Retaining Wall Design Example

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

Design a reinforced concrete retaining wall for the

following conditions.

1/8

surcharge = qs = 400

f'c = 3000 psi

fy = 60 ksi

psf

Fill: = 32o
Unit wt = 100 pcf
HT = 18 ft

tf
wtoe tstem wheel
Natural Soil: = 32o
allowable bearing pressure = 5000psf

Development of Structural Design Equations. In this example, the structural design of the
three retaining wall components is performed by hand. Two equations are developed in this
section for determining the thickness & reinforcement required to resist the bending moment
in the retaining wall components (stem, toe and heel).
Equation to calculate effective depth, d: Three basic equations will be used to develop an
equation for d.
M u = M n

M n = As f y d
2

M u = As f y d [ Eqn 1]
2

C = T , 0.85 f c' a b = As f y
As = 0.85

f c'
ab
fy

strain compatibility :

[ Eqn 2]

0.003 s + 0.003 a
0.003
=
,
=
1
a / 1
d
d s + 0.003

Assuming 1 = 0.85,
s
0.005
0.00785
0.010

a/d
0.319
0.235
0.196

and choosing a value for s in about the middle of the practical design range,
a
= 0.235, a = 0.235 d
d

[ Eqn 3]

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

Retaining Wall Design Example

2/8

Substituting Eqn. 2 into Eqn. 1:

f'
a
M u = 0.85 c ab f y d

f
2
y

And substituting Eqn. 3 into the above:

M u = 0.85

f c'
0.235 d

0.235d b f y d

fy
2

0.883d

Inserting the material properties: f'c = 3 ksi and fy = 60 ksi, and b = 12in (1-foot-wide
strip of wall, in the direction out of the paper).
k

M u = 0.90(0.85) 3ksi (12 in )(0.235)(0.883)d 2

M u = 5.71 in d 2

Equation for area of reinforcement, As. The area of reinforcement required is calculated
from Eqn. 1:
M u = As f y 0.883d = 0.90 As 60 ksi 0.883 d

M u = 47.7 ksi As d

Design Procedure (after Phil Ferguson, Univ. Texas)

1. Determine HT. Usually, the top-of-wall elevation is determined by the client. The
bottom-of-wall elevation is determined by foundation conditions.
HT = 18 feet.
2. Estimate thickness of base. tf 7% to 10% HT (12" minimum)
Tf = 0.07 (18' x 12"/') = 15.1"

use tf = 16"

Retaining Wall Design Example

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

3/8

3. Design stem (tstem, Asstem). The stem is a vertical cantilever beam, acted on by the
horizontal earth pressure.

ft

in

h = 8 16 /12
ft
h =16.67

in/ft

tf = 16in

ka h

ka qs

wtoe tstem wheel

calc. d:
Pfill =

Pfill =

1
( k a h ) h (1 ft out of page)
2
1 sin 1 sin( 32 o )
ka =
=
= 0.31
1 + sin 1 + sin( 32 o )
1
(0.31)(100 pcf )(16.67 ft ) 2 (1 ft ) = 4310 lb
2

Psur = k a q sur h (1 ft ) = 0.31 ( 400 psf )(16.67 ft )(1 ft ) = 2070 lb

h
h
M u = ( Earth Pressure LoadFactor)( Pfill )( ) + ( Live LoadFactor)(Psur )( )
3
2
ft
ft
16
.
67
16
.
67
M u = (1.6)(4310 lb )(
) + (1.6)(2070 lb )(
) = 65.9 k ft
3
2

Mu =

k
in
5.71

d2
k

in
) = 5.71 in d 2 , d = 11.8in
ft
1
t stem = 11.8in + 2 in cover + (1.0 in ) = 14.3in , ( assume #8 bars )
2
in
in
in
d = 15 2 0.5 = 12.5in
65.9 k ft (12

use t stem = 15in

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

Retaining Wall Design Example

4/8

calc. As:
M u = 47.7 ksi As d
65.9 k ft (12

in
) = 47.7 ksi As (12.5in ), As = 1.33 in 2
ft

As of one #8 bar = 0.79 in 2

in 2
in
in
bar
12 = 7.13
,
2
ft
bar
in
1.33
ft of wall
0.79

use #8 @ 6 in

4. Choose Heel Width, wheel Select wheel to prevent sliding. Use a key to force sliding
failure to occur in the soil (soil-to-soil has higher friction angle than soil-to-concrete).
12in

Neglect soil resistance in front of the

wall.
Fresist
= Fsliding
FS
FS = Factor of Safety = 1.5 for sliding
set

18

ft

Fresist = (Vertical Force)(coefficient of friction)

