751.24 LFD Retaining Walls

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Printable Version of September 2011 LFD Retaining Walls Info
EPG 751.24 LFD Retaining Walls presents the very latest information, but this pdf file may be helpful for those wanting to easily print the LFD seismic information as it was in September 2011.

751.24.1 General

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.1

Retaining wall shall be designed to withstand lateral earth and water pressures, including any live and dead load surcharge, the self weight of the wall, temperature and shrinkage effect, live load and collision forces, and earthquake loads in accordance with the general principles of AASHTO Section 5 and the general principles specified in this article.

751.24.1.1 Wall Type Selection

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.2.1

Selection of wall type shall be based on an assessment of the magnitude and direction of loading, depth to suitable foundation support, potential for earthquake loading, presence of deleterious environmental factors, wall site cross-sectional geometry, proximity of physical constraints, tolerable and differential settlement, facing appearance and ease and cost of construction.

The following wall types are the most commonly used in MoDOT projects

  • Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls
  • Cast-In-Place Concrete Cantilever Retaining Walls
▪ Cantilever Walls on Spread Footings
▪ Cantilever Wall on Pile Footings
▪ L-Shaped Walls on Spread Footings

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Retaining Walls

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.2.1.4 & 5.8

MSE retaining walls use precast block or panel like facing elements combined with either metallic or geosynthetic tensile reinforcements in the soil mass. MSE walls are preferred over cast-in-place walls because they are usually more economical. Other advantages include a wide variety of design styles, ease and speed of installation, and their ability to accommodate total and differential settlements. Wall design heights upwards of 80 ft. are technically feasible (FHFW-SA-96-071). MSE walls may be used to retain fill for end bents of bridge structures.

Situations exist where the use of MSE walls is either limited or not recommended. Some obstacles such as drop inlets, sign truss pedestals or footings, and fence posts may be placed within the soil reinforcement area, however, these obstacles increase the difficulty and expense of providing sufficient soil reinforcement for stability. Box culverts and highway drainage pipes may run through MSE walls, but it is preferable not to run the pipes close to or parallel to the walls. Utilities other than highway drainage should not be constructed within the soil reinforcement area. Be cautious when using MSE walls in a floodplain. A flood could cause scouring around the reinforcement and seepage of the backfill material. Soil reinforcements should not be used where exposure to ground water contaminated by acid mine drainage or other industrial pollutants as indicated by a low pH and high chlorides and sulfates exist. Galvanized metallic reinforcements shall not be used where stray electrical ground currents could occur as would be present near an electrical substation.

Sufficient right of way is required to install the soil reinforcement which extends into the backfill area at least 8 feet, 70 percent of the wall height or as per design requirements, whichever is greater. For more information regarding soil reinforcement length and excavation limits see EPG 751.6.2.17 Excavation.

When a barrier is placed adjacent to an MSE wall space shall be provided to prevent the transfer of lateral forces to the MSE wall.

751.1.1 top.jpg
751.1.1 front.jpg
Barrier at Top of MSE Wall Barrier in Front of MSE Wall

Concrete Cantilever Wall on Spread Footing

Concrete cantilever walls derive their capacity through combinations of dead weight and structural resistance. These walls are constructed of reinforced concrete.

Concrete cantilever walls are used when MSE walls are not a viable option. Cantilever walls can reduce the rock cut required and can also provide solutions when there are right of way restrictions. Concrete walls also provide better structural capacity when barrier or railing on top of the walls are required.

Counterforts are used on rare occasions. Sign-board type retaining walls are a special case of counterfort retaining walls. They are used where the soil conditions are such that the footings must be placed well below the finished ground line. For these situations the wall is discontinued 12 in. below the ground line or below the frost line. Counterforts may also be a cost-savings option when the wall height approaches 20 ft. (Foundation Analysis and Design by Joseph E. Bowles, 4th ed., 1988). However, other factors such as poor soil conditions, slope of the retained soil, wall length and uniformity in wall height should also be considered before using counterforts.

Concrete Cantilever Wall on Pile Footing

Concrete cantilever walls on pile footings are used when the soil conditions do not permit the use of spread footings. These walls are also used when an end bent requires wings longer than 22 feet. In these cases a stub wing is left attached to the end bent and the rest of the wing is detached to become a retaining wall.

Concrete L-Shaped Retaining Wall on Spread Footings

Concrete L-Shaped walls are cantilever walls without heels. These walls are used when there are space limitations for cantilever walls. Since there is no heel the height of these walls is limited to about 7 ft. depending on the soil conditions and the slope of the retained soil.

L-Shaped Walls are often used next to roadways where the footings are frequently used as shoulders and where the wall will require structural capacity for collision forces.

751.24.1.2 Loads

Dead Loads

Dead loads shall be determined from the unit weights in EPG 751.2.1.1 Dead Load.

Equivalent Fluid Pressure (Earth Pressures)

Additional Information
AASHTO 3.20.1

For determining equivalent earth pressures for Group Loadings I through VI the Rankine Formula for Active Earth Pressure shall be used.

Rankine Formula: where:

Ca = = coefficient of active earth pressure
Pa = equivalent active earth pressure
H = height of the soil face at the vertical plane of interest
= unit weight of soil
= slope of fill in degrees
= angle of internal friction of soil in degrees
751.24.1.2.jpg

Example

Given:

δ = 3:1 (H:V) slope
ϕ = 25°
γs = 0.120 kcf
H = 10 ft

δ = arctan = 18.4°

Ca = = 0.515

Pa = (1/2)(0.515)(0.120 kips/ft3)(10 ft)2 = 3.090 kips per foot of wall length

The ϕ angle shall be determined by the Materials Division from soil tests. If the ϕ angle cannot be provided by the Construction and Materials Division a ϕ angle of 27 degrees shall be used.

