Design Of Counter Fort Retaining Wall

Reference: Example 18.4, R.C.C. Design Vol. - I, B.C. Punamia

1 Design Constants
Hieght of cantilever wall from ground level = 12.35 m
Saturated weight of Earth (γsat ) = 18 kN/m3
Unit Weight of water (ϒw) = 10 kN/m3
Angle of repose (φ) = 30
SBC of Soil (qo) = 200 kN/m2
Co-eff of friction (µ) = 0.5
Unit Weight of Concrete (fck) = 25 MPa
fy = 415 MPa
Cover = 40 mm
Foundation Depth = 0.65 m
Width of counterfort = 0.5 m
σcbc = 8.5 N/mm2
σst = 230 N/mm2
Neuteral axis constant (k) = 0.289
Lever arm constant (j) = 0.904
Moment of resistance constant ® = 1.109
Coefficient of earth pressure, Ka = 0.333

2 Dimension of Various Parts

Height of wall above base (H) = 12.35 + 0.65
= 13 m
The ratio of length of slabe (DE) to base width b is given by eq.
q0
α = 1 -
2.2 y H
 200
= 1 -
2.2 x 18 x
α = 0.61
Adopting α = 0.60 …. Eq (1)
The width of base is given by Eq.
Ka
b = 0.95 H x
(1-α) x (1+3α)
b = 0.95 x 12.50
( 1 -
= 6.48
Normal practice is to provide b between 0.7 to 0.8 H
Taking maximum value of H = 0.8
b = 10.40 m
Width of toe slab = αxb
= 2.60 m
Provide toe slab = 2.60
Taking the uniform thickness of stem = 0.65 m
Hence width of heel slab = 7.15 m
Let thickness of base slab = 0.65 m
H 1/4
Clear spacing of counter fort = 3.5 x
γsat
= 3.23 m
Providing spacing of counterfort = 3.00 m

3 Stability of Wall
Let w1 = Weight of rectangular portion of stem
w2 = Weight of base slab
w3 = Weight of soil on heel slab.
 Detail

w1 1 x 0.65 x 12.35 x 25
w2 1 x 0.65 x 10.40 x 25
w3 1 x 7.15 x 12.35 x 18
Sw

Total resisting moment = 12314 kNm

Earth pressure (p) = (Ka x γ' x H)+(γw x H)
 = 507.00 kN
Moment = p*H2/6
= 2197.00 kNm
F.O.S. against overturning = 5.60 > 1.5 Safe against overturning
F.O.S. against sliding = µSw/p
= 1.93 > 1.5 Safe against sliding

Pressure Distribution
Net Moment (SM) = 10117 kNm
Distance x of the point of application of resultant, from toe is
x = SM/Sw
= 5.16 m
e = b/2 - x
= 0.04
b/6 = 1.73
Hence safe as e < b/6
SW 6e
Pressure p1 at toe = 1+
b b
1959.13 6x 0.04
= x 1+
10.40 10.40
= 192.30 kN/m2
Hence safe as p1 <200

SW 6e
Pressure p2 at heel = 1-
b b
1959.13 6x 0.04
x 1+
10.40 10.40
= 184.46 kN/m2
Hence safe as p2 > 0
 The Pressure intencity p1 under E,
192.30 - 184.46
p1 = 192.30 - x
10.40
= 190.34 kN/m2
The Pressure intencity p2 under B,
192.30 - 184.46
p2 = 192.30 - x
10.40
= 189.90 kN/m2

4 Design of Heel Slab

Clear spacing b/w counterforts = 3.00 m
The pressure distribution on the heel slab is shown in fig 2. Consider a strip 1 meter wide.
Upward pressure intensity (near outer edge, C) = 184.46 kN/m2
Down ward load due to weight of Earth. = 222.3 kN/m2
Down ward weight of slab per unit area = 16.25 kN/m2
Hence net pressure intensities will be P = 423.01 kN/m2
M1 = Pl2/12
= 317.26 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 534.98 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 650 mm
Effective depth (d) = 610 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1040 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 2501.96 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 2501.96 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 125 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 125 mm