Fresist = WT (tan natural soil )

tf = 16in

tan natural soil = tan(32 o ) = 0.62

WT = W fill + Wstem + W found

W fill = (100 pcf )(16.67 ft )( wheel )(1 ft ) = 1670

15in

lb
wheel
ft

12 in + 15in 1 ft
(1 ft ) = 2810 lb
in
2
12 )
16
15
= (150 pcf )( ft )( wheel +
ft + 3 ft )(1 ft ) = 200 plf wheel + 850
12
12

Wstem = (150 pcf )(16.67 ft )(

W found

Fsliding = Pfill + Psur

1
(0.31 100 pcf )(18 ft ) 2 (1 ft ) = 5020 lb
2
= (0.31 400 psf )(18 ft )(1 ft ) = 2230 lb

Pfill =
Psur

Fsliding = 5020 lb + 2230 lb = 7250 lb

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

Retaining Wall Design Example

5/8

lb
lb
lb
lb
1670 ft wheel + 2810 + 200 ft wheel + 850 (0.62)

7250lb =
1.5
1.5
lb
7250lb
= 3660lb + 1870 wheel , wheel = 7.42 ft ,
0.62
ft

use wheel = 7.5 ft

5. Check Overturning.

12in

18 ft
18 ft
) + Psur (
)
3
2
= 5.02 k (6 ft ) + 2.23k (9 ft ) = 50.2 k ft

M over = P fill (
M over

18

ft

7.5 ft 15
+
ft + 3 ft ), assume wtoe = 3 ft
2
12
1.25 ft
+ Wstem (3 ft +
)
2
3' 15" 7.5'
11.75 ft
+ W found (
)
2
= (1.67 klf 7.5 ft )(8 ft ) + ( 2.81k )(3.625 ft ) + (0.20klf 7.5 ft + 0.85k )(5.875 ft )

M resist = W fill (

M resist

12.53k

2.35k

M resist = 124.2 k ft
M resist 124.2 k ft
=
= 2.47 > 2.0 = FSover , OK
M over
50.2 k ft

6. Check Bearing.
WT
M
L
+
, equation is valid only if e <
bL bL2
6
6
+ W found

v at end of toe =
WT = W fill + Wstem

WT = 12.45 k + 2.81k + 2.35 k = 17.69 k

7.5 ft
1.25 ft
) + Wstem (7.5 ft +
5.875 ft ) + W found (0)
2
2
12.53k ( 2.125 ft ) + 2.81k ( 2.25 ft ) = 29.9 k ft

M = M over W fill (5.875 ft

M = 50.2 k ft

Check that e < L/6:

e=

m
29.9 k ft
L 11.75 ft
L
ft
=
=
1
.
68
,
=
= 1.96 ft , e < , OK
k
WT
6
6
6
17.69

tf = 16in

Retaining Wall Design Example

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

v =

17.69 k
ft

ft

(1 )(11.75 )

29.9 k ft
1 ft
(1 )(11.75 ft ) 2
6

6/8

= 2.80 ksf < 5.0 ksf = allowable bearing capacity, OK

7. Heel Design.
Max. load on heel is due to the weight of heel + fill + surcharge as the wall tries to tip over.
Flexure:
W = Wheel + W fill + Wsur
16
ft )(1 ft )
12
+ 1.2(100 pcf )(16.67 ft )(1 ft )

W = 1.2(150 pcf )(
+ 1.6( 400 plf )
W = 2.88
Mu =

Vu

wu
16

Mu
7.5

in

ft

klf

wu L2 2.88klf (7.5 ft ) 2
=
= 81.0 k ft
2
2

k 2
d
in
in
k
81.0 k ft (12 ) = 5.71 d 2 , d = 13.0in for flexure
ft
in
M u = 5.71

Shear:
Vu = wu (7.5 ft ) = 2.88 klf (7.5 ft ) = 21.6 k

Vc = (0.75) 2 f c' bw d = (0.75) 2 3000 psi (12 in ) d

setVu = Vc ,

21,600lb = (0.75) 2 3000 psi (12 in ) d , d = 21.9 in for shear, controls

Shear controls the thickness of the heel.

1
t heel = 21.9 in + 2 in cover + in = 24.4 in (assume #8 bar ),
2

use t heel = 21.5 in

Reinforcement in heel:
M u = 47.7 ksi As d

in
81.0 k ft (12 ) = 47.7 ksi As (21.9 in ), As = 1.07in 2
ft
in 2
0.79
bar (12 in ) = 8.83 in ,
ft
in 2
1.07
ft

use #8 @ 8"

Retaining Wall Design Example

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

7/8

8. Toe Design.
Earth Pressure at Tip of Toe:
Wu
Mu

bL 1 2
bL
6
Wu = 1.2(W fill + Wstem + W found ) + 1.6 (Wsur )

v =

Wu = 1.2(12.53k + 2.81k + 2.35k ) +

1.6(0.4 ksf )(18 ft )(1 ft ) = 32.7 k , (did not recalc foundation wt b.c. neglible change)
M u = 1.6 M over 1.2(Wsoil 2.125 ft + Wstem 1.0 ft )
3' 1.25'
7.5'

