes . . .
5.1.2 Checks Performed
5.2 Stem Checks . . . . . . .
5.2.1 General Notes . . .
5.2.2 Checks Performed
5.3 Toe Checks . . . . . . . .
5.3.1 General Notes . . .
5.3.2 Checks Performed
5.4 Heel Checks . . . . . . .
5.4.1 General Notes . . .
5.4.2 Checks Performed

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Chapter

Overview

1.1

Introduction

Thank you for choosing QuickRWall. This software package has been created to assist the engineer in the
design of retaining walls. Use of this program can save countless hours in the calculations and documentation associated with retaining wall design. The software has been designed so that you may quickly become
productive with very little training, but by reading through this manual and other associated documentation
you should be able to resolve any questions that may arise during program use.

1.2

License

Use of this software program is strictly governed by the license agreement that is displayed during the install
process. This program is the copyrighted property of Ensoltech, Inc. and is provided for the exclusive use of
each licensee. Additional licenses may be obtained exclusively through Integrated Engineering Software.
You may copy the program for backup purposes and you may install it on any computer allowed in the
license agreement. Distributing the program to coworkers, friends, or duplicating it for other distribution
violates the copyright laws of the United States. Future enhancements and technical support for this product
depend on your cooperation in this regard.

1.3

Disclaimer

With any technical software package, there will be concerns about possible errors. We have worked very
hard to ensure that this software is as accurate and robust as possible.
Despite our best efforts, errors in software can and do occur. It is very important to manually inspect the
results and ensure that they are consistent with sound engineering practice and judgement. This program
has been designed with that end in mind, exposing calculations wherever possible so they are available
for examination. It is the responsibility of the engineer to ensure the final design produced is reasonable
and constitutes sound engineering practice. In no event shall Integrated Engineering Software, Inc. or
Ensoltech, Inc. be liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this software or its
related documentation.
5

QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

1.4

CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW

Requirements

The software has relatively minimal system and hardware requirements:

1.5

Windows XP/Vista/7
20 MB of hard disk space
512 MB of RAM
1024x768 screen resolution

Installation

To install, simply run the install program that comes on the CD or that you have downloaded from the IES
website. The step-by-step wizard will guide you through the installation process.

1.6

Technical Support

Before you contact IES for support, please make sure you have taken full advantage of the readily available
resources that are included with the software:
Carefully read through this users guide
Refer to the numerous help screens built into the software
If you have a question about a result displayed in a summary, be sure to check the full calculations
that are displayed in the program and in the report.
Check the resources on the IES website. These can be accessed easily by going to the Help menu and
choosing Technical Support Information.
You should also make sure that you have the latest maintenance update for the software. These updates are
free and can be obtained automatically by going to the Help menu, then choosing Update QuickRWall. In
this manner you can make sure that the issue you have a question about has not already been resolved.
Integrated Engineering Software provides technical support for this program via email. The best way to
send an email is to go to the Help menu, then choose Email IES Technical Support.

1.7

Limitations

Following are situations that the program does not address in its current release. Please let us know if any
of the items on this list (or not on this list) are of critical importance to you. Customer feedback is the #1
criteria in determining which features are added to future versions.

Segmental / MSE walls

Multi-level basement walls (multiple lateral supports)
Soldier pile walls
Rock anchors
Walls without footings
Walls on pile foundations
Counterfort walls
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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW

Buttress walls
Strength design of masonry walls (currently only ASD)
Sheet pile walls
Multiple soil layers (other than a saturated layer beneath the water table)
Water above the backfill surface
Support bilinear backfill slope (e.g. levels off)
Perform strength checks on the key beneath the footing

Chapter

Menu Commands

2.1

File Menu

These are the commands available on the File Menu.

2.1.1

New

Creates a new file without any projects.

2.1.2

Open

Opens an existing project file.

QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.1.3

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Save

Saves the current project file. If the file has not been previously saved and does not yet have a file name, a
dialog will prompt for the file name.

2.1.4

Save As...

Saves the current project file, always prompting for a file name.

2.1.5

Print Report...

Prints a report containing a summary and/or details of the design calculations. A dialog appears first to
allow you to specify which items are to be included in the report.

2.1.6

Print Full Page Drawing...

Prints a full page drawing of the wall.

2.1.7

Preview Report...

Previews a report containing a summary and/or details of the design calculations. A dialog appears first to
allow you to specify which items are to be included in the report.

2.1.8

Preview Full Page Drawing...

Displays a preview of a full page drawing of the wall.

2.1.9

Print Setup...

Selects a printer and printer connection. Also allows you to choose portrait or landscape page orientation.
This option is there because this is a standard dialog from Microsoft, but you should not select the landscape
option. The report pages are not designed for it and will look funny.

2.1.10

Create DXF File...

Creates a DXF file that contains a fully dimensioned drawing of the wall. A dialog box will appear to allow
you to specify the name and location of the file.

2.1.11

[Recent Files]

Opens the recently used project file with the displayed name.

QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.1.12

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Exit

Exits the program.

2.2

View Menu

These are the commands available on the View Menu.

2.2.1

Toolbar

Shows/hides the toolbar.

2.2.2

Status Bar

Shows/hides the status bar.

2.3

Project Menu

These are the commands available on the Project Menu.

2.3.1

Add Load Case...

Adds an additional load case to the project. Note that multiple load cases in this program are simply a way
of applying a different set of unrelated, non-combinable loads. There is no support for combining different
cases with various factors etc.; only loads within a single load case will be combined and factored. The
multiple load case feature simply offers a way to consider different loading scenarios. Most projects will
not require more than one load case.

2.3.2

Remove Load Case...

Brings up a dialog that allows you to remove a load case. You can only use this command when there is
more than one load case, since it is required that there be at least one load case at all times.

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.3.3

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Project Information...

Brings up a dialog that allows you to enter information for this specific project. This information is displayed in the header area of reports.

2.3.4

Set Defaults...

This command allows you to indicate that the current inputs are to be recorded as the default settings for
future projects. A dialog will appear to allow you to specify which groups of inputs are to be saved.

2.3.5

Stored Walls...

This allows access to previously created and stored walls.

2.4

Design Menu

These are the commands available on the Design Menu.

2.4.1

Choose Footing Reinforcement

This command will choose reinforcement for both the heel and the toe. It is best used after the width and
thickness of the footing have already been set. The bars chosen will be governed by the current design
preferences (see the Design Preferences command).

