Course 07

Conditions d'achèvement

Retaining Walls

1 Introduction
Retaining structures are designed to hold in place soil masses. There are many different types
of retaining structure, all of which operate in different ways and require specific internal
stability studies. What they all have in common is the active earth pressure exerted by the
retained soil. However, it is mainly the way in which active earth pressure is absorbed that
differentiates them.

The active earth pressure can be absorbed either by:

1. The gravity of the structure;

2. The embedding of the structure;

3. Anchoring.

2 Types of retaining structure

2.1 Active earth pressure absorbed by the gravity's wall
· This is the most traditional and oldest type of structure, made of concrete or masonry.
These are rigid structures.

· Reinforced earth walls, in which the soil is reinforced by flexible, tensile-resistant

inclusions, are flexible structures that support differential settlement of the soil's foundation.

· Cellular structures are varied, and the oldest type is the caisson wall made of
prefabricated elements. In a cellular structure, the cell is filled with soil and the assembly
forms a structure that can, in some cases, be very flexible.

2.2 Active earth pressure absorbed by embedding

· The reinforced concrete cantilever wall, which has a widened base embedded in the
upper part of the foundation soil, works by contributing part of the weight of the backfill to
the supporting action. Reinforced concrete cantilever walls are also rigid structures;

· Moulded walls, a technique that involves building a wall within the existing soil, before
any excavation, by concreting a trench filled with mud to ensure stability. This technique is
particularly used for work below the water table in urban and port areas;

· Sheet piling curtains, embedded in the foundation soil: these are flexible support
structures which may be temporary or permanent
2.3 Active earth pressure absorbed by anchoring
· In cuttings retaining structures, the active earth pressure force is often partially or
totally taken up by anchors.

· This is particularly the case with moulded walls and Berliner walls. Unlike a moulded
wall, a Berlin wall is made from columns placed in the ground in advance. As the excavation
progresses, support elements are placed between the columns, either prefabricated (beams,
plates) or cast in place, and the earth pressure is taken up by prestressed anchors fixed to the
columns (Figure 2.2a).

Figure 2.2 a Berliner wall

3 Conclusion
Retaining structures play a crucial role in civil engineering, providing stability to soil masses
and preventing failure or landslide. The choice of a particular type of retaining structure
depends on a number of factors, including the characteristics of the soil, the site conditions
and the degree of flexibility or rigidity required. The absorption of active earth pressure by
the gravity of the structure, embedment or anchoring distinguishes different types of
retaining wall.

Questions :

1. What do the retaining walls have in common?

2. How is a gravity wall made?

3. What is the advantage of using reinforced earth walls?

4. For which types of retaining walls does the soil contribute to stability?

5. Why do we use mud and for which type of retaining walls?

Modifié le: jeudi 23 novembre 2023, 15:27

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