M u = 1.6(50.2 k ft ) 1.2 12.53k ( 2.125 ft ) + 2.81k (1 ft ) = 45.0k ft

32.7 k
45.0k ft
+
(1 ft )(11.75 ft ) 1 (1 ft )(11.75 ft ) 2
6
ksf
= 2.78
+
1.96ksf = 4.74 ksf

v =
vA

vC = 2.78ksf
vB = 0.82 ksf +

1.96ksf

= 0.82 ksf

4.74 ksf 0.82 ksf

(8.75 ft ) = 3.74 ksf
11.75 ft

d for flexure:
M u = (3.74 ksf )(3 ft )(1 ft )(

3 ft
1
2
) + (1.00 ksf )(3 ft )(1 ft )( 3 ft ) = 19.8k ft
2
2
3

k 2
d
in
in
k
19.8k ft (12 ) = 5.71 d 2 , d = 6.5in for flexure
ft
in
M u = 5.71

d for shear:
Assume theel = ttoe = 21.5in
Critical section for shear occurs at "d" from face of stem, d = 21.5" 3"cover-1/2"=18"
vcritical sec tion = 0.82 ksf +

Vu =

4.74 ksf 0.82 ksf

18
(8.75 ft +
ft ) = 4.24 ksf
ft
12
11.75

1
18
( 4.74 ksf + 4.24 ksf )(3 ft
ft )(1 ft ) = 6.74 k
2
12

Vc = (.75)2 3000 psi (12in )(18in ) = 17,750lb > Vu , OK , d for flexure controls

CE 437/537, Spring 2011

Retaining Wall Design Example

8/8

Reinforcement in toe:
M u = 47.7 ksi As d
19.8k ft (12

in
) = 47.7 ksi As (18in ), As = 0.28 in 2
ft

in 2
bar (12 in ) = 33in , try smaller bars , say #4
ft
in 2
0.28
ft

0.79

in 2
bar (12 in ) = 8.6in
ft
in 2
0.28
ft

0.20

use #4 @ 8"

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall
ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

GEOMETRY
Conc. Stem Height ...........
16.67
Stem Thickness Top ........
12.0
Stem Thickness Bot .........
15.0
Footing Thickness ............
21.5
Toe Length .......................
3.00
Heel Length ......................
7.50
Soil Cover @ Toe .............
0.00
Backfill Height ..................
16.67
Backfill Slope Angle .........
0.0
SEISMIC EARTH FORCES
Hor. Seismic Coeff. kh .......
0.00
Ver. Seismic Coeff kv ........
0.00
Seismic Active Coeff. Kae
0.28
Seismic Force Pae-Pa .......
-0.4

ft
in
in
ft
ft
ft
ft
ft
OK
deg

k/ft

SOIL BEARING PRESSURES

Allow. Bearing Pressure ..
4.0 ksf
Max. Pressure @ Toe ......
3.0 ksf
Min. Pressure @ Heel ......
0.1 ksf
Total Footing Length ........
11.75 ft
Footing Length / 6 ............
1.96 ft
Resultant Eccentricity e ...
1.79 ft
Resultant is Within the Middle Third

OK

Page # ___
6/29/2014
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APPLIED LOADS
Uniform Surcharge ...........
400.0 psf
Strip Pressure ..................
0.0 psf
Strip 2.0 ft deep, 4.0 ft wide @ 3.0 ft from Stem
Stem Vertical (Dead) ........
0.0 k/ft
Stem Vertical (Live) ..........
0.0 k/ft
Vertical Load Eccentricity
6.0 in
Wind Load on Stem ..........
0.0 psf
BACKFILL PROPERTIES
Backfill Density ..................
100.0 pcf
Earth Pressure Theory ......
Rankine Active
Internal Friction Angle .......
32.0 deg
Active Pressure Coeff. Ka
0.31
30.7 psf/ft
Active Pressure @ Wall ....
Active Force @ Wall Pa ....
5.2 k/ft
Water Table Height ...........
0.00 ft
SHEAR KEY DESIGN
Shear Key Depth ................
0.0
Shear Key Thickness .........
12.0
0.0
Max. Shear Force @ Key ..
0.00
Shear Capacity Ratio .........
No shear key has been specified
0.00
Moment Capacity Ratio ......

in
in
k/ft
OK
OK

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

Page # ___
6/29/2014

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

www.asdipsoft.com

OVERTURNING CALCULATIONS (Comb. D+H+W)