2.4.2

Choose Stem Reinforcement

This command will choose reinforcement for the stem. It is best used after the stem thickness has already
been set. Currently this command only does basic sizing of bars at the base of the stem and does not deal
with some of the more complicated scenarios, in particular the specification of bars for a multi-piece stem,
restrained stem, or masonry stem. We are planning to improve this command considerably in a future
version (please let us know if this is important to you). The bars chosen will be governed by the current
design preferences (see the Design Preferences command).

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.4.3

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Position Key To Embed Stem Bars

Creates a key (if there isnt one already there) and positions it such that it provides development for the
stem reinforcement, if it extends below the footing. The key is also positioned such that the bars can act as
reinforcement for the key in case it is required (although the program does not perform calculations to test
the adequacy of key reinforcement).

2.4.4

Set All Embedment Lengths

Calculates the required embedment lengths for the stem, heel, and toe bars, and lengthens the bars if they are
too short. Note that in the case where the stem bars are hooked into the footing, this may cause the footing to
be thickened in order to achieve the necessary development length for the hook (Ldh). Otherwise, the stem
bars are allowed to stick out of the bottom of the footing, and it is left as a separate step for the engineer to
either position a key to contain them (recommend the Position Key to Embed Stem Bars command above)
or to hook them into the footing.

2.4.5

Set All Lap Splice Lengths

Calculates the required lap length for all lap spliced bars and extends the lap length if required. Note that
in some situations where there are no lapped bars, but potentially could be, the program will prompt you
asking whether to lap the bars, and then set the proper length.

2.4.6

Set Bar Cutoff Lengths

Ensures that all bar cutoffs occur a sufficient distance past the point where the bars are required for flexure,
and that cutoffs in a tension zone meet the applicable ACI requirements. Lengthens the cutoff bars if
necessary. Note that in some situations where there are no cutoff bars, but potentially could be, the program
will prompt you asking whether to cut off alternate bars, and then set them to the proper length.

2.4.7

Design Preferences

This brings up a dialog that lets you specify some settings such as available bars sizes and preferred bar
spacings. This helps to make the automatic design results as practical as possible.

2.5

Options Menu

These are the commands available on the Options Menu.

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.5.1

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Units...

Brings up a dialog allowing to modify the units used for various different quantities.

2.5.2

Preferences...

Brings up a dialog that allows use control of various aspects of program behavior.

2.5.3

Concrete Load Combinations...

Brings up a dialog allowing you to add, modify, or remove load combinations or groups of load combinations used for concrete design. This is the command that allows adding custom load factors/combinations.
Note that you should not change the factors for the built-in, code-defined load combinations. The program
will load its own built-in values for these at startup every time and overwrite your changes. If you would
like to have a modified copy of one of these built-in combination sets, change its name (e.g. change IBC
2003 to IBC 2003 (a)). In this example, the program will load up a fresh copy of IBC 2003 at startup
and also leave your modified version (IBC 2003 (a)).

2.5.4

Masonry Load Combinations...

Brings up a dialog allowing you to add, modify, or remove load combinations or groups of load combinations used for masonry design. You should avoid modifying the built-in combinations; see the Concrete
Load Combinations topic for guidelines regarding this issue.

2.5.5

Stability Load Combinations...

Brings up a dialog allowing you to add, modify, or remove load combinations used for stability checks
(sliding & overturning). You should avoid modifying the built-in combination(s); see the Concrete Load
Combinations topic for guidelines regarding this issue.

2.6

Help Menu

These are the commands available on the Help Menu.

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

2.6.1

CHAPTER 2. MENU COMMANDS

Help Contents

Brings up the help dialog, which presents a tree-style display of the available help topics.

2.6.2

Update QuickRWall 2.0

Initiates the process of checking for an update and, if necessary, automatically updates the program from
the IES website. Note that you must be connected to the Internet for this feature to work properly.

2.6.3

FAQ Answers

Opens a web browser window with the IES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page.

2.6.4

Technical Support Information...

Opens a web browser window with the Technical Support Information web page. This location provides
access to several problem-solving resources.

2.6.5

Email support@iesqeb.com...

Creates a new email message, addressed to IES tech support, and attaches certain useful system information
that helps IES diagnose the source of potential problems. This is the best way to contact IES regarding
technical support issues.

2.6.6

Software License...

Brings up a dialog where current license information can be viewed, or new license information can be
entered.

2.6.7

About QuickRWall 2.0...

Displays a dialog with version number, copyright, and other related information.

14

Chapter

User Inputs

3.1

Criteria Inputs

3.1.1

Design Code

These are definitions of the inputs in the Design Code group.

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

CHAPTER 3. USER INPUTS

Building Code
The governing building code for code checks.

Use ASD for Masonry Design

This option causes masonry checks to be performed using ASD provisions, rather than strength design
provisions.

Concrete Load Combs

The source of the load combinations that will be considered when performing checks on the concrete components of the wall. The abbrevation Str indicates Strength (combinations for strength as opposed to
allowable stress design).

Masonry Load Combs

The source of the load combinations that will be considered when performing checks on a masonry stem.
If the stem is constructed entirely of concrete this setting has no effect. The abbrevation ASD indicates
Allowable Stress Design (as opposed to strength design combinations).

Stability Load Comb

The source of the load combinations that will be considered when performing stability checks on the wall.

3.1.2

Assumptions

These are definitions of the inputs in the Assumptions group.

Restrained Against Sliding

Check this option if there is an external restraint, such as a slab, that prevents the wall from sliding. This
will cause the program to skip the sliding stability check.

Neglect Bearing At Heel

This causes the bearing pressure beneath the heel to be ignored when computing the critical moment and
shear for the heel check. Checking this is conservative, but can sometimes lead to unrealistically high design
forces.

Use Vert. Comp. for OT

Causes the vertical component of the backfill force to be included in the overturning check. This force helps
to resist overturning.

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QuickRWall 3.0 Users Guide

CHAPTER 3. USER INPUTS

Use Vert. Comp. for Sliding

Causes the vertical component of the backfill force to be included in the sliding check. The contribution
shows up indirectly via an increased friction force. This force helps to resist sliding.

Use Vert. Comp. for Bearing

Causes the vertical component of the backfill force to be included in the bearing pressure calculation. This
will increase the total bearing reaction, but can decrease the maximum pressure by evening out the pressure
distribution.

Use Surcharge for Sliding & OT

Causes the applied surcharge over the backfill to help resist sliding and overturning.

Use Surcharge for Bearing

Causes the applied surcharge over the backfill to contribute to the bearing pressure. This will increase
the average bearing pressure, but can sometimes decrease the maximum value by evening out the overall
distribution. Note that this will also affect the toe and (possibly) heel design, since the bearing pressure
influences the design shear and moment for those components.

