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 = 11.5 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) = 125 kN/m2
Co-eff of friction (µ) = 0.5
Unit Weight of Concrete (fck) = 25 MPa
fy = 415 MPa
Cover = 40 mm
Foundation Depth = 1 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) = 11.5 +
= 12.5 m
The ratio of length of slabe (DE) to base width b is given by eq.

α = 1 -

= 1 -
α = 0.75
Adopting α = 0.40 ….
The width of base is given by Eq.

b = 0.95 H x

b = 0.95 x
= 5.97
Normal practice is to provide b between 0.7 to 0.8 H
Taking maximum value of H = 0.7
b = 8.75 m
Width of toe slab = αxb
= 3.50 m
Provide toe slab = 3.50
 Taking the uniform thickness of stem = 0.6 m
Hence width of heel slab = 4.65 m
Let thickness of base slab = 0.8 m
H
Clear spacing of counter fort = 3.5 x
γsat
= 3.20 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 0.60
w2 1 x 0.80
w3 1 x 4.65

Total resisting moment = 7724 kNm

Earth pressure (p) = (Ka x γ' x H)+(γw x H)
= 158.33 kN
Moment = p*H2/6
= 4123.26 kNm
F.O.S. against overturning = 1.87 >
F.O.S. against sliding = µSw/p
= 4.20 >

Pressure Distribution
Net Moment (SM) = 3601 kNm
Distance x of the point of application of resultant, from toe is
x = SM/Sw
= 2.71 m
e = b/2 - x
= 1.67
b/6 = 1.46
Hence un safe as e > b/6
SW
Pressure p1 at toe = 1+
b
1329.79
= x
8.75
= 325.69 kN/m2
 Hence un safe as p1 > 125

SW
Pressure p2 at heel = 1-
b
1329.79
x
8.75
= -21.74 kN/m2
Hence un safe as p2 < 0

The Pressure intencity p1 under E,

p1 = 325.69 -

= 186.72 kN/m2
The Pressure intencity p2 under B,

p2 = 325.69 -

= 162.90 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) = -21.74 kN/m2
Down ward load due to weight of Earth. = 210.6 kN/m2
Down ward weight of slab per unit area = 15 kN/m2
Hence net pressure intensities will be P = 203.86 kN/m2
M1 = Pl2/12
= 152.90 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 371.39 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
= 1598.94 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 1598.94 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 196 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 150 mm

Shear force (V) = PL/2

 = 305.79 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.35
τc = 0.26 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.66 664.7609
Hence shear reinforcement is required a
Hence depth required from shear point of veiw (d) = V/(τc x b)
= 1176.12 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 1200 mm
Hence effective depth (d) = 1160 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1920 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 634.06 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 1920 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 163 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 150 mm
Distribution Steel = 1920 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 163 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 150 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)
= 176.75 kN
= 176746.62 N
Assuming that all the bars will avilable at point of contraflexure,
M = Ast σst j d
= 462979286.112 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 1160 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 3779.45 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 1160 mm beyond the point of
 At the point of curtailment, length of each bar avail = 1793 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
= 1440 mm2
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 1920 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast2 = 1920 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 163 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
= 462979286.112 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 1160 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 3779.45 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 1160 mm from the point of co
i.e. upto distance = -527 mm from the centre of s
At this point half bars can be discontinued. Since this distance is quite small, it is better to continue the

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 = 325.69-12.5 kN/m2
= 313.19 kN/m2
Net upward intensity at E = 186.72-12.5 kN/m2
= 174.22 kN/m2
Cosidering strip of unit width at D.
Max. negative B.M. (M1) = wL2/12
= 234.8925 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 460.33 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
= 2456.46 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 2456.46 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 127 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm

Shear force (V) = PL/2

= 469.79 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.53
τc = 0.32 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 1.02
Hence shear reinforcement is required a
Hence depth required from shear point of veiw (d) = V/(τc x b)
= 1468.08 mm
Providing overall depth (D) = 1500 mm
Hence effective depth (d) = 1460 mm
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 2400 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Ast
= 773.95 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Provide Ast1 = 2400 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 130 mm
Spacing of bar provided = 100 mm
Distribution Steel = 2400 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 130 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)
= 271.54 kN
= 271535.73 N
M = Ast σst j d
= 728394135.478 Nmm
 Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 1460 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 4142.50
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 1460 mm beyond the point of
At the point of curtailment, length of each bar avail = 2093 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
= 1800.00 mm2
Minimum steel required
0.2% of b D ― further 20% = 2400 mm2
[IS :3370,7.1]
Provide Ast2 = 2400 mm2
Dia of bar = 20 mm
Spacing of bar calculated = 130 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
= 728394135.478 Nmm
Lo = 12φ or d, whichever is more
= 1460 mm
Ld = 45φ
= 900 mm
M/V + Lo = 4142.50 mm
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 1460 mm from the point of co
i.e. upto distance = -827 mm from the centre of s

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
= 67.80 kN/m2
Hence revised H1 = 11.30 m
Negative B.M. in slab, (M1) = phL2/12
= 50.85 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 214.18 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
= 436.82 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

= 101.70 kN
100Ast/bd = 0.17
τc = 0.20 N/mm2
Refernce: Pg. 84, Table 23, IS 456 : 2000
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.18 N/mm2
Hence no shear reinforcement is require

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)
= 88.17 kN
= 88173.90 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 = 1827.42
Hence safe as M/V+Lo > Ld
Cotinue these bars by a distance Lo = d = 560 mm beyond the point of
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 = 1827.42 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 = (11.3 x 18) + (1200/1000) x 25 - -21.74
= 255.14 kN/m2
Similarly, net down ward pressure on heel at B is = (11.3 x 18) + (1200/1000) x 25 - 162.9
= 70.5 kN/m2
Hence reaction transferrred to each counterfort will be,
At C = 255.14 x (350/100)
= 892.99 kN/m
At B = 70.5 x (350/100)
= 246.75 kN/m
Pressure intencity at h = 11.5 m
= 241.5 kN/m
Shear force at F (Q) = 0.5 x 241.5 x 11.5
= 1388.63 kN
B.M. = h/3 x 1388.625
= 5323.06 kNm
= 5323062500 Nmm
 BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 3099.03 mm
Providing total depth (D) = 3150 mm
Effective depth (d) = 3110 mm
Angle θ of the face AC is given by, =
tan θ = 4.65/11.3
tan θ = 0.4115044248
θ = 22.37 Degrees
Sin θ = 0.3805
Cos θ = 0.9248
F1 G1 = AF1 x sinθ
= 4.38 m
= 4376.26 mm
FG = 4977.00 mm
Asssuming that the steel reinforcement is provided in two layers and providing a nominal cover of 40 m
Effective depth (d) = 4977 - (40 + 20 + 10)
= 4907.00 mm
Area of steel at supports, at bottom (Ast )
= 5218.47 mm2
M=Ast σst j d
Using dia. of bar = 20 mm
Aφ = 314.16 mm2
No. of bars = 17 bars
Provide the bars in two layers.
Effective shear force = Q-(M/d')tanθ
d' = d/cosθ
= 5306.23 mm
Effective shear force = 975815.19 N
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.37 N/mm2
100Ast/bd = 0.20
τc = 0.21 N/mm2
Hence shear reinforcement is required a
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)
= 3.54 m below A, i.e. at point
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. exten
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
= 207 kN/m
Ast required = Force/Stress
= 900 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 10 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 157.08 mm2
Spacing required = 174.53 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm

Design of Vertical Ties

The downward force at C = (892.99 x 3)/(350/100)
= 765.42 kN/m
The downward force at B = (246.75 x 3)/(350/100)
= 211.5 kN/m
Ast required at C = Force/Stress
= 3327.91 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 20 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 628.32 mm2
Spacing required = 188.80 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm
Ast required at B = Force/Stress
= 919.57 mm2
Using 2 legged ties of dia. = 10 mm
Aφ = 2Π/4 x D2
= 157.08 mm2
Spacing required = 170.82 mm
Spacing provided = 150 mm