Drainage shall be provided to relieve water pressure from behind all cast-in-place concrete retaining walls. If adequate drainage can not be provided then walls shall be designed to resist the maximum anticipated water pressure.

Surcharge Due to Point, Line and Strip Loads

Surcharge due to point and line loads on the soil being retained shall be included as dead load surcharge. The effect of these loads on the wall may be calculated using Figure 5.5.2B from AASHTO.

Surcharge due to strip loads on the soil being retained shall be included as a dead load surcharge load. The following procedure as described in Principles of Foundation Engineering by Braja M. Das (1995) shall be applied to calculate these loads when strip loads are applicable. An example of this application is when a retaining wall is used in front of an abutment so that the wall is retaining the soil from behind the abutment as a strip load on the soil being retained by the wall.

Retaining Wall in front of an Abutment

The portion of soil that is in the active wedge must be determined because the surcharge pressure only affects the wall if it acts on the active wedge. The actual failure surface in the backfill for the active state can be represented by ABC shown in the figure below. An approximation to the failure surface based on Rankine's active state is shown by dashed line AD. This approximation is slightly unconservative because it neglects friction at the pseudo-wall to soil interface.

The following variables are shown in the figure below:

β = slope of the active failure plane in degrees
δ = slope of fill in degrees
H = height of the pseudo-wall (fom the bottom of the footing).
L1 = distance from back of stem to back of footing heel
L2 = distance from footing heel to intersection of failure plane with ground surface
Determination of Active Wedges

In order to determine β, the following equation which has been derived from Rankine's active earth pressure theory must be solved by iteration:

ϕ = angle of internal friction of soil in degrees

A good estimate for the first iteration is to let β = 45° + (ϕ/2). In lieu of iterating the above equation a conservative estimate for β is 45°. Once β has been established, an estimate of L1 is needed to determine L2. From the geometry of the variables shown in the above figure:

The resultant pressure due to the strip load surcharge and its location are then determined. The following variables are shown in the figure below:

q = load per unit area
Ps = resultant pressure on wall due only to surcharge earth pressure
= location of Ps measured from the bottom of the footing
L3 = distance from back of stem to where surcharge pressure begins
Surcharge Pressure on Retaining Wall

From the figure:

Ps = where
where

When applicable, Ps is applied to the wall in addition to other earth pressures. The wall is then designed as usual.

Live Load Surcharge

Additional Information
AASHTO 3.20.3 & 5.5.2

Live load surcharge pressure of not less than two feet of earth shall be applied to the structure when highway traffic can come within a horizontal distance equal to one-half of the wall height, measured from the plane where earth pressure is applied.

751.24.1.2 live load1.jpg
Live Load Surcharge
PLLS = (2 ft.) γs Ca H = pressure due to live load surcharge only
γs = unit weight of soil (Note: AASHTO 5.5.2 specifies a minimum of 125 pcf for live load surcharge, MoDOT policy allows 120 pcf as given from the unit weights in EPG 751.2.1.1 Dead Load.)
Ca = coefficient of active earth pressure
H = height of the soil face at the vertical plane of interest

The vertical live load surcharge pressure should only be considered when checking footing bearing pressures, when designing footing reinforcement, and when collision loads are present.

Live Load Wheel Lines

Live load wheel lines shall be applied to the footing when the footing is used as a riding or parking surface.

Additional Information
AASHTO 3.24.5.1.1 & 5.5.6.1

Distribute a LLWL equal to 16 kips as a strip load on the footing in the following manner.


P = LLWL/E
where E = 0.8X + 3.75
X = distance in ft. from the load to the front face of the wall
Additional Information
AASHTO 3.24.2 & 3.30

Two separate placements of wheel lines shall be considered, one foot from the barrier or wall and one foot from the toe of the footing.

751.24.1.2 wheel.jpg

Collision Forces

Additional Information
AASHTO Figure 2.7.4B

Collision forces shall be applied to a wall that can be hit by traffic. Apply a point load of 10 kips to the wall at a point 3 ft. above the finished ground line.

Section

Distribute the force to the wall in the following manner:

Force per ft of wall = (10 kips)/2L
Profile

When considering collision loads, a 25% overstress is allowed for bearing pressures and a factor of safety of 1.2 shall be used for sliding and overturning.

Wind and Temperature Forces

These forces shall be disregarded except for special cases, consult the Structural Project Manager.

When walls are longer than 84 ft., an expansion joint shall be provided.

Contraction joint spacing shall not exceed 28 feet.

Seismic Loads

Retaining walls in Seismic Performance Category A (SPC A) and SPC B that are located adjacent to roadways may be designed in accordance with AASHTO specifications for SPC A. Retaining walls in SPC B which are located under a bridge abutment or in a location where failure of the wall may affect the structural integrity of a bridge shall be designed to AASHTO specifications for SPC B. All retaining walls located in SPC C and SPC D shall be designed in accordance to AASHTO specifications for the corresponding SPC.

In seismic category B, C and D determine equivalent fluid pressure from Mononobe-Okabe static method.

Additional Information
1992 AASHTO Div. IA Eqns. C6-3 and C6-4

PAE = equivalent active earth pressure during an earthquake

PAE = 0.5 γsH2(1 - kv)KAE where

KAE = seismic active pressure coefficient


γs = unit weight of soil

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.2.2.3 & Div. IA 6.4.3

kv = vertical acceleration coefficient

kh = horizontal acceleration coefficient which is equal to 0.5A for all walls,

but 1.5A for walls with battered piles where
A = seismic acceleration coefficient

The following variables are shown in the figure below:

ϕ = angle of internal friction of soil

θ =

β = slope of soil face

δ = angle of friction between soil and wall in degrees

i = backfill slope angle in degrees

H = distance from the bottom of the part of the wall to which the pressure is applied to the top of the fill at the location where the earth pressure is to be found.

