STABILITY ANALYSIS OF EARTH RETAINING STRUCTURES

Example 1: (Problem 12.9, textbook)

Determine the stability of the concrete gravity wall as shown below.

1) Determine all forces on the wall:

Tabulate all forces (good way of organizing driving and resisting forces/moments)

Tabulation:
Forces (kN)

Lever arm from the toe (m)

Moments (kN-m)

Horizontal:

FH =

MH =

Vertical:

FV =

Mv =

2) Check OVERTURNING STABILITY (Rotational Stability)

3) Check SLIDING STABILITY (Translational Stability along the Base)

4) Check BEARING CAPACITY FAILURE

Example 2: (Problem 12.10, textbook, modified slightly)

Determine the stability of the cantilever wall shown below and sketch a drainage system
to prevent buildup of pore water pressures behind the wall.

1) Determine all forces on the wall:

Tabulation:
Forces (kN)

Moment arm from the toe (m)

Moments (kN-m)

Horizontal:

FH =

MH =

Vertical:

FV =

Mv =

2) Check OVERTURNING STABILITY (Rotational Stability)

3) Check SLIDING STABILITY (Translational Stability along the Base)

4) Check BEARING CAPACITY FAILURE