Neglect Soil Over Toe

Causes the weight of the soil over the toe to be neglected for strength design of the toe. This setting does
not affect stability checks.

Neglect Backfill Wt. for Coulomb

Causes the weight of the backfill to be neglected when the Coulomb earth pressure theory is used. This
option is provided to be consistent with the recommendations of some textbooks, but is not appropriate in
many situations and should be used with caution.

Factor Soil Weight As Dead

Causes soil weight to be given the dead load factor rather than the earth load factor.

Use Passive Force for OT

Causes the resultant force force from passive pressure (if there is one) to be excluded from the overturning
check. This may or may not be conservative based on the location of the resultant.

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Assume Pressure To Top

When the Rankine method is used to calculate the lateral pressure from a cohesive (c = nonzero) soil, it can
happen that the theoretical pressure distribution goes into tension towards the top of the wall. The programs
normal response in this case is to simply assume zero pressure in that region, but this option allows you
to specify (conservatively) that the pressure distribution is taken as extending all the way to the top of the
wall. Note that this feature is meaningless when either the Coulomb pressure theory is selected or when the
soil is non-cohesive (c=0).

Extend Backfill Pressure To Key Bottom

For walls that have a key beneath the footing, this option causes the various lateral pressures from the
backfill side to extend to the bottom of the key, rather than just to the bottom of the footing.

Use Toe Passive Pressure for Bearing

Whether to include the passive pressure at the toe when determining bearing pressure. See the Bearing/Friction tab in the Force Calcs View for an illustration of the effects of this option. This option will tend
to lessen the overturning effect and hence even out the bearing pressure for common loading scenarios, so
is often unconservative. Consider carefully before using this option.

3.1.3

Stability Criteria

These are definitions of the inputs in the Stability Criteria group.

Required F.S. for OT

The required factor of safety for overturning. If the option to specify different safety factors for seismic
loading is chosen, then this factor will be used only for an overturning moment based on non-seismic loads.

Required F.S. for Sliding

The required factor of safety for sliding. If the option to specify different safety factors for seismic loading
is chosen, then this factor will be used only for a sliding force based on non-seismic loads.

Has Different Safety Factors for Seismic

Allows you to specify different factors of safety (for sliding and overturning) that are used with seismic
loading. If this option is chosen, the factors of safety will be separately calculated and checked for the
seismic case and for the non-seismic case.

Seismic F.S. for OT

The required factor of safety for overturning, where the overturning moment includes seismic loads.

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Seismic F.S. for Sliding

The required factor of safety for sliding, where the sliding force includes seismic loads

Allowable Bearing Pressure

The maximum allowable bearing pressure.

Reqd Bearing Location

The required position of the bearing pressure resultant beneath the footing.

3.1.4

Geotechnical

These are definitions of the inputs in the Geotechnical group.

Wall Friction Angle

The wall friction angle is a measure of the friction between the wall and the mass of retained soil. It is only
used if the lateral backfill pressure is calculated via the Coulomb method.

Friction Coefficent
This coefficent is a measure of the friction beneath the bottom of the footing and the soil below. It is the
ratio of the maximum friction force over the total vertical force.

Soil Modulus
The modulus of subgrade reaction for the soil beneath the footing. This value is used in calculating how
much the rotation of the footing due to settlement contributes to the displacement at the wall. This value is
typically provided by a geotechnical engineer.

3.2

Load Case Inputs

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General

These are definitions of the inputs in the General group.

Name
The name of this load case.

3.2.2

Backfill

These are definitions of the inputs in the Backfill group.

Backfill Depth
The height of the backfill surface, measured from the point where it contacts the wall stem down to either
the subgrade surface (over the toe), the footing top, or the footing bottom, depending on the setting of the
Measured From field.

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Measured From
Specifies how the backfill depth will be specified. The Lower Grade option represents the measurement
used in previous versions of QuickRWall, where the retained height was always specified as the distance
between upper and lower grades.

Slope
The slope of the backfill with the horizontal. You can either enter the angle directly or enter a ratio (e.g.
3:1).

Unit Weight (gamma)

The unit weight or density of the backfill material.

Analysis Type
Specifies the method that will be used to calculate the lateral pressure from the backfill. The Rankine and
Coulomb methods are earth pressure theories that account for internal soil friction, whereas Equivalent
Fluid Pressure (EFP) simply treats the soil as a fluid with a specified density.

Friction Angle (phi)

The internal friction angle (phi) of the backfill material. Note you will not see this option in the event that
you have chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed in that case.

Cohesion (c)
The cohesion of the backfill material. Note you will not see this option in the event that you have chosen
the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed in that case.

Equiv. Fluid Density

The equivalent fluid density of the backfill material. Note you will only see this option in the event that you
have chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed otherwise.

3.2.3

Water in Backfill

These are definitions of the inputs in the Water in Backfill group.

Has Water in Backfill

Whether to consider the effects of a water table in the backfill.

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Water Table Depth

The depth of the water table, measured from the top of the footing.

Water Unit Weight

The unit weight of the water in the backfill.

Saturated phi-sat
The saturated internal friction angle (phi) of the backfill beneath the water table. Note you will not see this
option in the event that you have chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed in that
case.

Saturated Weight gamma-sat

The saturated unit weight or density of the portion of the backfill beneath the water table.

3.2.4

Passive Pressure @ Toe

These are definitions of the inputs in the Passive Pressure @ Toe group.

Analysis Type
Specifies the method that will be used to calculate the lateral passive pressure from the soil in front of the
toe. The Rankine and Coulomb methods are earth pressure theories that account for internal soil friction,
whereas Equivalent Fluid Pressure (EFP) simply treats the soil as a fluid with a specified density. You can
also neglect this pressure entirely.

Friction Angle (phi)

The internal friction angle (phi) of the soil in front of the toe. Note you will not see this option in the event
that you have chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed in that case.

Cohesion (c)
The cohesion of the soil in front of the toe. Note you will not see this option in the event that you have
chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed in that case.

Equiv. Fluid Density

The equivalent fluid density of the soil in front of the toe. Note you will only see this option in the event
that you have chosen the option to use equivalent fluid density; it is not needed otherwise.

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Unit Weight (gamma)

The unit weight or density of the soil in front of the toe.

Apply Only To Key

Whether to apply passive pressure only to the key. Otherwise the pressure will be applied to the entire burial
depth, less that which has been ignored.