OVERTURNING
Force Arm Moment
k/ft
ft
k-ft/ft
Backfill Pa .............
5.24
6.15
32.2
Stem Top ..............
Water Table ..........
0.00
0.60
0.0
Stem Taper ...........
Surcharge Hor ......
2.27
9.23
20.9
CMU Stem at Top ..
Strip Load Hor ......
0.00
8.34
0.0
Footing Weight .....
Wind Load ............
0.00 15.96
0.0
Shear Key .............
Seismic Pae-Pa ...
0.00 11.08
0.0
Soil Cover @ Toe .
Seismic Water ......
0.00
0.60
0.0
Stem Wedge .........
Seismic Selfweight
0.00
0.00
0.0
Backfill Weight ......
Rh = 7.51
OTM = 53.2
Backfill Slope ........
Water Weight ........
53.2
Seismic Pae-Pa ....
Arm of Horizontal Resultant =
= 7.08 ft
7.51
Pa Vert @ Heel .....
129.5
Arm of Vertical Resultant =
= 6.93 ft
Vertical Load .........
18.68
Surcharge Ver .......
Overturning Safety Factor = 129.5 = 2.44 > 1.5
Strip Load Ver .......
53.2
OK
Rv =

RESISTING
Force Arm Moment
k/ft
ft
k-ft/ft
2.50
3.50
8.8
0.31
4.08
1.3
0.00
0.00
0.0
3.16
5.88
18.6
0.00
3.50
0.0
0.00
1.50
0.0
0.21
4.17
0.9
12.50
8.00
100.0
0.00
9.17
0.0
0.00
8.00
0.0
0.00 11.75
0.0
0.00 11.75
0.0
0.00
3.50
0.0
0.00
7.88
0.0
0.00
8.00
0.0
RM = 129.5
18.68

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

STEM DESIGN (Comb. 0.9D+1.6H+E)

Height
d
Mu
Mn
Ratio
ft
in
k-ft/ft
k-ft/ft
16.67
9.5
0.0
0.0
0.00
15.00
9.8
0.3
19.9
0.02
13.34
10.1
1.4
33.1
0.04
11.67
10.4
3.5
34.2
0.10
10.00
10.7
6.8
35.3
0.19
8.34
11.0
11.6
36.3
0.32
6.67
11.3
18.0
41.5
0.43
5.00
11.6
26.4
62.9
0.42
3.33
11.9
36.9
73.6
0.50
1.67
12.2
49.8
75.7
0.66
0.00
12.5
65.3
77.8
0.84 OK
Shear Force @ Crit. Height ..
9.5 k/ft
OK
Resisting Shear Vc ............. 12.1 k/ft
Use vertical bars #8 @ 6 in at backfill side
Cut off alternate bars. Cut off length = 7.00 ft
Vert. Bars Embed. Ldh Reqd .. 15.3 in
OK
Vert. Bars Splice Length Ld .... 32.9 in

SLIDING CALCS (Comb. D+H+W)

Footing-Soil Friction Coeff. ..
0.62
Friction Force at Base ..........
11.6 k/ft
3.25
Passive Pressure Coeff. Kp .
Depth to Neglect Passive .....
0.00 ft
Passive Pressure @ Wall ....
325.5 psf/ft
Passive Force @ Wall Pp ....
0.5 k/ft
12.1 k/ft
Horiz. Resisting Force ..........
7.5 k/ft
Horiz. Sliding Force ..............
12.1
Sliding Safety Factor =
= 1.61 > 1.5 OK
7.5

1
2
3
4

LOAD COMBINATIONS (ASCE 7)

STABILITY
STRENGTH
D+H+W
1 1.4D
D+L+H+W
2 1.2D+1.6(L+H)
D+H+0.7E
3 1.2D+0.8W
D+L+H+0.7E
4 1.2D+L+1.6W
5 1.2D+L+E
6 0.9D+1.6H+1.6W
2
7 0.9D+1.6H+E

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall
ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

HEEL DESIGN (Comb. 1.2D+1.6(L+H))

Force Arm Moment
k/ft
ft
k-ft/ft
Upward Pressure .
0.0
2.50
0.0
Concrete Weight ..
1.8
3.75
6.8
Backfill Weight .....
11.3
3.75
42.2
Backfill Slope .......
0.0
5.00
0.0
Water Weight .......
0.0
3.75
0.0
Surcharge Ver. ....
0.0
3.75
0.0
Strip Load Ver. ....
0.0
3.75
0.0
13.1
Mu = 83.9
22.4 k/ft
Shear Force @ Crit. Sect. ..
18.7 k/ft
Resisting Shear Vc ...........
Use top bars #8 @ 8 in , Transv. #4 @ 12 in
Resisting Moment Mn ...... 95.1 k-ft/ft
Develop. Length Ratio at End ....
0.43
0.77
Develop. Length Ratio at Toe ....