Active Soil Wedge

Group Loads

For SPC A and B (if wall does not support an abutment), apply AASHTO Group I Loads only. Bearing capacity, stability and sliding shall be calculated using working stress loads. Reinforced concrete design shall be calculated using load factor design loads.

Additional Information
AASHTO Table 3.22.1A

AASHTO Group I Load Factors for Load Factor Design of concrete: γ = 1.3

βD = 1.0 for concrete weight

βD = 1.0 for flexural member

βE = 1.3 for lateral earth pressure for retaining walls

βE = 1.0 for vertical earth pressure

βLL = 1.67 for live load wheel lines

βLL = 1.67 for collision forces

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.14.2

βE = 1.67 for vertical earth pressure resulting from live load surcharge

βE = 1.3 for horizontal earth pressure resulting from live load surcharge

For SPC B (if wall supports an abutment), C, and D apply AASHTO Group I Loads and seismic loads in accordance with AASHTO Division IA - Seismic Design Specifications.

Additional Information
AASHTO Div. IA 4.7.3

When seismic loads are considered, load factor for all loads = 1.0.

751.24.2 Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls

751.24.2.1 Design

Designs of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are completed by consultants or contractors in accordance with Section 5 of the AASHTO Specifications. MoDOT Internet site contains a listing of facing unit manufacturers, soil reinforcement suppliers, and wall system suppliers which have been approved for use. See Sec 720 and Sec 1010 for additional information. The Geotechnical Section is responsible for checking global stability of permanent MSE wall systems, which should be reported on the Foundation Investigation Geotechnical Report. For MSE wall preliminary information, see EPG 751.1.4.3 MSE Walls. For design requirements of MSE wall systems and temporary shoring (including temporary MSE walls), see EPG 720 Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Systems. For staged bridge construction, see EPG 751.1.2.11 Staged Construction.

General Guidelines

  • Small block walls are limited to a 10 ft. height in one lift.
  • For small block walls, top cap units shall be used and shall be permanently attached by means of a resin anchor system.
  • For large block walls, capstone may be substituted for coping and either shall be permanently attached to wall by panel dowels.
  • For large block walls, form liners are required to produce all panels. Using form liner to produce panel facing is more cost effective than producing flat panels. Standard form liners are specified on the MSE Wall Standard Drawings. Be specific regarding names, types and colors of staining, and names and types of form liner.
  • MSE walls shall not be used where exposure to acid water may occur such as in areas of coal mining.
  • MSE walls shall not be used where scour is a problem.
  • MSE walls with metallic soil reinforcement shall not be used where stray electrical ground currents may occur as would be present near electrical substations.
  • No utilities shall be allowed in the reinforced earth if future access to the utilities would require that the reinforcement layers be cut, or if there is a potential for material, which can cause degradation of the soil reinforcement, to leak out of the utilities into the wall backfill, with the exception of storm water drainage.
  • The interior angle between two walls should be greater than 70°. However, if unavoidable, then place EPG 751.50 J1.31 note on the plans.
  • Small block walls may be battered up to 1.5 in. per foot.
  • The friction angle used for the computation of horizontal forces within the reinforced soil shall be greater than or equal to 34°.
  • All concrete except facing panels or units shall be CLASS B or B-1.
  • The friction angle of the soil to be retained by the reinforced earth shall be listed on the plans as well as the friction angle for the foundation material the wall is to rest on.
  • Seismic performance category and acceleration coefficient shall be listed on the plans.
  • Factors of Safety for MSE walls shall be 2.0 for overturning, 1.5 for sliding, 2.0 for ultimate bearing capacity and 1.5 for pullout resistance.
  • Factors of Safety for seismic design shall be 1.5 for overturning and 1.1 for sliding.
  • Do not use small block walls in the following locations:
  • Within the splash zone from snow removal operations (assumed to be 15 feet from the edge of the shoulder).
  • Where the blocks will be continuously wetted, such as around sources of water.
  • Where blocks will be located behind barrier or other obstacles that will trap salt-laden snow from removal operations.
  • For structurally critical applications, such as containing necessary fill around structures.
  • In tiered wall systems.
  • For locations where small block walls are not desirable, consider coloring agents and/or architectural forms using large block walls for aesthetic installations.
  • Roadway runoff should be directed away from running along face of MSE walls used as wing walls on bridge structures.
  • Drainage:
  • Gutter type should be selected at the core team meeting.
  • When gutter is required without fencing, use Type A or Type B gutter (for detail, see Std. Plan 609.00).
  • When gutter is required with fencing, use Modified Type A or Modified Type B gutter (for detail, see Std. Plan 607.11).
  • When fencing is required without gutter, place in tube and grout behind the MSE wall (for detail, see Fig. 751.24.2.1.7, Fence Post Connection Behind MSE Wall (without gutter).
  • Lower backfill longitudinal drainage pipes behind all MSE walls shall be two-6” (Min.) diameter perforated PVC or PE pipe (See Sec 1013) unless larger sizes are required by design which shall be the responsibility of the District Design Division. Show drainage pipe size on plans. Outlet screens and cleanouts should be detailed for any drain pipe (shown on MoDOT MSE wall plans or roadway plans). Lateral non-perforated drain pipes (below leveling pad) are permitted by Standard Specifications and shall be sized by the District Design Division if necessary. Lateral outlet drain pipe sloped at 2% minimum.
  • Identify on MSE wall plans or roadway plans drainage pipe point of entry, point of outlet (daylighting), 2% min. drainage slopes in between points to ensure positive flow and additional longitudinal drainage pipes if required to accommodate ground slope changes and lateral drainage pipes if required by design.
  • Adjustment in the vertical alignment of the longitudinal drainage pipes from that depicted on the MSE wall standard drawings may be necessary to ensure positive flow out of the drainage system.
  • Identify on MSE wall plans or roadway plans the outlet ends of pipes which shall be located to prevent clogging or backflow into the drainage system. Outlet screens and cleanouts should be detailed for any drain pipe.