Soil Depth To Ignore

The depth of material over the toe to ignore when calculating the passive pressure. This must be less than
or equal to the burial depth of the footing, or to the depth of the key bottom if there is a key. A higher value
is more conservative.

3.2.5

Surcharge (Uniform)

These are definitions of the inputs in the Surcharge (Uniform) group.

Surcharge Type
Specifies whether there is a uniform surcharge over the backfill, and whether that surcharge is specified
directly as a pressure, or as additional depth of backfill.

Surcharge Pressure
The surcharge pressure on top of the backfill.

Addl Backfill Depth

The specified additional depth of backfill from which the surcharge pressure will be calculated.

3.2.6

Surcharge (Line/Strip)

These are definitions of the inputs in the Surcharge (Line/Strip) group.

Type
Choose either a line or a strip surcharge on the backfill. A line surcharge is applied at a specified distance
from the wall and has units of force per unit length of the wall. A strip surcharge is applied over a finite
width at a specified distance from the wall and has pressure units.

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Depth
The depth below the backfill surface at which the line or strip surcharge is applied. This is useful, for
example, if there is a buried footing in the backfill. This depth is measured from the backfill surface at the
point where it contacts the wall, not the sloped surface (if the the backfill is sloped).

Distance From Stem

If a line surcharge is applied, this is the lateral distance from the point where the backfill surface contacts the
stem to the point at which the line load is applied. If a strip surcharge is applied, this is the lateral distance
from the point where the backfill surface contacts the stem to the start of the strip surcharge pressure.

Width
This is the width of the strip surcharge pressure. This input is not available for a line surcharge.

Pressure
The magnitude of the strip surcharge (pressure).

Force
The magnitude of the line surcharge (linear force).

3.2.7

Uniform Lateral Load

These are definitions of the inputs in the Uniform Lateral Load group.

Apply Lateral Pressure To Stem

Choose this option if you would like to manually specify a lateral pressure on the stem.

Magnitude
The magnitude of the manually specified lateral pressure on the stem. The pressure acts in the same direction as the backfill pressure, as indicated on the diagram.

Top Bound
The distance from the top of the stem to the top of the lateral pressure distribution.

Bottom Bound
The distance from the top of the stem to the bottom of the lateral pressure distribution.
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Load Source
The load source for the uniform lateral pressure.

3.2.8

Stem Axial Load

These are definitions of the inputs in the Stem Axial Load group.

Has Axial Load on Stem

This option allows you to specify a vertical, downward force on the top of the stem, with an optional
eccentricity.

Dead Load
The magnitude of the dead load component of the axial force.

Live Load
The magnitude of the live load component of the axial force.

Eccentricity
Enter the eccentricity of the stem load. Only positive eccentricities are allowed (move the load out towards
the end of the toe). The eccentricity is measured from the center of the top of the stem.

3.2.9

Seismic Loading

These are definitions of the inputs in the Seismic Loading group.

Has Backfill Seismic Load

This option applies a lateral force from the mass of backfill due to earthquake effects.

Kh
The horizontal seismic coefficient, which is the horizontal earthquake acceleration component divided by
the acceleration due to gravity.

Kv
The vertical seismic coefficient, which is the vertical earthquake acceleration component divided by the
acceleration due to gravity.

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Friction Angle (phi)

The internal friction angle (phi) of the backfill soil, as used in seismic calculations. This is usually specified
in the Backfill inputs and cannot be modified here, but if the backfill pressure is calculated via EFP
(Equivalent Fluid Pressure) or at-rest, then phi must be entered here.

3.3

Wall (Footing/Stem) Inputs

Name
The name of this wall. It is useful to give walls meaningful names to distinguish them from other stored
walls.
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CHAPTER 3. USER INPUTS

General

These are definitions of the inputs in the General group.

Burial Depth
The distance from the lower grade surface to the bottom of the footing.

3.3.2

Material

These are definitions of the inputs in the Material group.

Rebar Fy
The specified yield stress of the reinforcing bars. This value will also be used for the stem unless the option
Material Properties Different Than Footing is chosen for the stem.

Concrete fc
The specified compressive strength of the concrete. This value will also be used for the stem unless the
option Material Properties Different Than Footing is chosen for the stem.

Unit Weight
The density, or unit weight, of the material (concrete) used to construct the footing. This value will also be
used for the stem unless the option Material Properties Different Than Footing is chosen for the stem.

3.3.3

Footing Geometry

These are definitions of the inputs in the Footing Geometry group.

Footing Thickness
The thickness of the footing (heel and toe).

Heel Length
The length of the heel as measured from the base of the stem.

Toe Length
The length of the toe as measured from the base of the stem.

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Link Footing Bar Spacing to Stem

Synchronizes the spacing of the footing reinforcement to the spacing of the stem reinforcement.

3.3.4

Heel Reinforcement

These are definitions of the inputs in the Heel Reinforcement group.

Has Heel Reinforcement

You can uncheck this box to specify that there is no reinforcement for the heel, for example when the heel
is extremely short.

Embedment Type
The manner in which the heel reinforcement is embedded in the rest of the wall. The bars with either extend
straight the full width of the footing, extend straight a specified distance past the junction with the stem, or
will hook downward. The hook option can be necessary when the toe is too short for the heel bars to be
developed by extending straight into the toe. Note that in practice, it may be necessary to tilt these bars,
since the footing may not be thick enough to accommodate the required hook extension.

Heel Bar Size

The size of the heel reinforcing bars.

Heel Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the heel reinforcing bars. If Link Footing Bar Spacing to Stem is selected,
this reinforcement spacing will be controlled by the stem reinforcement spacing.

Heel Bar Ld
The distance that the heel bars extend into the footing past the base of the stem (the critical section for
flexure).

Heel Bar Cover

The clear cover between the heel bars and the top of the heel.

3.3.5

Toe Reinforcement

These are definitions of the inputs in the Toe Reinforcement group.

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Has Toe Reinforcement

You can uncheck this box to specify that there is no reinforcement for the toe, for example when the toe is
extremely short.

Embedment Type
The manner in which the toe reinforcement is embedded in the rest of the wall. The bars with either extend
straight the full width of the footing, extend straight a specified distance past the junction with the stem, or
will hook up to become stem reinforcement. If the hook option is chosen, there will be no separate inputs
for specifying the toe bars; they will be consistent with the bars at the base of the stem.

Toe Bar Size

The size of the toe reinforcing bars.

Toe Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the toe reinforcing bars. If Link Footing Bar Spacing to Stem is selected,
this reinforcement spacing will be controlled by the stem reinforcement spacing.