NG

OK
OK
OK

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6/29/2014
www.asdipsoft.com

TOE DESIGN (Comb. 0.9D+1.6H+E)

Force Arm Moment
k/ft
ft
k-ft/ft
Upward Presssure
15.7
1.57
24.7
Concrete Weight ..
-0.7
1.50
-1.1
Soil Cover ............
0.0
1.50
0.0
15.0
Mu = 23.6
7.4 k/ft
Shear Force @ Crit. Sect. ..
18.0 k/ft
Resisting Shear Vc ...........
Use bott. bars #4 @ 8 in , Transv. #4 @ 12 in
Resisting Moment Mn ......
24.2 k-ft/ft
Develop. Length Ratio at End ......
0.39
0.13
Develop. Length Ratio at Stem ....
MATERIALS
Stem Footing
Concrete f'c ....
3.0
3.0
Rebars fy ........
60.0
60.0

ksi
ksi

OK

OK
OK
OK

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall
ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

DESIGN CODES
General Analysis ..............
Concrete Design ..............
Masonry Design ..............
Load Combinations ..........

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6/29/2014
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IBC-12
ACI 318-11
MSJC-11
ASCE 7-05

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Page # ___
6/29/2014
www.asdipsoft.com

Conc. Stem Height ................

ft

Uniform Surcharge ................

psf

Stem Thickness Top .............

in

Strip Pressure .......................

psf

Stem Thickness Bot ..............

in

Footing Thickness .................

ft

Stem Vertical (Dead) .............

k/ft

Toe Length ............................

ft

Stem Vertical (Live) ...............

k/ft

Heel Length ...........................

ft

Vertical Load Eccentricity .....

in

Soil Cover @ Toe ..................

ft

Wind Load on Stem ...............

psf

Backfill Height .......................

ft

Wind Height from Top ...........

ft

Backfill Slope Angle ..............

deg

Wall taper

OK

aTan ((15.0 - 12.0) / 12 / 16.67) = 0.015 rad

Backfill slope

0.0 * 3.14 / 180 = 0.000 rad

Internal friction
Wall-soil friction

32.0 * 3.14 / 180 = 0.559 rad

0.559 / 2 = 0.279 rad

Seismic angle

aTan (0 / (1 - 0)) = 0.000 rad

Footing length

3.00 + 15.0 / 12 + 7.50 = 11.75 ft

Height for Stability

0.00 + 16.67 + 21.5 / 12 = 18.46 ft

Earth pressure theory = Rankine Active

Moist density = 100 pcf

Active coefficient
Active pressure

Saturated density = 130 pcf

= 0.31

0.31 * 100.0 = 30.7 psf/ft of height

- For stability analysis (non-seismic)

Active force

0.31 * 100.0 * 18.46 / 2 = 5.2 k/ft

5.2 * Cos (0.000) = 5.2 k/ft ,

5.2 * Sin (0.000) = 0.0 k/ft

Water force
Pw = (0.31 * (130.0 - 62.4 - 100.0) + 62.4) * (0.00 + 21.5 / 12) / 2 = 0.0 k/ft
- For stem design (non-seismic)
Active force

0.31 * 100.0 * 16.67 / 2 = 4.3 k/ft

4.3 * Cos (0.000) = 4.3 k/ft ,

4.3 * Sin (0.000) = 0.0 k/ft

Water force
Pw = (0.31 * (130.0 - 62.4 - 100.0) + 62.4) * 0.00 / 2 = 0.0 k/ft

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

Page # ___
6/29/2014

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Active seismic coeff.

www.asdipsoft.com

= 0.28

- For stability analysis (seismic)

Seismic force

0.28 * 100.0 * 18.46 / 2 * (1 - 0.0 ) = 4.8 k/ft

4.8 * Cos (0.279 + 0.015) = 4.6 k/ft
4.8 * Sin (0.279 + 0.015) = 1.4 k/ft

Water force
Pwe = 0.00 * (130.0 - 100.0) * (0.00 + 21.5 / 12) / 2 = 0.0 k/ft
- For stem design (seismic)
Seismic force

0.28 * 100.0 * 16.67 / 2 = 3.9 k/ft

3.9 * Cos (0.279 + 0.015) = 3.8 k/ft
3.9 * Sin (0.279 + 0.015) = 1.1 k/ft

Water force
Pwe = 0.00 * (130.0 - 100.0) * 0.00 / 2 = 0.0 k/ft

Backfill =
Arm =

1.0 * 5.2 = 5.2 k/ft

18.46 / 3 = 6.15 ft

Moment = 5.2 * 6.15 = 32.2 k-ft/ft

Water table =

1.0 * 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

(0.00 + 21.5 / 12) / 3 = 0.60 ft

Surcharge =
Arm =

Moment = 0.0 * 0.60 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.0 * 0.31 * 400.0 * 18.46 = 2.3 k/ft

18.46 / 2 = 9.23 ft

Moment = 2.3 * 9.23 = 20.9 k-ft/ft

Strip load =

0.0 k/ft

Arm = 8.34 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 8.34 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Wind load =