Shear force (V) = PL/2

= 634.52 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.41
τc = 0.26 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 1.04 1040.189 1.04
Hence shear reinforcement is required as τv > τc
Hence depth required from shear point of veiw (d) = V/(τc x b)
= 2440.44 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 650 mm
Hence effective depth (d) = 610 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1040 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 2501.96 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 2501.95629854 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 125 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 125 mm
Distribution Steel = 1040 mm2
Dia of bar = 16 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 193 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 190 mm

Let us check this reinforcement for development

length at point of contraflexure which is situated at
distance of 0.211 x L. In this case, the slab is
continuous, but we will assume the same position
of contraflexure.
Hence point of contraflexure is at = 0.633 mm
Shear force at this point is given = P(L/2 - x)
= 366.75 kN
= 366749.67 N
Assuming that all the bars will avilable at point of contraflexure,
M = Ast σst j d
= 317257500 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 610 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 1475.05 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 610 mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and con
At the point of curtailment, length of each bar avail = 1243 mm
Hence safe
These bars will be provide at the top face of heel slab.
Maximum passive B.M. = PL2/16
= 3/4 x M1
Area of bottom steel (Ast2) = 3/4 x Ast1
 = 1876.46722391 mm2
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1040 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast2 = 1876.46722391 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 167 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 150 mm

Let us check this reinforcement for development length crierion at point of contraflexur,
M = Ast σst j d
= 237943125 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 610 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 1258.79 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 610 mm from the point of contraflexure.
i.e. upto distance = 23 mm from the centre of support.
At this point half bars can be discontinued. Since this distance is quite small, it is better to continue these bars upto center of counterfors.

5 Design of Toe Slab

Providing counterfort over toe slab upto ground level.
Assuming total depth of toe slab = 500 mm
Total weight of toe slab = 12.5 kN/m2
Net upward intensity at D = 192.3-12.5 kN/m2
= 179.80 kN/m2
Net upward intensity at E = 190.34-12.5 kN/m2
= 177.84 kN/m2
Cosidering strip of unit width at D.
Max. negative B.M. (M1) = wL2/12
= 134.85 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 348.78 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 500 mm
Effective depth (d) = 460 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 800 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 1410.23 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 1410.23 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 222 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm

Shear force (V) = PL/2

= 269.70 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.31
τc = 0.32 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.59
Hence shear reinforcement is required as τv > τc
Hence depth required from shear point of veiw (d) = V/(τc x b)
 = 842.81 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 650 mm
Hence effective depth (d) = 610 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1040 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 1063.45 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 1063.45415588 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 295 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm
Distribution Steel = 1040 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 302 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm

Let us check this reinforcement for development length crierion at point of contraflexur.
Point of contraflexure is at = 0.633 mm
Shear force at this point is given = P(L/2 - x)
= 155.89 kN
= 155886.60 N
M = Ast σst j d
= 134850000 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 610 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 1475.05
 Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 610 mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and con
At the point of curtailment, length of each bar avail = 1243 mm
Hence safe
These bars will be provide at the top face of toe slab.
Maximum passive B.M. = PL2/16
= 3/4 x M1
Area of bottom steel (Ast2) = 3/4 x Ast1
= 797.59 mm2
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1040 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast2 = 1040 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 302 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm

Let us check this reinforcement for development length crierion at point of contraflexur,
M = Ast σst j d
= 131875924.528 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 610 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 1455.97 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 610 mm from the point of contraflexure.
i.e. upto distance = 23 mm from the centre of support.
6 Design of Stem
The stem acts as a continuous slab. Considred 1 m strip at B .
The intencity of earth pressure is given by (ph) = KaγH1
= 74.10 kN/m2
Hence revised H1 = 12.35 m
Negative B.M. in slab, (M1) = phL2/12
= 55.575 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 223.91 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 600 mm
Effective depth (d) = 560 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 960 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 477.41 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 960.00 mm2
Dia of bar = 16 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 209 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 200 mm
Distribution Steel = 960 mm2
Dia of bar = 16 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 209 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 200 mm

Shear force (V) = PL/2

= 111.15 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.17
τc = 0.20 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.20 N/mm2
Hence no shear reinforcement is required as τv < τc

