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Counterfort Retaining Wall MCN PDF
Counterfort Retaining Wall MCN PDF
When the height of the retaining wall exceeds about 6 m, the thickness of the stem and
heel slab works out to be sufficiently large and the design becomes uneconomical. In
such a case counterforts having trapezoidal section fixed at the base slab are provided
at intervals of 1.5 m to 3 m. The counterforts support the heel slab and the vertical stem.
The design principles for different components of the wall are discussed as under.
Design of Stem
The stem acts as a continuous slab spanning longitudinally over the counterforts. The
horizontal active soil pressure acts as the load on the slab. Since the earth pressure
varies linearly over the height of the stem, the slab deflects away from the earth face
between the counterforts and hence the main steel is provided at the outer face of
the stem and at the inner face near the supporting counterforts. The bending moment
in the stem is maximum at the base and reduces towards top. But the thickness of
the wall is kept constant and only the area of steel is reduced.
If I is the clear distance between the counterforts and p is the intensity of soil
pressure, the slab is designed for bending moment as under:
The main reinforcement is provided horizontally along the length of the wall. The ties
are provided horizontally for the full value of reaction to prevent slab separating from
counterforts.
If p is the net downward force and I is the clear span between the counterforts the
B.M. is given by:
Maximum +ve B.M= pl2/16 (mid-way between counterforts towards earth face)
Maximum -ve B.M. = pl2/12 (occurring at counterforts)
Design of Counterforts
Since the active earth pressure on stem acts outward and stem is considered to be
fixed at counterforts, the counterforts are subjected to outward reaction from the
stem. This produces tension along the outer sloping face of the counterforts. The
inner face supporting the stem is in compression. Thus, the stem lies in the
compression zone with respect to the bending of the counterforts and hence the
counterforts are designed as a T-beam of varying depth. The main steel provided
along the sloping face shall be anchored properly at both ends. The depth of the
counterfort is measured perpendicular to the sloping side.
In order that the counterfort and stem should act as one unit, it is joined firmly to the
stem by providing ties in the horizontal plane. The base is tied with vertical ties to
prevent its tendency to separate out under the action of net downward force. The
provision of ties ensures transfer of forces to the counterforts. The net forces acting
on the different components of the counterforts, position of main steel and horizontal
and vertical ties are schematically shown.
Design constants
Q=2.76 N/mm2
Ld = (0.87 fy / 4 τbd) φ = 0.87x415/4x(1.2x1.6)φ = 47φbar
For φ = 30°
Coefficient of active pressure = ka = (1 - sin φ)/(l + sin φ) = 1/3
Coefficient of passive pressure = kp = (1 + sin φ)/(l - sinφ) = 3
CF: 3m c/c,
400 mm
h=7.8 m
h1=7 m H=8.25 m
θ
1.25m 1.2 m 4.05m
b=5.5 m
The stability of the wall will be checked at working load because safe bearing
capacity of soil is in the working load condition.
Dist. of Moment
Sr. Description Loads in
e.g. from about
No. of loads kN
T in m T in kN-m
Weight of stem 25x0.25x1x7.8 1.2 + 0.25/2
1 64.59
W1 = 48.75 =1.325
H
8250
ΣW
R
PA
450
X e b/2
80.39
166.61 kN/m2
153.9 147.8 143.9
kN/m2
5500 mm
The bars shall be extended beyond the front face of the wall for a distance equal to
development length of 750 mm (= 47 x 16) Distribution steel = 0.12 x 1000 x 450/100
= 540 mm2
Provide #12 mm at 200 mm c/c. Area provided = 565 mm2
Net vertical shear = Shear due to pressure varying from 166.61 kN/m 2 to 153.9 kN/m2
- Shear due to downward force of slab in length of 0.81 m (= 1.2 - 0.39) = (166.61 +
153.9) x 0.81/2 - (25 x 0.45 x 0.81) =120.7 kN.
Net ultimate shear = Vu.max = 1.5 x 120.7 =181.05 kN.
ζv= 181.05x106/1000x390=0.46 MPa
ζc =0.47MPa for pt=0.47%, ... safe.
Since shear force varies linearly along the span of 2.6 m, the zone of design shear
reinforcement can be determined.
Let x1 be the distance from the counterfort where S.F. = 109.2 kN
then x1 = 1.30 x (139-109.2) / 139= 0.28m
Further in the transverse direction the S.F. decreases due to increase in the soil
pressure.
Let the net down ward ultimate force/m at a distance y1 from C be equal to w1
Then ultimate S.F. at y1 = w1 x 2.60/2 = 1.30 w1
and this must be equal to Vuc i.e. 1.30 w1 = Vu c = 109.2 ... w1= 84 kN
R
450
X e b/2
4050 mm
C D
TOE
3000
2600 HEEL
x1
139
SFD
y1
71.28
7.75
kN/m
kN/m
Distribution steel
Ast = 0.12 x 1000 x 450/100 = 540 mm 2
Using # 12 mm bars, spacing = 1000 x 113/468 = 241 mm.
Provide # 12 mm at 200 mm c/c. , Area provided = 565 mm 2
However provide #12 mm @ 110 mm c/c from shar. Area provided = 1000 x 113/110 = 1027.27
mm2
P t= 100 x 1027.27/(100 x 190) = 0.54 % ,
As the earth pressure decreases towards the top, the spacing of the bars is
increased with decrease in height.
Distribution steel
Asl = 0.12 x 1000 x 250/100 = 300 mm 2
Area of steel on each face = 300/2 = 150 mm 2
Provide # 8 mm @ 300 mm on each face in the vertical direction.
Area provided = 1000 x 50/300 = 167 mm 2
On the front face provided nominal steel φ 8 mm at 300 mm c/c to support the
vertical bars.
7.8 m
4.05m θ
8-#22 1.77m
#12@400
1250 1200 mm
450
250 mm
7000
#12@200 8250 mm
#12@200