1.0 * 0.0 * 5.00 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

21.5 / 12 + 16.67 - 5.00 / 2 = 15.96 ft

Moment =0.0 * 15.96 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

0.0 * (4.6 - 4.6) = 0.0 k/ft

Backfill seismic =
Arm =

0.6 * 18.46 = 11.08 ft

Water seismic =
Arm =

Moment = 0.0 * 11.08 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

0.0 * 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

(0.00 + 21.5 / 12) / 3 = 0.60 ft

Wall seismic =

Moment = 0.0 * 0.60 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

0.0 * (0.0 + 0.3 + 3.2) * 0.00 = 0.0 k/ft

Moment =
= 0.0 * (0.0 * (21.5 / 12 + 16.67 / 2) + 0.3 * (21.5 / 12 + 16.67 / 3) + 3.2 * 21.5 / 12 / 2) * 0.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft
Hor. resultant Rh = 5.2 + 0.0 + 2.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 7.5 k/ft
Overturning moment OTM = 32.2 + 0.0 + 20.9 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 53.2 k-ft/ft
Arm of hor. resultant =

53.2 / 7.5 = 7.08 ft

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Stem weight

Page # ___
6/29/2014
www.asdipsoft.com

1.0 * 12.0 / 12 * 16.67 * 0.15 = 2.5 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 + 12.0 / 12 / 2 = 3.50 ft

Stem taper

Moment = 2.5 * 3.50 = 8.8 k-ft/ft

1.0 * (15.0 - 12.0) / 12 * 16.67 / 2 * 0.15 = 0.3 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 + 12.0 / 12 - (15.0 - 12.0) / 12 * 2 / 3 = 4.08 ft

Moment =0.3 * 4.08 = 1.3 k-ft/ft

CMU stem at top = 0.0 k/ft
3.00 + 0.0 / 12 / 2 = 0.00 ft

Arm =

Moment =0.0 * 0.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Ftg. weight

1.0 * 11.75 * 21.5 / 12 * 0.15 = 3.2 k/ft

Arm =

11.75 / 2 = 5.88 ft

Moment = 3.2 * 5.88 = 18.6 k-ft/ft

Key weight

1.0 * 0.00 / 12 * 12.0 / 12 * 0.15 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 + 12.0 / 12 / 2 = 3.50 ft

Soil cover =

Moment = 0.0 * 3.50 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.0 * 3.00 * 0.00 * 100.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 / 2 = 1.50 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 1.50 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Stem wedge =

1.0 * (15.0 - 12.0) / 12 * 16.67 / 2 * 100.0 = 0.2 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 + 15.0 / 12 - (15.0 - 12.0) / 12 / 3 = 4.17 ft

Moment =0.2 * 4.17 = 0.9 k-ft/ft

Backfill weight =
Arm =

1.0 * 7.50 * 16.67 * 100.0 = 12.5 k/ft

11.75 - 7.50 / 2 = 8.00 ft

Moment = 12.5 * 8.00 = 100.0 k-ft/ft

Backfill slope =
= 1.0 * (7.5 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) * 0.00 / 2 * 100.0 = 0.0 k/ft
Arm =

11.75 - (7.50 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) / 3 = 9.17 ft

Moment =0.0 * 9.17 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Water =
Arm =

1.0 * 7.50 * 0.00 * (130.0 - 100.0) = 0.0 k/ft

11.75 - 7.50 / 2 = 8.00 ft

0.0 * (1.4 - 1.4) = 0.0 k/ft

Seismic Pae-Pa =
Arm =

11.75 ft

Backfill Pav =
Arm =

Moment = 0.0 * 8.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Moment = 0.0 * 11.75 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.0 * 1.4 = 0.0 k/ft

11.75 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 11.75 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Concentrated =
Arm =

1.0 * 0.0 + 0.0 * 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

3.00 + (12.0 - 6.0) / 12 = 3.50 ft

Moment =0.0 * 3.50 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall
ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Page # ___
6/29/2014

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

Surcharge =

www.asdipsoft.com

0.0 * (7.5 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) * 400.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

11.75 - (7.50 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) / 2 = 7.88 ft