Let us check this reinforcement for development length crierion at point of contraflexur.
Point of contraflexure is at = 0.633 mm
Shear force at this point is given (V) = V(L/2 - x)
= 96.37 kN
= 96367.05 N
M = Ast σst j d
= 111753620.786 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 560 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 720 mm
M/V + Lo = 1719.67
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 560 mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and con
At the point of curtailment, length of each bar avail = 1193 mm
Hence safe
These bars are to be provided at the inner face of the stem.
Maximum passive B.M. = PL2/16
= 3/4 x M1
Area of steel (Ast2) = 3/4 x Ast1
= 720.00 mm2
 Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 960 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast2 = 960 mm2
Dia of bar = 16 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 209 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 200 mm

Let us check this reinforcement for development length crierion at point of contraflexur,
M = Ast σst j d
= 111753620.786 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 560 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 720 mm
M/V + Lo = 1719.67 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld

7 Design of Main Counterfort

Let us assuming thickness of counterforts is = 500 mm
Spacing of counterforts = 350 cm c/c
At any section at depth h below the top A, the earth Ka x γsat x h x L
=
pressure acting on each counter forts will be
= 21 h kN/m
Similarly, net down ward pressure on heel at C is = (12.35 x 18) + (650/1000) x 25 - 184.46
= 54.09 kN/m2
Similarly, net down ward pressure on heel at B is = (12.35 x 18) + (650/1000) x 25 - 189.9
= 48.65 kN/m2
Hence reaction transferrred to each counterfort will be,
At C = 54.09 x (350/100)
= 189.315 kN/m
At B = 48.65 x (350/100)
= 170.275 kN/m
Pressure intencity at h = 12.35 m
= 259.35 kN/m
Shear force at F (Q) = 0.5 x 259.35 x 12.35
= 1601.49 kN
B.M. = h/3 x 1601.48625
= 6592.79 kNm
= 6592785062.5 Nmm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 3448.89 mm
Providing total depth (D) = 3150 mm
Effective depth (d) = 3110 mm
Angle θ of the face AC is given by, =
tan θ = 7.15/12.35
tan θ = 0.5789473684
θ = 30.07 Degrees
Sin θ = 0.5010
Cos θ = 0.8654
F1 G1 = AF1 x sinθ
= 6.19 m
= 6187.80 mm
FG = 6788.00 mm
Asssuming that the steel reinforcement is provided in two layers and providing a nominal cover of 40 mm and 20 mm dia bar.
Effective depth (d) = 6788 - (40 + 20 + 10)
= 6718.00 mm
Area of steel at supports, at bottom (Ast )
= 4720.92 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Using dia. of bar = 20 mm
Aφ = 314.16 mm2
No. of bars = 16 bars
Provide the bars in two layers.
Effective shear force = Q-(M/d')tanθ
d' = d/cosθ
= 7762.65 mm
Effective shear force = 1109788.75 N
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.29 N/mm2
100Ast/bd = 0.13
τc = 0.21 N/mm2
Hence shear reinforcement is required as τv > τc
However, the vertical and horizontal ties provided in counterforts will bear the excess shear stress.

The height h where half of the reinforcement can = h m

curtailed (H)
= 3.61 m below A, i.e. at point H.
To locate the position of point of curtailmenton AC, drawing Hl parallel to FG.
Thus half bars can be curtailed at l. However these = 240 mm beyond I, i.e. extented upto I1
should be extent by a distance 12φ
The location of H corresponding to I1 can be locate by drawing line I1H1 parallel FG
It should be noted that I1G should not less than 45φ = 900 mm

Design of Horizontal Ties

At any depth h below the top, force causing sepratio = Ka x γsat x h x L
= 222.3 kN/m
Ast required = Force/Stress
= 966.52173913 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 10 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 157.08 mm2
Spacing required = 162.52 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm

Design of Vertical Ties

The downward force at C = (189.315 x 3)/(350/100)
= 162.27 kN/m
The downward force at B = (170.275 x 3)/(350/100)
= 145.95 kN/m
Ast required at C = Force/Stress
= 705.52 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 20 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 628.32 mm2
Spacing required = 890.57 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm
Ast required at B = Force/Stress
= 634.57 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 10 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 157.08 mm2
Spacing required = 247.54 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm
8 Design of Front Counterfort
The upward pressure intensity varies from 192.30 kN/m2 at D to 190.34 kN/m2 at E.
Downward weight of toe slab = 16.25 kN/m2
Net weight at D = 176.05 kN/m2
Net weight at E = 174.09 kN/m2
The center to center spacing of counterforts = 3.5 m
Hence upward force transmitted to counterforts at D = 176.05 x 3.5 kN/m
= 616.18 kN/m
Upward force transmitted to counterforts at E = 174.09 x 3.5 kN/m
= 609.315 kN/m
Total upward force = 1/2 x (616.175 + 609.315) x 2.6
= 1593.14 kN
Force will be acting at x = ((609.315 + 2 x 616.175)/(616.175 + 609.315)) x (2.6/3)
= 1.30 m from E
B.M. = 1593.14 x 1.3 kNm
= 2071.08 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 1933.05
Providing total depth (D) = 4000 mm
Effective depth (d) = 3960 mm
Thus height of counterfort above ground level = 3350 mm
i.e. upto point F3.
Area of steel at supports, at bottom (Ast )
= 2515.94 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 6400 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast1 = 6400.00 mm2
 Dia of bar = 32 mm
Aφ = 804.25 mm2
No. of bars = 8 bars
Effective shear force (V) = Q-(M/d)tanθ
tan θ = 1.54
Effective shear force (V) = 788523.84 N
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.40 N/mm2
100Ast/bd = 0.25
τc = 0.19 N/mm2
Hence shear reinforcement is required as τv > τc
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 10 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 157.08 mm2
Vc = τc x b x d
= 376200 N
Vs = V - Vc
= 412323.84 N
Spacing required (sv) = (σst x Aφ x d)/Vs
= 346.98
Spacing required (sv) = 150 mm c/c
Provide 2 x 10 mm holding bar at top

9 Fixing Effect in Stem, Toe and Heel

At the junction of stem, toe and heel slab fixing moment are induced, which are at right angles to their normal direction of bending. These moment are not
In stem @0.3% of cross section, to be provided at
(i)
inner face, in vertical direction,for a length 58φ
Ast = (0.3/100) x 1000 x 600
 = 1800 mm2
Dia. of bar = 16 mm
Aφ = 201.06 mm2
Spacing required = (201.06 x 1000)/1800
= 111.70 mm
Spacing provided = 100 mm
Length of embedment in slab above heel slab = 928 mm

(ii) In toe slab @0.15% to be provided at the lowar face

Ast = (0.15/100) x 1000 x 650
= 975 mm2
Dia. of bar = 20 mm
Aφ = 314.16 mm2
Spacing required = (314.16 x 1000)/975
= 322.22 mm
Spacing provided = 100 mm
Length of embedment in slab above heel slab = 1160 mm

(iii) In heel slab @ 0.15% to be provided in upper face

Ast = (0.15/100) x 1000 x 650
= 975 mm2
Dia. of bar = 16 mm
Aφ = 201.06 mm2
Spacing required = (201.06 x 1000)/975
= 206.22 mm
Spacing provided = 100 mm
Length of embedment in slab above heel slab = 928 mm
13.00

0.333
0.60 )x( 1 + 1.80 )

A 0.65

θ
I1
H1 I
H
13.00
12.35 G
F3 G1

3.35
F
2.60 F1 F2
0.65 7.15
D E B C

0.65

10.40
 FIGURE 1
Moment about toe (KN-
force(kN) lever arm
m)
= 200.6875 2.925 587.01
= 169 5.20 878.80
= 1589.445 6.83 10847.96

192.30
kN/m2
= 1959.1325 Total MR 12314
FIGURE 2
2.60

3.25
hat, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.
counterfors.
hat, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.
hat, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.
nding. These moment are not determine , but normal reinforcement given below may be provided.
 16 mm φ
100 mm c/c
0.928
0.928

20 mm φ 20 mm φ
100 mm c/c 100 mm c/c
1.16
184.46
kN/m2
 M-15 M-20 M-25 M-30 M-35 M-40
0.15 0.18 0.18 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.21
0.25 0.22 0.22 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.26
0.50 0.29 0.30 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.32
0.75 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.37 0.37 0.38
1.00 0.37 0.39 0.40 0.41 0.42 0.42
1.25 0.40 0.42 0.44 0.45 0.45 0.46
1.50 0.42 0.45 0.46 0.48 0.49 0.49
1.75 0.44 0.47 0.49 0.50 0.52 0.52
2.00 0.44 0.49 0.51 0.53 0.54 0.55
2.25 0.44 0.51 0.53 0.55 0.56 0.57
2.50 0.44 0.51 0.55 0.57 0.58 0.60