MSE Wall Construction: Pipe Pile Spacers Guidance

For bridges not longer than 200 feet, pipe pile spacers or pile jackets shall be used at pile locations behind mechanically stabilized earth walls at end bents. Corrugated pipe pile spacers are required when the wall is built prior to driving the piles to protect the wall reinforcement when driving pile for the bridge substructure at end bents(s). Pile spacers or pile jackets may be used when the piles are driven before the wall is built. Pipe pile spacers shall have an inside diameter greater than that of the pile and large enough to avoid damage to the pipe when driving the pile. Use EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Note E1.2a on bridge plans.

For bridges longer than 200 feet, pipe pile spacers are required and the pile spacer shall be oversized to mitigate the effects of bridge thermal movements on the MSE wall. For HP12, HP14, CIP 14” and CIP 16” piles provide 24-inch inside diameter of pile spacer for bridge movement. Minimum pile spacing shall be 5 feet to allow room for compaction of the soil layers. Use EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Note E1.2b on bridge plans.

The bottom of the pipe pile spacers shall be placed 5 ft. min. below the bottom of the MSE wall leveling pad. The pipe shall be filled with sand or other approved material after the pile is placed and before driving. Pipe pile spacers shall be accurately located and capped for future pile construction.

Alternatively, for bridges shorter than or equal to 200 feet, the contractor shall be given the option of driving the piles before construction of the mechanically stabilized earth wall and placing the soil reinforcement and backfill material around the piling. In lieu of pipe pile spacers contractor may place pile jackets on the portion of the piles that will be in the MSE soil reinforced zone prior to placing the select granular backfill material and soil reinforcement. The contractor shall adequately support the piling to ensure that proper pile alignment is maintained during the wall construction. The contractor’s plan for bracing the pile shall be submitted to the engineer for review.

Piling shall be designed for downdrag (DD) loads due to either method. Oversized pipe pile spacers with sand placed after driving or pile jacket may be considered to mitigate some of the effects of downdrag (DD) loads. Sizing of pipe pile spacers shall account for pile size, thermal movements of the bridge, pile placement plan, and vertical and horizontal placement tolerances.

When rock is anticipated within the 5 feet zone below the MSE wall leveling pad, prebore into rock and prebore holes shall be sufficiently wide to allow for a minimum 10 feet embedment of pile and pipe pile spacer. When top of rock is anticipated within the 5 to 10 feet zone below the MSE wall leveling pad, prebore into rock to achieve a minimum embedment (pile only) of 10 feet below the bottom of leveling pad. Otherwise, the pipe pile spacer requires a minimum 5 feet embedment below the levelling pad. Consideration shall also be given to oversizing the prebore holes in rock to allow for temperature movements at integral end bents.

For bridges not longer than 200 feet, the minimum clearance from the back face of MSE walls to the front face of the end bent beam, also referred to as setback, shall be 4 ft. 6 in. (typ.) unless larger than 18-inch pipe pile spacer required. The 4 ft. 6 in. dimension is based on the use of 18-inch inside diameter pipe pile spacers & FHWA-NHI-10-24, Figure 5-17C, which will help ensure that soil reinforcement is not skewed more than 15° for nut and bolt reinforcement connections. Similarly, the minimum setback shall be determined when larger diameter pile spacers are required. For bridges longer than 200 feet, the minimum setback shall be 5 ft. 6 in. based on the use of 24-inch inside diameter of pipe pile spacers. Other types of connections may require different methods for splaying. In the event that the minimum setback cannot be used, the following guidance for pipe pile spacers clearance shall be used: pipe pile spacers shall be placed 18 in. clear min. from the back face of MSE wall panels; 12 in. minimum clearance is required between pipe pile spacers and leveling pad and 18 in. minimum clearance is required between leveling pad and pile.

MSE Wall Plan and Geometrics

  • A plan view shall be drawn showing a baseline or centerline, roadway stations and wall offsets. The plan shall contain enough information to properly locate the wall. The ultimate right of way shall also be shown, unless it is of a significant distance from the wall and will have no effect on the wall design or construction.
  • Stations and offsets shall be established between one construction baseline or roadway centerline and a wall control line (baseline). Some wall designs may contain a slight batter, while others are vertical. A wall control line shall be set at the front face of the wall, either along the top or at the base of the wall, whichever is critical to the proposed improvements. For battered walls, in order to allow for batter adjustments of the stepped level pad or variation of the top of the wall, the wall control line (baseline) is to be shown at a fixed elevation. For battered walls, the offset location and elevation of control line shall be indicated. All horizontal breaks in the wall shall be given station-offset points, and walls with curvature shall indicate the station-offsets to the PC and PT of the wall, and the radius, on the plans.
  • Any obstacles which could possibly interfere with the soil reinforcement shall be shown. Drainage structures, lighting, or truss pedestals and footings, etc. are to be shown, with station offset to centerline of the obstacle, with obstacle size. Skew angles are shown to indicate the angle between a wall and a pipe or box which runs through the wall.
  • Elevations at the top and bottom of the wall shall be shown at 25 ft. intervals and at any break points in the wall.
  • Curve data and/or offsets shall be shown at all changes in horizontal alignment. If battered wall systems are used on curved structures, show offsets at 10 ft. (max.) intervals from the baseline.
  • Details of any architectural finishes (formliners, concrete coloring, etc.).
  • Details of threaded rod connecting the top cap block.
  • Estimated quantities, total sq. ft. of mechanically stabilized earth systems.
  • Proposed grade and theoretical top of leveling pad elevation shall be shown in constant slope. Slope line shall be adjusted per project. Top of wall or coping elevation and stationing shall be shown in the developed elevation per project. If leveling pad is anticipated to encounter rock, then contact the Geotechnical Section for leveling pad minimum embedment requirements.