Toe Bar Ld
The distance that the toe bars extend into the footing past the base of the stem (the critical section for
flexure).

Toe Bar Cover

The clear cover between the toe bars and the bottom of the toe.

3.3.6

Transverse Reinf. (S&T)

These are definitions of the inputs in the Transverse Reinf. (S&T) group.

Footing Has Transverse (S&T) Bars

Whether or not the footing has transverse (shrinkage temperature) reinforcement, top and bottom.

Transverse Bar Size

The size of the footing transverse (shrinkage temperature) reinforcing bars.

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Transverse Bar Spacing

The maximum center to center spacing of the footing transverse (shrinkage temperature) reinforcing bars.
The actual detailed bar spacing may be slightly less, as the program will evenly distribute the bars over the
footing width.

3.3.7

Key

These are definitions of the inputs in the Key group.

Has Key
Use this option to indicate that the wall has a shear key in order to help with sliding resistance.

Key Depth
The depth of the shear key, measured from the bottom of the footing to the bottom of the key.

Key Width
The width of the shear key.

Key Position
The position of the shear key beneath the footing. If Encase Bars is chosen, the key is positioned horizontally such that the stem bars will extend down into it, and such that they will also tend to reinforce the
key.

Key Location
The manually specified location of the shear key, measured from the left edge (toe) of the footing to the left
edge of the key. This entry is only available if Key Position is set to Specified.

3.3.8

General

These are definitions of the inputs in the General group.

Stem Type
Whether the stem will be composed of multiple pieces of differing thicknesses.

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Height
This governs the height of the stem, measured from either the footing bottom, footing top, the backfill
surface, depending on the setting of the Measured From field.

Measured From
Specifies how the stem height will be specified. The Backfill Surface option will cause the same behavior
used in QuickRWall 1.5, where the stem height is always set relative to the backfill depth.

Bars Developed @ Top

By checking this option you indicate that the bars that extend to the top of the stem are developed by some
external means that is not directly specified in the program. This is necessary when there is an eccentric
axial load applied to the top of the stem, since there will in that case be a moment at the top of the stem.
Without development of the bars at the top, there would be no moment capacity there, and so the stem
would be considered inadequate.

Has Lateral Support (Restrained Wall)

This option allows you to specify a lateral support on the stem. This is frequently used to model the
basement wall or restrained wall condition. Choosing this option changes the available inputs for reinforcement, since the different applied moment caused by the support will require reinforcement at different
locations.

Support Top Offset

Specifies the position of the lateral support, as measured from the top of the wall. Leave this value at zero
to have the support at the top.

Stem Base Is Pinned

When there is a lateral support, you have the option of treating the stem-footing connection as pinned.

Material Properties Different Than Footing

Check this box to enter different concrete material properties for the stem than for the footing. If this box
is not checked, the properties entered for the footing will also be used for the stem.

Rebar Fy
The specified yield stress of the reinforcing bars in the stem.

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Concrete fc
The specified compressive strength of the concrete in the stem.

Unit Weight
The density, or unit weight, of the material (reinforced concrete/masonry) used to construct the stem.

3.3.9

Geometry

These are definitions of the inputs in the Geometry group.

Stem Top Thickness

The thickness of the stem at its top. If the wall is not tapered, this will be the constant thickness from top to
bottom.

Tapered
Check this box to taper the stem.

Extra Thickness @ Toe

The amount by which the bottom of the stem is thicker than the top on the toe side. This will be zero if the
stem is not tapered on the toe side.

Extra Thickness @ Heel

The amount by which the bottom of the stem is thicker than the top on the heel side. This will be zero if the
stem is not tapered on the heel side.

3.3.10

Reinforcement (Flexural)

These are definitions of the inputs in the Reinforcement (Flexural) group.

Reinforcement Layout
This setting determines whether there will be one or two curtains of reinforcement in the stem, and the
position for cases where there is just one curtain.

Vertical Bar Size

The size of the main vertical reinforcing bars.

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Vertical Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the vertical reinforcing bars.

Vertical Bar Embedment

The manner in which the stem reinforcement is embedded in the footing. The bars can either extend straight
down into the footing (and possibly into the shear key, if there is one), or hook into the heel, or hook into
the toe, in which case they also serve as toe reinforcement.

Vertical Bar Ld
The distance the main vertical bars in the stem extend into the footing (when they arent hooked).

Cut Off Alternate Bars

Choose this option to specify that every other bar is cut off and hence does not extend all the way to the top
of the stem. If the lapped bar option is also chosen, this means that the (alternate) cutoff bars will not be
lapped but will consist of the dowels extending up to the cutoff point.

Cutoff Length
The distance from the base of the stem to the cutoff point for the cutoff bars.

Lap With Dowels

Use this option to have the stem dowels lapped with other bars at the base of the stem. This might be every
bar or every other bar depending on whether the cut off alternate bars option is chosen.

Lap Length
The distance over which the bars are lapped. This is measured starting at the base of the stem.

Dowel Bar Size

The size of the dowels that lap with the main vertical reinforcing bars.

Cover (backfill side)

The clear cover between the stem bars and the outer surface of the stem on the backfill side.

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Cover (toe side)

The clear cover between the stem bars and the outer surface of the stem on the toe side (side opposite the
backfill).

2nd Layer Bar Size

The size of the vertical reinforcing bars in the second layer. The second layer is the one near the face of the
wall furthest from the backfill (on the toe side).

2nd Layer Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the vertical reinforcing bars in the second layer.

2nd Layer Bar Embedment

The manner in which the 2nd layer stem reinforcement is embedded in the footing. The bars can either
extend straight down into the footing (and possibly into the shear key, if there is one), or hook into the heel,
or hook into the toe.

2nd Layer Bar Ld

The distance the 2nd layer vertical bars in the stem extend into the footing (when they arent hooked). It
is conceivable that this value will often be left at zero, since most loading configurations will not require
positive moment capacity at the stem base.

3.3.11

Reinforcement (S&T)

These are definitions of the inputs in the Reinforcement (S&T) group.

Has Horizontal (S&T) Bars

Whether or not the stem has horizontal (shrinkage & temperature) reinforcement.

Horizontal Bar Size

The size of the stem horizontal (shrinkage & temperature) reinforcing bars.

Horizontal Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the stem horizontal (shrinkage & temperature) reinforcing bars.

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Same For Both Layers

Whether or not the size and spacing of the horizontal reinforcement in the stem is the same for both layers
of bars. De-select this option to specify separate bar size & spacing for the 2nd layer.

2nd Layer Horz Bar Size

The size of the stem horizontal (shrinkage & temperature) reinforcing bars in the second layer.