8 Design of Front Counterfort

The upward pressure intensity varies from 325.69 kN/m2 at D to 186.72
Downward weight of toe slab = 37.5 kN/m2
Net weight at D = 288.19 kN/m2
Net weight at E = 149.22 kN/m2
The center to center spacing of counterforts = 3.5 m
Hence upward force transmitted to counterforts at D = 288.19 x 3.5 kN/m
= 1008.67 kN/m
Upward force transmitted to counterforts at E = 149.22 x 3.5 kN/m
= 522.27 kN/m
Total upward force = 1/2 x (1008.665 + 522.27) x 3.5
= 2679.14 kN
Force will be acting at x = ((522.27 + 2 x 1008.665)/(1008.665 + 5
 = 1.94 m from E
B.M. = 2679.14 x 1.94 kNm
= 5197.53 kNm
BM
Effective depth required (d) =
Rxb
= 3062.27
Providing total depth (D) = 4000 mm
Effective depth (d) = 3960 mm
Thus height of counterfort above ground level = 3000 mm
i.e. upto point F3.
Area of steel at supports, at bottom (Ast )
= 6313.93 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 = 1.14
Effective shear force (V) = 1179130.88 N
τv = V/(d x b)
= 0.60 N/mm2
100Ast/bd = 0.11
τc = 0.19 N/mm2
Hence shear reinforcement is required a
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
= 802930.88 N
Spacing required (sv) = (σst x Aφ x d)/Vs
= 178.18
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 n
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 1500
= 2250 mm2
Dia. of bar = 20 mm
Aφ = 314.16 mm2
Spacing required = (314.16 x 1000)/2250
= 139.63 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 1200
= 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
 1

q0
2.2 y H
125
2.2 x 18 x 12.50

Eq (1)

Ka
(1-α) x (1+3α)
0.333
12.50
( 1 - 0.40 )x( 1
 1/4

ngular portion of stem

n heel slab.

force(kN) lever arm

x 11.70 x 25 = 175.5 3.8
x 8.75 x 25 = 175 4.38
x 11.70 x 18 = 979.29 6.43
Sw = 1329.79 Total MR

1.5 Safe against overturning

1.5 Safe against sliding

6e
b
6x 1.67
1+
8.75
 s p1 > 125

6e
b
6x 1.67
1+
8.75

325.69 - -21.74
x 3.50
8.75

325.69 - -21.74
x 4.10
8.75

meter wide.
 0.66
nforcement is required as τv > τc

ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld
mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.
 ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld
mm from the point of contraflexure.
mm from the centre of support.
is better to continue these bars upto center of counterfors.
nforcement is required as τv > τc
 ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld
mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.

ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld
mm from the point of contraflexure.
mm from the centre of support.
 reinforcement is required as τv < τc

ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld
mm beyond the point of contraflexure. After that, curtail half bars, and continue the remaining half throughout the length.
 ever is more

M/V+Lo > Ld

200/1000) x 25 - -21.74

200/1000) x 25 - 162.9
a nominal cover of 40 mm and 20 mm dia bar.

nforcement is required as τv > τc

excess shear stress.

m below A, i.e. at point H.

mm beyond I, i.e. extented upto I1

 kN/m2 at E.

+ 522.27) x 3.5

1008.665)/(1008.665 + 522.27)) x (3.5/3)

 m from E

nforcement is required as τv > τc

e at right angles to their normal direction of bending. These moment are not determine , but normal reinforcement given below
0.333
+ 1.20 )

A 0.6

θ
I1
H1 I
 H
12.50
11.5 G
F3 G1

3.00
F
3.50 F1 F2
1.00 4.65
D E B C

8.75

FIGURE 1
Moment about toe (KN-m)
666.90
765.63
6291.94
325.69
kN/m2

7724

FIGURE 2
emaining half throughout the length.
emaining half throughout the length.
emaining half throughout the length.
, 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
 1.50
-21.74
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