MSE Wall Cross Sections

  • A typical wall section for general information is shown.
  • Additional sections are drawn for any special criteria. The front face of the wall is drawn vertical, regardless of the wall type.
  • Any fencing and barrier or railing are shown.
  • Barrier if needed are shown on the cross section. Barriers are attached to the roadway or shoulder pavement, not to the MSE wall. Standard barriers are placed along wall faces when traffic has access to the front face of the wall over shoulders of paved areas.

Drainage at MSE Walls

  • Drainage Before MSE Wall
Drainage is not allowed to be discharged within 10 ft. from front of MSE wall in order to protect wall embedment, prevent erosion and foundation undermining, and maintain soil strength and stability.
  • Drainage Behind MSE Wall
Internal (Subsurface) Drainage
Groundwater and infiltrating surface waters are drained from behind the MSE wall through joints between the face panels or blocks (i.e. wall joints) and two-6 in. (min.) diameter pipes located at the base of the wall and at the basal interface between the reinforced backfill and the retained backfill.
Excessive subsurface draining can lead to increased risk of backfill erosion/washout through the wall joints and erosion at the bottom of walls and at wall terminal ends. Excessive water build-up caused by inadequate drainage at the bottom of the wall can lead to decreased soil strength and wall instability. Bridge underdrainage (vertical drains at end bents and at approach slabs) can exacerbate the problem.
Subsurface drainage pipes should be designed and sized appropriately to carry anticipated groundwater, incidental surface run-off that is not collected otherwise including possible effects of drainage created by an unexpected rupture of any roadway drainage conveyance or storage as an example.
External (Surface) Drainage
External drainage considerations deal with collecting water that could flow externally over and/or around the wall surface taxing the internal drainage and/or creating external erosion issues. It can also infiltrate the reinforced and retained backfill areas behind the MSE wall.
Diverting water flow away from the reinforced soil structure is important. Roadway drainage should be collected in accordance with roadway drainage guidelines and bridge deck drainage should be collected similarly.
  • Guidance
ALL MSE WALLS
1. Appropriate measures to prevent surface water infiltration into MSE wall backfill should be included in the design and detail layout for all MSE walls and shown on the roadway plans.
2. Gutters behind MSE walls are required for flat or positive sloping backfills to prevent concentrated infiltration behind the wall facing regardless of when top of backfill is paved or unpaved. This avoids pocket erosion behind facing and protection of nearest-surface wall connections which are vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration. Drainage swales lined with concrete, paved or precast gutter can be used to collect and discharge surface water to an eventual point away from the wall. If rock is used, use impermeable geotextile under rock and align top of gutter to bottom of rock to drain. (For negative sloping backfills away from top of wall, use of gutters is not required.)
District Design Division shall verify the size of the two-6 in. (min.) diameter lower perforated MSE wall drain pipes and where piping will daylight at ends of MSE wall or increase the diameters accordingly. This should be part of the preliminary design of the MSE wall. (This shall include when lateral pipes are required and where lateral drain pipes will daylight/discharge).
BRIDGE ABUTMENTS WITH MSE WALLS
Areas of concern: bridge deck drainage, approach slab drainage, approach roadway drainage, bridge underdrainage: vertical drains at end bents and approach slab underdrainage, showing drainage details on the roadway and MSE wall plans
3. Bridge slab drain design shall be in accordance with EPG 751.10.3 Bridge Deck Drainage – Slab Drains unless as modified below.
4. Coordination is required between the Bridge Division and District Design Division on drainage design and details to be shown on the MSE wall and roadway plans.
5. Bridge deck, approach slab and roadway drainage shall not be allowed to be discharged to MSE wall backfill area or within 10 feet from front of MSE wall.
  • (Recommended) Use of a major bridge approach slab and approach pavement is ideal because bridge deck, approach slab and roadway drainage are directed using curbs and collected in drain basins for discharge that protect MSE wall backfill. For bridges not on a major roadway, consideration should be given to requiring a concrete bridge approach slab and pavement incorporating these same design elements (asphalt is permeable).
  • (Less Recommended) Use of conduit and gutters:
  • Conduit: Drain away from bridge and bury conduit daylighting to natural ground or roadway drainage ditch at an eventual point beyond the limits of the wall. Use expansion fittings to allow for bridge movement. (can consider placing conduit to front of MSE wall and discharging more than 10 feet from front of wall or using lower drain pipes to intercept slab drainage conduit running through backfill.
  • Conduit and Gutters: Drain away from bridge using conduit and 90° elbow (or 45° bend) for smoothly directing drainage flow into gutters and that may be attached to inside of gutters to continue along downward sloping gutters along back of MSE wall to discharge to sewer or to natural drainage system, or to eventual point beyond the limits of the wall. Allow for independent bridge and wall movements by using expansion fittings where needed. See EPG 751.10.3.1 Type, Alignment and Spacing and EPG 751.10.3.3 General Requirements for Location of Slab Drains.
6. Vertical drains at end bents and approach slab underdrainage should be intercepted to drain away from bridge end and MSE wall.
7. Discharging deck drainage using many slab drains would seem to reduce the volume of bridge end drainage over MSE walls.
8. Drain flumes at bridge abutments with MSE walls do not reduce infiltration at MSE wall backfill areas and are not recommended.
DISTRICT DESIGN DIVISION MSE WALLS
Areas of concern: roadway or pavement drainage, MSE wall drainage, showing drainage details on the roadway and MSE wall plans.
9. For long MSE walls, where lower perforated drain pipe slope become excessive, non-perforated lateral drain pipes, permitted by Standard Specifications, shall be designed to intercept them and go underneath the concrete leveling pad with a 2% minimum slope. Lateral drain pipes shall daylight/discharge at least 10 ft. from front of MSE wall. Screens should be installed and maintained on drain pipe outlets.
10. Roadway and pavement drainage shall not be allowed to be discharged to MSE wall backfill area or within 10 feet from front of MSE wall.
11. For district design MSE walls, use roadway or pavement drainage collection pipes to transport and discharge to an eventual point outside the limits of the wall.
Example: Showing drain pipe details on the MSE wall plans.
751.24.2.1.jpg