2nd Layer Horz Bar Spacing

The center to center spacing of the stem horizontal (shrinkage & temperature) reinforcing bars in the second
layer.

3.3.12

Sections

These are definitions of the inputs in the Sections group.

Number of Stem Sections

Specify the number of sections that make up the stem. Each section may have its own thickness and
reinforcement.

3.4

Stem Section Inputs

3.4.1

General

These are definitions of the inputs in the General group.

Type
This entry specifies whether this section of the stem will be constructed of concrete or masonry.
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Height
The height of this section of the stem.

Thickness
The thickness of this section of the stem.

3.4.2

Masonry Block

These are definitions of the inputs in the Masonry Block group.

Masonry fm
The specified compressive strength of the masonry.

Block Thickness
Thickness of the masonry block used in this section.

3.4.3

Reinforcement

These are definitions of the inputs in the Reinforcement group.

Bar Fs
The allowable tensile or compressive stress in the reinforcement.

Bar Size
The size of the reinforcing bars in this section of the stem.

Bar Spacing
The center to center spacing of the reinforcing bars in this section of the stem.

Bar Position
The bar position relative to the outer faces of the wall.

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Bar Cover
The clear cover between the bar and the nearest face. This input is not meaningful or visible if the bars are
centered in the wall.

Embedment Above
Distance the bars from this section extend into the section above. This input is not available for the top
section.

Embedment Below
Distance the bars from this section extend into the section below.

Base Embedment Type

Determines the manner in which the bars that extend down from the bottom section are embedded into the
footing.

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Chapter

Forces on the Wall

4.1

Overview

The software allows loading the wall via the following sources:

4.1.1

Lateral pressure from the backfill

Lateral pressure from water in the backfill
Passive lateral pressure at the toe
Surcharge on the backfill (uniform)
Surcharge on the backfill (line/strip)
Manually specified lateral pressure (e.g. from wind)
Lateral pressure due to seismic loads
Axial load on stem
Weight of the wall
Weight of the soil (backfill & soil above toe)
Bearing reaction beneath the footing
Friction between the footing and soil

Forces Used for Stem Design

For most of these loading types, the calculations will show a second set of results on the stem only, in
addition to the initial set on the full wall. These stem-only forces are used for calculating the internal shears
and moments for stem design.

4.1.2

Multiple Load Cases

If there are multiple load cases then there will be multiple sets of results for each of these loading types.
When viewing the results (on the Force Calcs View tab), you can switch between load cases using the
drop-down list at the bottom of the screen.

4.2

Backfill Pressure
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The retained backfill will exert a horizontal pressure on the wall. The backfill pressure can be arrived at in
one of two ways:
Specified directly as an equivalent fluid pressure (EFP)
Calculated by the program using active earth pressure theory (Rankine or Coulomb) or at-rest earth
pressure theory.
When you specify an equivalent fluid pressure (EFP) you are telling the program directly what the pressure
per unit depth is. This information might come from a geotechnical engineer or a soils report. This is a
very simple calculation where the lateral pressure is calculated as if the backfill was a fluid with the given
density gamma-EFP. The resulting distribution varies linearly from a maximum value of gamma-EFPH x H
at the bottom of the footing up to zero at the top.
When the program calculates the backfill pressure itself, it employs either Rankine active, Coulomb active,
or at-rest earth pressure theory. Active earth pressure is most reasonable for a cantilever wall due to its
tendency to displace somewhat in response to loading, hence allowing the backfills internal friction to
engage in helping to restrain any further movement. Restrained walls are usually designed using at-rest
pressure.
If there is water in the backfill, the buoyant effect of the water will reduce the lateral pressure from the
portion of the backfill that is below the water surface. The total lateral force over that portion, however, will
increase when the pressure due to the water itself is considered (see following section).

4.3

Water Pressure

If there is water in the backfill, it will exert a lateral pressure on the wall. The magnitude of the pressure is
determined by a simple hydrostatic calculation (pressure = depth multiplied by the unit weight of water).
The unit weight of water defaults to 64 pcf but can be manually overridden by the user.

4.4

Passive Pressure @ Toe

The soil that is in front of the wall (over and in front of the toe) can also exert a pressure on the wall. The
extent of this pressure will vary based on how much overburden you choose to neglect, whether a shear key
is present, and on whether you opt to neglect the portion of the pressure above the bottom of the footing.
This passive pressure contributes to sliding and (possibly) overturning resistance and can play an important
role in ensuring the stability of the wall. Sometimes the fact that the soil in front of the toe gets disturbed
during excavation, or other concerns, will cause concern over whether including a passive pressure contribution from that soil is reasonable. For this reason the program allows you to indicate that such pressure is
to be excluded from the calculations.
The passive pressure can either be calculated via Rankine passive theory, specified directly with an equivalent fluid density value, or neglected completely.

4.5

Uniform Surcharge

The program allows you to specify a uniform surcharge in one of two ways:

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Specify a fictitious additional depth of backfill

Specify a uniform pressure on the backfill
If an additional depth of backfill is specified, it is converted to a pressure internally and then lateral force
calculations proceed using that pressure.
The surcharge pressure results in a uniform lateral pressure on the wall, which is the vertical (surcharge)
pressure multiplied by the lateral pressure coefficient. If Rankine or Coulomb active pressure was used
for determining backfill pressure, K is the calculated Ka value for active pressure (similarly Ko for at-rest
pressure). If EFP was used for backfill pressure, K is determined by dividing the weight of the backfill
(gamma) by the specified equivalent fluid density.

4.6

Line/Strip Surcharge

You may apply either a line or strip surcharge on the wall. The corresponding lateral pressures are calculated
using the methods outlined in the text Principles of Foundation Engineering by Braja M. Das, 3rd Edition.
The exact equation used for a given loading is displayed in the output.
This loading requires particularly complicated mathematical routines that can cause a noticeable delay in
the software. If you notice such a delay after changing a parameter that affects the pressure (e.g. the retained
height of backfill), this is normal.

4.7

Seismic Loading

The program applies a seismic load due to the weight of the backfill based on the Mononobe-Okabe method.
The equations used to calculate the exact force are displayed in the program output.
Take note when examining the pressure distribution on the stem. The theory gives two constraints: That the
shape of the pressure distribution is an inverted triangle, and that the resultant acts at 0.6H from the bottom
of the wall. Since these two conditions are mutually exclusive (resultant for a perfect triangular distribution
would be at 2/3 or 0.667H from bottom) the program slightly modifies the distribution, increasing the
bottom magnitude from zero such that the resultant drops to 0.6H. This is the pressure that is used when
calculating stem moments.