Moment =0.0 * 7.88 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Strip =

1.0 * 0.0 * 7.50 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

11.75 - 7.50 / 2 = 8.00 ft

Ver. resultant Rv =

Moment =0.0 * 8.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

18.7 k/ft

Resisting moment RM =

129.5 k-ft/ft

Arm of ver. resultant =

129.5 / 18.7 = 6.93 ft

Overturning ratio =

129.5 / 53.2 = 2.44 > 1.50

Eccentricity =

11.75
2

Bearing length =

OK

129.5 - 53.2
18.7

= 1.79 ft

Min (11.75, 3 * (11.75 / 2 - 1.79)) = 11.75 ft

Toe bearing =

18.7
11.75

6 * 18.7 * 1.79
= 3.0 ksf
11.75

Heel bearing =

18.7
11.75

6 * 18.7 * 1.79
= 0.1 ksf
11.75

< 4.0 ksf

OK

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Passive coefficient

0.00 + (21.5 + 0.0) / 12 - 0.00 = 1.79 ft

Passive pressure top =

3.25 * 100.0 * 0.00 = 0.00 ksf

Passive pressure bot =

3.25 * 100.0 * (1.79 + 0.00) = 0.58 ksf

Passive force =

(0.00 + 0.58) / 2 * 1.79 = 0.5 k/ft

Friction force =

Max (0, 18.7 * 0.62) = 11.6 k/ft

Sliding ratio =

(0.5 + 11.6) / 7.5 = 1.61 > 1.50

Backfill =

OK

1.6 * 4.2 = 6.8 k/ft

16.67 / 3 = 5.56 ft

Water table =

Moment = 6.8 * 5.56 = 38.0 k-ft/ft

1.6 * 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

0.00 / 3 = 0.00 ft

Surcharge =
Arm =

www.asdipsoft.com

1 / 0.31 = 3.25 ksf

Passive depth

Arm =

Page # ___
6/29/2014

Moment = 0.0 * 0.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.6 * 0.31 * 400.0 * 16.67 = 3.3 k/ft

16.67 / 2 = 8.34 ft

Moment = 3.3 * 8.34 = 27.3 k-ft/ft

Strip load =

0.0 k/ft

Arm = 8.34 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 8.34 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Wind load =

0.0 * 0.0 * 5.00 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

16.67 - 5.00 / 2 = 14.17 ft

Backfill seismic =
Arm =

Moment =0.0 * 14.17 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.0 * (3.8 - 3.8) = 0.0 k/ft

0.6 * 16.67 = 10.00 ft

Water seismic =
Arm =

Moment = 0.0 * 10.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.0 * 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

0.00 / 3 = 0.00 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 0.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Max. shear = 6.8 + 0.0 + 3.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 10.1 k/ft
Shear at critical section =

10.1 - 10.1 / 16.67 * 12.3 / 12 = 9.5 k/ft

Max. moment = 38.0 + 0.0 + 27.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 65.3 k-ft/ft
Shear strength

ACI Eq. (11-3)

Vn = 0.75 * 2 * (3000) * 12 * 12.3 = 12.1 k/ft> 9.5 k/ft

Use #8 @ 6.0 in

As = 1.58 in/ft

OK
1.58 / (12 * 12.5) = 0.0105

Bending strength

ACI 10.2.7

Mn = 0.90 * 12.5 * 3.0 * 0.211 * (1 - 0.59 * 0.211) = 77.8 k-ft/ft> 65.3 k-ft/ft
Hooked
Dev. length at footing =

OK

0.02 * 60.0 * 1000 / (3000) * 1.00 * 0.7 = 15.3 in

= 21.5 - 3.0 = 18.5 in > 15.3 in

ACI 12.5

OK

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall
ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Bearing force = 0.0 k/ft

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

Page # ___
6/29/2014
www.asdipsoft.com

(Neglect bearing pressure for heel design)

Arm =
= (0.1 * 7.50 / 2 + (2.9 - 0.1) * 7.50 / 6) / 0.0 = 2.50 ft
Moment = 0.0 * 2.50 = 0.0 k-ft/ft
Concrete weight =
Arm =

1.2 * 21.5 / 12 * 7.50 * 0.15 = 1.8 k/ft

= 7.50 / 2 = 3.75 ft

Backfill weight =
Arm =

Moment =1.8 * 3.75 = 6.8 k-ft/ft

1.2 * 7.50 * 16.67 * 100.0 = 11.3 k/ft

= 7.50 / 2 = 3.75 ft

Moment = 11.3 * 3.75 = 42.2 k-ft/ft

Backfill slope =
= 1.2 * (7.5 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) * 0.00 / 2 * 100.0 = 0.0 k/ft
Arm =

7.50 * 2 / 3 = 5.00 ft

Water =
Arm =

Moment =0.0 * 5.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

1.2 * 7.50 * 0.00 * (130.0 - 100.0) = 0.0 k/ft

= 7.50 / 2 = 3.75 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 3.75 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

Page # ___
6/29/2014

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Surcharge =

www.asdipsoft.com

1.6 * (7.5 + (15.0 - 12.0) / 12) * 400.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

= 7.50 / 2 = 3.75 ft

Moment =0.0 * 3.75 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Strip =

1.2 * 0.0 * 4.00 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =

3.00 - (15.0 - 12.0) / 12 + 4.00 / 2 = 3.75 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 3.75 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Max. Shear Vu = -0.0 + 1.8 + 11.3 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 22.4 k/ft
Max. Moment Mu = -0.0 + 6.8 + 42.2 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 + 0.0 = 83.9 k/ft
Shear strength