751.24.2.1 alternate.jpg


751.24.2.1 section AA.jpg


Notes:
* To be designed by District Design Division.
** To be designed by District Design Division if needed. Provide non-perforated lateral drain pipe under leveling pad at 2% minimum slope. (Show on plans).
*** Discharge to drainage system or daylight screened outlet at least 10 feet away from end of wall (typ.). (Skew in the direction of flow as appropriate).
**** Discharge to drainage system or daylight screened outlet at least 10 feet away from front face of wall (typ.). (Skew in the direction of flow as appropriate).

751.24.2.2 Excavation

For estimating excavation, see EPG 751.6.2.17 Excavation.

For division responsibilities for preparing MSE wall plans, computing excavation class, quantities and locations, see EPG 747.2.6.2 Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Wall Systems.

751.24.2.3 Details

Bridge Standard Drawings
MSE Wall


Fig. 751.24.2.2.1 MSE Wall Developed Elevation and Plan


Battered Small Block Walls

Battered mechanically stabilized earth wall systems may be used unless the design layout specifically calls for a vertical wall (large block walls shall not be battered and small block walls may be built vertical). If a battered MSE wall system is allowed, then the following note shall be placed on the design plans:

"The top and bottom of wall elevations are given for a vertical wall. If a battered small block wall system is used, the height of the wall shall be adjusted as necessary to fit the ground slope. If fence is built on an extended gutter, then the height of the wall shall be adjusted further."

For battered walls, note on the plans whether the horizontal offset from the baseline is fixed at the top or bottom of the wall. Horizontal offset and corresponding vertical elevation shall be noted on plans.

Fig. 751.24.2.2.2 Typical Section Through Generic Small Block Wall

Fencing (See Standard Drawing for details)

Fencing may be installed on the Modified Type A or Modified Type B Gutter or behind the MSE Wall.

For Modified Type A and Modified Type B Gutter and Fence Post Connection details, see Standard Plan 607.11.

751.24.3 Cast-In-Place Concrete Retaining Walls

751.24.3.1 Unit Stresses

Concrete Concrete for retaining walls shall be Class B Concrete (f'c = 3000 psi) unless the footing is used as a riding surface in which case Class B-1 Concrete (f'c = 4000 psi) shall be used.

Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcing Steel shall be Grade 60 (fy = 60,000 psi).

Pile Footing

For piling capacities, see the unit stresses in EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes.

Spread Footing

For foundation material capacity, see the Unit Stresses Section of the Bridge Manual and the Design Layout Sheet.

751.24.3.2 Design

For epoxy coated reinforcement requirements, see EPG 751.5.9.2.2 Epoxy Coated Reinforcement Requirements.

If the height of the wall or fill is a variable dimension, then base the structural design of the wall, toe, and heel on the high quarter point between expansion joints.

Fig. 751.24.3.2
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.5

751.24.3.2.1 Spread Footings

Location of Resultant

The resultant of the footing pressure must be within the section of the footing specified in the following table.

When Retaining Wall is Built on: AASHTO Group Loads I-VI For Seismic Loads
Soila Middle 1/3 Middle 1/2 b
Rockc Middle 1/2 Middle 2/3
a Soil is defined as clay, clay and boulders, cemented gravel, soft shale, etc. with allowable bearing values less than 6 tons/sq. ft.
b MoDOT is more conservative than AASHTO in this requirement.
c Rock is defined as rock or hard shale with allowable bearing values of 6 tons/sq. ft. or more.

Note: The location of the resultant is not critical when considering collision loads.

Factor of Safety Against Overturning

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.5

AASHTO Group Loads I - VI:

  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 2.0 for footings on soil.
  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 1.5 for footings on rock.

For seismic loading, F.S. for overturning may be reduced to 75% of the value for AASHTO Group Loads I - VI. For seismic loading:

  • F.S. for overturning ≥ (0.75)(2.0) = 1.5 for footings on soil.
  • F.S. for overturning ≥ (0.75)(1.5) = 1.125 for footings on rock.

For collision forces:

  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 1.2.

Factor of Safety Against Sliding

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.5

Only spread footings on soil need be checked for sliding because spread footings on rock or shale are embedded into the rock.

  • F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.5 for AASHTO Group Loads I - VI.
  • F.S. for sliding ≥ (0.75)(1.5) = 1.125 for seismic loads.
  • F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.2 for collision forces.

The resistance to sliding may be increased by:

  • adding a shear key that projects into the soil below the footing.
  • widening the footing to increase the weight and therefore increase the frictional resistance to sliding.

Passive Resistance of Soil to Lateral Load

The Rankine formula for passive pressure can be used to determine the passive resistance of soil to the lateral force on the wall. This passive pressure is developed at shear keys in retaining walls and at end abutments.

Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.5A

The passive pressure against the front face of the wall and the footing of a retaining wall is loosely compacted and should be neglected when considering sliding.