4.8

Wall Weights

The wall weights are determined by dividing the wall into simple geometric pieces and calculating the
weight for each piece. Each pieces weight (per unit length of wall) is the area of the piece multiplied by
the unit weight of the wall material.

4.9

Soil Weights

The soil weights are determined by dividing the backfill into simple geometric pieces and calculating the
weight for each piece. Each pieces weight (per unit length of wall) is the area of the piece multiplied by

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the unit weight of the soil. This includes both the backfill behind the wall and the soil in front of the wall
over the toe. The weight of the soil over the toe can be neglected if desired.

4.10

Bearing Reaction

The upward force (R) exerted by the soil against the footing is in reaction to the sum of all downward
forces that act on the wall. The calculations displayed in the software show exactly what the various
downward forces are. Note that the software also tabulates what contribution each load source (e.g. dead,
live, etc.) makes to the total bearing reaction. This information may be of general interest, and also becomes
important when factoring the bearing pressure and determining the sliding resistance due to friction, which
is a function of this bearing resultant.
The horizontal position at which R acts is determined by calculating the net moment of all the forces on the
wall and dividing by R. See the program output for sample equations. Note that for a restrained wall the
contribution of lateral forces to the overall moment is not added in directly; rather, their effect is reflected
in the moment that is transferred to the footing at the base of the stem (Mstem).
Knowing R and dR it is then possible to calculate the left and right bearing pressures beneath the footing.
The formula used for this will vary based on whether the resultant R is located inside the middle third (full
bearing) or outside the middle third (partial bearing). Again, the best illustration of this is to look at the
program output.

4.11

Friction

The friction between the footing and the soil below is calculated by multiplying a user-specified coefficient
by the total bearing reaction force. This is a fairly straightforward calculation, but there are complicating
adjustments made when some portion of the bearing pressure was in reaction to certain load sources that
should not be allowed to contribute to frictional resistance. These sources are:
Any live loads
Applied surcharge force (vertical) - (optional based on user setting)
Vertical component of backfill force - (optional based on user setting)
If the bearing reaction contains contributions from any of these three sources, it will be reduced for the
purposes of calculating friction. The printed report details how the calculations are adjusted to reflect this
reduction.

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Chapter

Checks

5.1

Stability Checks

5.1.1

General Notes

The following general notes apply to all stability checks:

The applied forces (calculated on the overall wall plus the backfill over the heel) used in stability
checks are factored according the the load combination specified by the Stability Load Comb input
on the Criteria tab of the Input View. The default combination has all factors set to 1.0 (unfactored).
Several of the options on the Criteria tab (Input View) under the Assumptions group affect stability
checks. Make sure to examine these settings and ensure that they are correct for your particular
project.
The results displayed by the software (Checks View, Stability tab) thoroughly illustrate the details of
how the checks are performed. Refer to this output for a better understanding of the internal workings
of these checks.
In the sliding check, the lateral support reaction (visible for restained walls) will be calculated based
on the load combination used for stability checks (as selected on the Criteria tab). This is not necessarily the same as any of the strength combinations, so you should not expect the value shown to be
the same as that displayed for strength design of the stem.

5.1.2

Checks Performed

These are the checks that are made to ensure stability.

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Overturning
Code References:
IBC 2003 1806.1
IBC 2006 1806.1
IBC 2009 1807.2
Checks that the factor of safety against overturning is greater than or equal to the specified minimum
allowable.

Sliding
Code References:
IBC 2003 1806.1
IBC 2006 1806.1
IBC 2009 1807.2
Checks that the factor of safety against sliding is greater than or equal to the specified minimum allowable.

Bearing Pressure
Code References:
IBC 2003 1806.1
IBC 2006 1806.1
IBC 2009 1807.2
Checks that the maximum bearing pressure (gross pressure) beneath the footing is less than or equal to the
specified minimum allowable.

Bearing Eccentricity
Code References:
IBC 2003 1806.1
IBC 2006 1806.1
IBC 2009 1807.2
Checks that the bearing pressure resultant eccentricity (distance from footing center) does not exceed the
allowable.

5.2

Stem Checks

5.2.1

General Notes

The following general notes apply to the stem checks:

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The applied forces (e.g. backfill pressure) used to calculate the internal forces in the stem are illustrated on the Stem Forces tab of the Checks View. These forces are calculated independently from
the forces on the overall wall; take note of the stem-only set of calculations on the Backfill tab and
other tabs of the Analysis View.
The forces used in stem design are factored by the strength load combinations selected on the Criteria
tab of the Input View, specifically the Concrete Load Combs and/or Masonry Load Combs inputs.
When viewing stem check results. note that most of the tabs in the Checks View display information
for the selected load case, which is chosen by a drop-down list at the bottom of the window. If the
stem contains both concrete and masonry, the window will show both the concrete load combination
and best-matched masonry combination, and internal force graphs (moment/shear) will plot results
for both combinations.
If the stem is unreinforced, ACIs structural plain concrete provisions are used for design (ACI-318
Ch. 22).

5.2.2

Checks Performed

Specific code checks associated with the stem.

Moment
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.2, 10.3

ACI 318-05 10.2, 10.3
ACI 318-08 10.2, 10.3
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 10
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 10

Checks the stem for flexural failure according to the selected design code. This check is performed at
multiple critical locations along the height of the stem, depending on configuration and loading.

Shear
Code References:

ACI 318-02 11.1.1, 11.3.1

ACI 318-05 11.1.1, 11.3.1
ACI 318-08 11.1.1, 11.2.1
CSA-A23.3-94 11.3
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CSA-A23.3-04 11.3
Checks the stem for shear failure according to the selected design code. This check is performed at multiple
critical locations along the height of the stem, depending on configuration and loading.

Max Steel
Code References:
ACI 318-02 10.3.5
ACI 318-05 10.3.5
ACI 318-08 10.3.5
Checks the stem for sufficient tensile strain at nominal strength. This is a ductility requirement that guards
against over-reinforcement.

Min Steel
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.5.1

ACI 318-05 10.5.1
ACI 318-08 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-94 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-04 10.5.1

Checks the toe for sufficient area of flexural reinforcement.

Base Development
Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.2.3, 12.12

ACI 318-05 12.2.3, 12.12
ACI 318-08 12.2.3, 12.12
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 12
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 12

Checks that the stem bars are sufficiently developed into the footing.

