Retaining Wall Design Analysis as per Philippines standard.

Description

Designing and analyzing a retaining wall involves several steps to ensure stability, safety, and functionality. Here is a general guide to the process:

1. Site Investigation:

• Collect information about soil properties, groundwater levels, and topography.
• Identify the type of retaining wall suitable for the site conditions.

2. Retaining Wall Types:

• Gravity Walls: These rely on their mass to resist pressure from behind.
• Cantilever Walls: Use a base slab and an upright stem to resist soil pressure.
• Counterfort Walls: Similar to cantilever walls but have vertical counterforts on the backside for added support.
• Gabion Walls: Use wire baskets filled with stones.
• Reinforced Soil Walls: Combine soil reinforcement with a facing system.

3. Load Calculation:

• Determine the lateral earth pressure acting on the wall.
• Consider surcharge loads from nearby structures, water, and traffic.
• Account for water pressure behind the wall.

4. Stability Analysis:

• Check for sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity.
• Analyze global stability considering the entire wall structure.
• Perform local stability checks for key sections.

5. Retaining Wall Dimensions:

• Establish the height, base width, and overall dimensions of the wall.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent water buildup behind the wall.

6. Materials and Construction:

• Choose appropriate materials for the wall based on site conditions and aesthetics.
• Consider drainage features and weep holes to prevent hydrostatic pressure.

7. Reinforcement Design:

• If using reinforced walls, design the reinforcement layout.
• Check for the stability and serviceability of the reinforced structure.

8. Foundation Design:

• Design the foundation to support the wall and resist settlement.
• Consider factors such as bearing capacity and settlement analysis.

9. Construction Details:

• Provide construction details, including reinforcement detailing, drainage provisions, and construction sequence.

10. Review and Approval:

• Submit the design to relevant authorities for review and approval.
• Ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.

11. Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Implement monitoring systems if necessary.
• Establish a maintenance plan for the retaining wall.

Important Considerations:

• Soil Bearing Capacity: Ensure the soil can support the loads.
• Drainage: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water buildup.
• Material Properties: Use suitable materials with adequate strength.
• Global and Local Stability: Check both overall and localized stability.

Always consult with a qualified geotechnical or structural engineer for site-specific design considerations and local building code compliance.