ACI Eq. (11-3)

Vn = 0.75 * 2 * (3000) * 12 * 19.0 = 18.7 k/ft< Vu = 22.4 k/ft

Use #8 @ 8.0 in

As = 1.19 in/ft

NG

1.19 / (12 * 19.0) = 0.0052

Bending strength

ACI 10.2.7

Mn = 0.90 * 19.0 * 3.0 * 0.104 * (1 - 0.59 * 0.104) = 95.1 k-ft/ft> Mu = 83.9 k-ft/ft
Cover factor =

OK

Min (2.5, (2.0 + 1.00 / 2, 8.0 / 2) / 1.00) = 2.5

Straight

ACI Eq. (12-1)

= 3 / 40 * 60.0 * 1000 / (3000) * 1.0 * 1.3 / 2.5 * 1.00 = 42.7 in

Hooked

0.02 * 60.0 * 1000 / (3000) * 1.00 * 0.7 = 15.3 in

Dev. length at toe side =

= (11.75 - 7.50) / 12 - 2.0 = 49.0 in > 42.7 in

Dev. length at heel side =

= 7.50 / 12 - 2.0 = 88.0 in > 42.7 in

Bearing force =

ACI 12.5

OK

OK

(6.0 + 4.5) / 2 * 3.00 = 15.7 k/ft

Arm =
= (4.5 * 3.00 / 2 + (6.0 - 4.5) * 3.00 / 3) / 15.7 = 1.57 ft
Moment = 15.7 * 1.57 = 24.7 k-ft/ft
Concrete weight =
Arm =

0.9 * 21.5 / 12 * 3.00 * 0.15 = 0.7 k/ft

= 3.00 / 2 = 1.50 ft

0.9 * 3.00 * 0.00 * 100.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Soil cover =
Arm =

Moment =0.7 * 1.50 = 1.1 k-ft/ft

= 3.00 / 2 = 1.50 ft

Moment = 0.0 * 1.50 = 0.0 k-ft/ft

Max. Shear Vu = 15.7 - 0.7 - 0.0 = 15.0 k/ft

Shear at crit. section Vu =

15.0 * (3.00 - 18.3 / 12) / 3.00 = 7.4 k/ft

Max. Moment Mu = 24.7 - 1.1 - 0.0 = 23.6 k/ft

Shear strength

ACI Eq. (11-3)

Vn = 0.75 * 2 * (3000) * 12 * 18.3 = 18.0 k/ft> Vu = 7.4 k/ft

Use #4 @ 8.0 in

As = 0.30 in/ft

OK

0.30 / (12 * 18.3) = 0.0014

Bending strength
Mn = 0.90 * 18.3 * 3.0 * 0.027 * (1 - 0.59 * 0.027) = 24.2 k-ft/ft> Mu = 23.6 k-ft/ft

ACI 10.2.7
OK

Project: Verification Example

Engineer: Javier Encinas, PE
Descrip: Cantilever concrete wall

Page # ___
6/29/2014

CANTILEVER RETAINING WALL DESIGN

ASDIP Retain 3.0.0

Cover factor =

www.asdipsoft.com

Min (2.5, (3.0 + 0.50 / 2, 8.0 / 2) / 0.50) = 2.5

Straight

ACI Eq. (12-1)

= 3 / 40 * 60.0 * 1000 / (3000) * 0.8 * 1.0 / 2.5 * 0.50 = 13.1 in

Hooked

0.02 * 60.0 * 1000 / (3000) * 0.50 * 0.7 = 7.7 in

Dev. length at toe side =

= (11.75 - 3.00) / 12 - 3.0 = 102.0 in > 13.1 in

Dev. length at toe side =

= 3.00 / 12 - 3.0 = 33.0 in > 13.1 in

Shear key depth = 0.0 in

ACI 12.5
OK

OK

Shear key thickness = 12.0 in

Passive force =

1.6 * (0.6 + 0.6) / 2 * 0.0 / 12 = 0.0 k/ft

Shear at crit. section Vu =

0.0 * (0.0 - 8.8) / 0.0 = 0.0 k/ft

Arm =
= (0.6 * 0.00 / 2 + (0.6 - 0.6) * 0.00 / 3) / 0.0 = 0.00 ft
Max. moment Mu = 0.0 * 0.00 = 0.0 k-ft/ft
Shear strength

ACI Eq. (11-3)

Vn = 0.75 * 2 * (3000) * 12 * 8.8 = 8.6 k/ft

Use #4 @ 12.0 in

As = 0.20 in/ft

> Vu = 0.0 k/ft

OK

0.20 / (12 * 8.8) = 0.0019

Bending strength
Mn = 0.90 * 8.8 * 3.0 * 0.038 * (1 - 0.59 * 0.038) = 7.7 k-ft/ft > Mu = 0.0 k-ft/ft

ACI 10.2.7
OK
8