Rankine Formula: where thefollowing variables are defined in the figure below

Cp =
y1 =
Pp = passive force at shear key in pounds per foot of wall length
Cp = coefficient of passive earth pressure
= unit weight of soil
H = height of the front face fill less than 1 ft. min. for erosion
H1 = H minus depth of shear key
y1 = location of Pp from bottom of footing
= angle of internal friction of soil
751.24.3.2.1 passive.jpg
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.2

The resistance due to passive pressure in front of the shear key shall be neglected unless the key extends below the depth of frost penetration.

Additional Information
MoDOT Materials Division

Frost line is set at 36 in. at the north border of Missouri and at 18 in. at the south border.

Passive Pressure During Seismic Loading

During an earthquake, the passive resistance of soil to lateral loads is slightly decreased. The Mononobe-Okabe static method is used to determine the equivalent fluid pressure.

PPE = equivalent passive earth pressure during an earthquake
Additional Information
1992 AASHTO Div. IA Eqns. C6-5 and C6-6
where:
KPE = seismic passive pressure coefficient
= unit weight of soil
H = height of soil at the location where the earth pressure is to be found
kV = vertical acceleration coefficient
= angle of internal friction of soil
kH = horizontal acceleration coefficient
= slope of soil face in degrees
i = backfill slope angle in degrees
= angle of friction between soil and wall

Special Soil Conditions

Due to creep, some soft clay soils have no passive resistance under a continuing load. Removal of undesirable material and replacement with suitable material such as sand or crushed stone is necessary in such cases. Generally, this condition is indicated by a void ratio above 0.9, an angle of internal friction () less than 22°, or a soil shear less than 0.8 ksf. Soil shear is determined from a standard penetration test.

Soil Shear

Friction

In the absence of tests, the total shearing resistance to lateral loads between the footing and a soil that derives most of its strength from internal friction may be taken as the normal force times a coefficient of friction. If the plane at which frictional resistance is evaluated is not below the frost line then this resistance must be neglected.

When A Shear Key Is Not Used
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.2B

Sliding is resisted by the friction force developed at the interface between the soil and the concrete footing along the failure plane. The coefficient of friction for soil against concrete can be taken from the table below. If soil data is not readily available or is inconsistent, the friction factor (f) can be taken as

f = where is the angle of internal friction of the soil (Civil Engineering Reference Manual by Michael R. Lindeburg, 6th ed., 1992).
Coefficient of Friction Values for Soil Against Concrete
Soil Typea Coefficient of Friction
coarse-grained soil without silt 0.55
coarse-grained soil with silt 0.45
silt (only) 0.35
clay 0.30b
a It is not necessary to check rock or shale for sliding due to embedment.
b Caution should be used with soils with < 22° or soil shear < 0.8 k/sq.ft. (soft clay soils). Removal and replacement of such soil with suitable material should be considered.
When A Shear Key Is Used

When a shear key is used, the failure plane is located at the bottom of the shear key in the front half of the footing. The friction force resisting sliding in front of the shear key is provided at the interface between the stationary layer of soil and the moving layer of soil, thus the friction angle is the internal angle of friction of the soil (soil against soil). The friction force resisting sliding on the rest of the footing is of that between the concrete and soil. Theoretically the bearing pressure distribution should be used to determine how much normal load exists on each surface, however it is reasonable to assume a constant distribution. Thus the normal load to each surface can be divided out between the two surfaces based on the fractional length of each and the total frictional force will be the sum of the normal load on each surface multiplied by the corresponding friction factor.

Bearing Pressure

Additional Information
AASHTO 4.4.7.1.2 & 4.4.8.1.3
Group Loads I - VI
The bearing capacity failure factor of safety for Group Loads I - VI must be greater than or equal to 3.0. This factor of safety is figured into the allowable bearing pressure given on the "Design Layout Sheet".
The bearing pressure on the supporting soil shall not be greater than the allowable bearing pressure given on the "Design Layout Sheet".
Seismic Loads
Additional Information
AASHTO Div. IA 6.3.1(B) and AASHTO 5.5.6.2
When seismic loads are considered, AASHTO allows the ultimate bearing capacity to be used. The ultimate capacity of the foundation soil can be conservatively estimated as 2.0 times the allowable bearing pressure given on the "Design Layout".
Stem Design
The vertical stem (the wall portion) of a cantilever retaining wall shall be designed as a cantilever supported at the base.
Footing Design
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.6.1
Toe
The toe of the base slab of a cantilever wall shall be designed as a cantilever supported by the wall. The critical section for bending moments shall be taken at the front face of the stem. The critical section for shear shall be taken at a distance d (d = effective depth) from the front face of the stem.
Heel
The rear projection (heel) of the base slab shall be designed to support the entire weight of the superimposed materials, unless a more exact method is used. The heel shall be designed as a cantilever supported by the wall. The critical section for bending moments and shear shall be taken at the back face of the stem.
Shear Key Design
The shear key shall be designed as a cantilever supported at the bottom of the footing.

751.24.3.2.2 Pile Footings

Footings shall be cast on piles when specified on the "Design Layout Sheet". If the horizontal force against the retaining wall cannot otherwise be resisted, some of the piles shall be driven on a batter.