Lap Splice Length

Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.15.1, 12.15.2

ACI 318-05 12.15.1, 12.15.2
ACI 318-08 12.15.1, 12.15.2
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 12
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 12

Checks that the bar lap splices in the stem are long enough.

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CHAPTER 5. CHECKS

Lap Splice Spacing

Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.14.2.3

ACI 318-05 12.14.2.3
ACI 318-08 12.14.2.3
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 12
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 12

Checks that the transverse spacing between lapped bars does not exceed the limit (for noncontact lap
splices).

Bar Cutoff Extension

Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.10.3

ACI 318-05 12.10.3
ACI 318-08 12.10.3
CSA-A23.3-94 12.10.3
CSA-A23.3-04 12.10.3

Checks that cutoff bars extend a sufficient distance past where they are no longer needed for flexure.

Bar Cutoff Shear

Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.10.5

ACI 318-05 12.10.5
ACI 318-08 12.10.5
CSA-A23.3-94 12.10.5
CSA-A23.3-04 12.10.5

For cutoff bars, checks that the shear does not exceed the allowable limit when bars are cut off in a tension
zone.

Horz Bar Rho

Code References:
ACI 318-02 14.3.3
ACI 318-05 14.3.3
ACI 318-08 14.3.3
Checks that the horizontal bars in the wall meet the minimum reinforcement percentage (rho).

Horz Min Steel

Code References:

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CSA-A23.3-94 14.1.8.6
CSA-A23.3-04 14.1.8.6
Checks that the horizontal bars in the wall meet the minimum area.

Horz Bar Spacing

Code References:

ACI 318-02 14.3.5

ACI 318-05 14.3.5
ACI 318-08 14.3.5
CSA-A23.3-94 14.1.8.4
CSA-A23.3-04 14.1.8.4

Checks that the horizontal bars in the wall do not exceed the maximum spacing.

5.3

Toe Checks

5.3.1

General Notes

The following general notes apply to the toe checks:

The design shear force used for the toe is taken at a distance d from the base of the stem.
The design moment for the toe is not taken greater than the design moment at the base of the stem.
If the toe is unreinforced, ACIs structural plain concrete provisions are used for design (ACI-318
Ch. 22).
When factoring the bearing pressure for heel and toe checks, the program calculates an average load
factor based on the percentage contribution of each load source to the total bearing reaction.

5.3.2

Checks Performed

Specific code checks associated with the toe.

Shear
Code References:
ACI 318-02 11.1.1, 11.3.1
ACI 318-05 11.1.1, 11.3.1
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ACI 318-08 11.1.1, 11.2.1

CSA-A23.3-94 11.3
CSA-A23.3-04 11.3
Checks the toe for shear failure according to the selected design code.

Moment
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.2, 10.3

ACI 318-05 10.2, 10.3
ACI 318-08 10.2, 10.3
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 10
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 10

Checks the toe for flexural failure according to the selected design code.

Min Strain
Code References:
ACI 318-02 10.3.5
ACI 318-05 10.3.5
ACI 318-08 10.3.5
Checks the toe for sufficient tensile strain at nominal strength. This is a ductility requirement that guards
against over-reinforcement.

Min Steel
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.5.1

ACI 318-05 10.5.1
ACI 318-08 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-94 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-04 10.5.1

Checks the toe for sufficient area of flexural reinforcement.

Development
Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.2.3, 12.12

ACI 318-05 12.2.3, 12.12
ACI 318-08 12.2.3, 12.12
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 12
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 12

Checks that the toe bars are sufficiently developed into the rest of the wall.
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CHAPTER 5. CHECKS

S&T Max Spacing

Code References:

ACI 318-02 7.12.2.2

ACI 318-05 7.12.2.2
ACI 318-08 7.12.2.2
CSA-A23.3-94 7.8.3
CSA-A23.3-04 7.8.3

Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel spacing does not exceed the allowable limit.

S&T Min Rho

Code References:
ACI 318-02 7.12.2.1
ACI 318-05 7.12.2.1
ACI 318-08 7.12.2.1
Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel rho meets the minimum limit.

S&T Min Steel

Code References:
CSA-A23.3-94 7.8.1
CSA-A23.3-04 7.8.1
Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel area meets the minimum limit.

5.4

Heel Checks

5.4.1

General Notes

The following general notes apply to the heel checks:

The design moment for the heel is not taken greater than the design moment at the base of the stem.
If the heel is unreinforced, ACIs structural plain concrete provisions are used for design (ACI-318
Ch. 22).
When factoring the bearing pressure for heel and toe checks, the program calculates an average load
factor based on the percentage contribution of each load source to the total bearing reaction.

5.4.2

Checks Performed

Specific code checks associated with the heel.

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Shear
Code References:

ACI 318-02 11.1.1, 11.3.1

ACI 318-05 11.1.1, 11.3.1
ACI 318-08 11.1.1, 11.2.1
CSA-A23.3-94 11.3
CSA-A23.3-04 11.3

Checks the heel for shear failure according to the selected design code.

Moment
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.2, 10.3

ACI 318-05 10.2, 10.3
ACI 318-08 10.2, 10.3
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 10
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 10

Checks the heel for flexural failure according to the selected design code.

Min Strain
Code References:
ACI 318-02 10.3.5
ACI 318-05 10.3.5
ACI 318-08 10.3.5
Checks the heel for sufficient tensile strain at nominal strength. This is a ductility requirement that guards
against over-reinforcement.

Min Steel
Code References:

ACI 318-02 10.5.1

ACI 318-05 10.5.1
ACI 318-08 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-94 10.5.1
CSA-A23.3-04 10.5.1
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Checks the heel for sufficient area of flexural reinforcement.

Development
Code References:

ACI 318-02 12.2.3, 12.12

ACI 318-05 12.2.3, 12.12
ACI 318-08 12.2.3, 12.12
CSA-A23.3-94 Ch 12
CSA-A23.3-04 Ch 12

Checks that the heel bars are sufficiently developed into the rest of the wall.

S&T Max Spacing

Code References:

ACI 318-02 7.12.2.2

ACI 318-05 7.12.2.2
ACI 318-08 7.12.2.2
CSA-A23.3-94 7.8.3
CSA-A23.3-04 7.8.3

Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel spacing does not exceed the allowable limit.

S&T Min Rho

Code References:
ACI 318-02 7.12.2.1
ACI 318-05 7.12.2.1
ACI 318-08 7.12.2.1
Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel rho meets the minimum limit.

S&T Min Steel

Code References:
CSA-A23.3-94 7.8.1
CSA-A23.3-04 7.8.1
Checks that the shrinkage and temperature (transverse) steel area meets the minimum limit.

51