ECE 2214 CAT 2A –MAR 2023

Examine the stability conditions for the retaining wall subjected to wind pressure of uniform
intensity (p) as shown in Fig.1, with regard to each of the following:
(a) tension in the joints;
(b) ground bearing pressure;
(c) factor of safety against overturning;
(d) factor of safety against sliding.
Given: Allowable soil bearing capacity=200kN/m 2, Density of masonry wall=2400kg/m3;
Coefficient of wall friction =0.6; Wind pressure intensity, p=2.4kN/m2.
3.6m

Wind pressure: p=2.4kN/m2

A B
0.6m 0.2m

Fig. 1

ECE 2214 CAT 2A SOLUTION – NOV 2021

(a) Tension in the base:
P = pH = 2.4× 3.6×1 = 8.64 kN/m run p=2.4kN/m2
Weight per metre run of wall:
W1 = 3.6× 0.2×1× 2400×9.81×10-3 = 16.95 kN/m
3.6m

-3
W2 = 0.5× 3.6× 0.6×1× 2400× 9.81×10 = 25.43 kN/m P
Total weight, W=V= 42.38 kN/m
W1 H/2
Position of ground reaction from B: W2
H
Vx = W1  a1  W2  a 2 + P  A
2 0.6m 0.2m B
 42.38x = 16.95× 0.1 + 25.43× 0.4 + 8.64 ×1.8 a x
x = 0.647m from B
B 3a
Eccentricity e = x  = 0.647 - 0.4 = 0.247m
2 σB
Since V acts outside the middle third, tension is likely to σA
occur in the joints.
Fig. 1 (b)
(b) Ground bearing pressure:

σB = 0 N/mm2 (Tension cannot occur, wall tends to lift up at end B)

2V 2  42.38
σA = = = 184.7N/mm2 (< 200kN/m 2 )
3(B - x) 3(0.8 - 0.647)
200
F.O.S = = 1.08 (Wall not sink, but F.O.S. inadequate)
184.7
(c) Factor of safety against overturning:
Take moments of forces about point A:
Stabilising moment W1 a1  W2 a 2
F.O.S. = =
Disturbing moment P  H/2
16.95  0.7  25.43  0.4
=  1.42  3 (inadequate)
8.64 1.8
(d) Factor of safety against sliding along the base:
Force resisting sliding Rs
F.O.S. = =
Force tending to cause sliding Pa
Rs  V  0.6  42.38  25.43kN
25.43
 F.O.S. = = 2.94 > 1.5 (wall stable)
8.64
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