Pile Arrangement
For retaining walls subject to moderate horizontal loads (walls 15 to 20 ft. tall), the following layout is suggested.
Section
Plan
For higher walls and more extreme conditions of loading, it may be necessary to:
  • use the same number of piles along all rows
  • use three rows of piles
  • provide batter piles in more than one row
Loading Combinations for Stability and Bearing
The following table gives the loading combinations to be checked for stability and pile loads. These abbreviations are used in the table:
DL = dead load weight of the wall elements
SUR = two feet of live load surcharge
E = earth weight
EP = equivalent fluid earth pressure
COL = collision force
EQ = earthquake inertial force of failure wedge
Loading Case Vertical Loads Horizontal Loads Overturning Factor of Safety Sliding Factor of Safety
Battered Toe Piles Vertical Toe Piles
Ia DL+SUR+E EP+SUR 1.5 1.5 2.0
II DL+SUR+E EP+SUR+COL 1.2 1.2 1.2
III DL+E EP 1.5 1.5 2.0
IVb DL+E None - - -
Vc DL+E EP+EQ 1.125 1.125 1.5
a Load Case I should be checked with and without the vertical surcharge.
b A 25% overstress is allowed on the heel pile in Load Case IV.
c The factors of safety for earthquake loading are 75% of that used in Load Case III. Battered piles are not recommended for use in seismic performance categories B, C, and D. Seismic design of retaining walls is not required in SPC A and B. Retaining walls in SPC B located under a bridge abutment shall be designed to AASHTO Specifications for SPC B.
Pile Properties and Capacities
For Load Cases I-IV in the table above, the allowable compressive pile force may be taken from the pile capacity table in the Piling Section of the Bridge Manual which is based in part on AASHTO 4.5.7.3. Alternatively, the allowable compressive pile capacity of a friction pile may be determined from the ultimate frictional and bearing capacity between the soil and pile divided by a safety factor of 3.5 (AASHTO Table 4.5.6.2.A). The maximum amount of tension allowed on a heel pile is 3 tons.
For Load Case V in the table above, the allowable compressive pile force may be taken from the pile capacity table in the Piling Section of the Bridge Manual multiplied by the appropriate factor (2.0 for steel bearing piles, 1.5 for friction piles). Alternatively, the allowable compressive pile capacity of a friction pile may be determined from the ultimate frictional and bearing capacity between the soil and pile divided by a safety factor of 2.0. The allowable tension force on a bearing or friction pile will be equal to the ultimate friction capacity between the soil and pile divided by a safety factor of 2.0.
To calculate the ultimate compressive or tensile capacity between the soil and pile requires the boring data which includes the SPT blow counts, the friction angle, the water level, and the soil layer descriptions.
Assume the vertical load carried by battered piles is the same as it would be if the pile were vertical. The properties of piles may be found in the Piling Section of the Bridge Manual.
Neutral Axis of Pile Group
Locate the neutral axis of the pile group in the repetitive strip from the toe of the footing at the bottom of the footing.
Moment of Inertia of Pile Group
The moment of inertia of the pile group in the repetitive strip about the neutral axis of the section may be determined using the parallel axis theorem:
I = Σ(IA) + Σ(Ad2) where :
IA = moment of inertia of a pile about its neutral axis
A = area of a pile
d = distance from a pile's neutral axis to pile group's neutral axis
IA may be neglected so the equation reduces to:
I = Σ(Ad2)
Resistance To Sliding
Any frictional resistance to sliding shall be ignored, such as would occur between the bottom of the footing and the soil on a spread footing.
Friction or Bearing Piles With Batter (Case 1)
Retaining walls using friction or bearing piles with batter should develop lateral strength (resistance to sliding) first from the batter component of the pile and second from the passive pressure against the shear key and the piles.
Friction or Bearing Piles Without Batter (Case 2)
Retaining walls using friction or bearing piles without batter due to site constrictions should develop lateral strength first from the passive pressure against the shear key and second from the passive pressure against the pile below the bottom of footing. In this case, the shear key shall be placed at the front face of the footing.
Concrete Pedestal Piles or Drilled Shafts (Case 3)
Retaining walls using concrete pedestal piles should develop lateral strength first from passive pressure against the shear key and second from passive pressure against the pile below the bottom of the footing. In this case, the shear key shall be placed at the front of the footing. Do not batter concrete pedestal piles.
751.24.3.2.2 cases.jpg
Resistance Due to Passive Pressure Against Pile
The procedure below may be used to determine the passive pressure resistance developed in the soil against the piles. The procedure assumes that the piles develop a local failure plane.
F = the lateral force due to passive pressure on pile
, where:
= unit weight of soil
H = depth of pile considered for lateral resistance (Hmax= 6B)
CP = coefficient of active earth pressure
B = width of pile
= angle of internal friction of soil
751.24.3.2.2 resistance passive.jpg
Resistance Due to Pile Batter
Use the horizontal component (due to pile batter) of the allowable pile load as the lateral resistance of the battered pile. (This presupposes that sufficient lateral movement of the wall can take place before failure to develop the ultimate strength of both elements.)
751.24.3.2.2 12.jpg
b = the amount of batter per 12 inches.
(# of battered piles) where:
PHBatter = the horizontal force due to the battered piles
PT = the allowable pile load
Maximum batter is 4" per 12".
Resistance Due to Shear Keys
A shear key may be needed if the passive pressure against the piles and the horizontal force due to batter is not sufficient to attain the factor of safety against sliding. The passive pressure against the shear key on a pile footing is found in the same manner as for spread footings.
Resistance to Overturning
The resisting and overturning moments shall be computed at the centerline of the toe pile at a distance of 6B (where B is the width of the pile) below the bottom of the footing. A maximum of 3 tons of tension on each heel pile may be assumed to resist overturning. Any effects of passive pressure, either on the shear key or on the piles, which resist overturning, shall be ignored.
751.24.3.2.2 resistance overturning.jpg
Pile Properties
Location of Resultant
The location of the resultant shall be evaluated at the bottom of the footing and can be determined by the equation below:
where:
e = the distance between the resultant and the neutral axis of the pile group
ΣM = the sum of the moments taken about the neutral axis of the pile group at the bottom of the footing
ΣV = the sum of the vertical loads used in calculating the moment
Pile Loads
The loads on the pile can be determined as follows:
where:
P = the force on the pile
A = the areas of all the piles being considered
M = the moment of the resultant about the neutral axis
c = distance from the neutral axis to the centerline of the pile being investigated
I = the moment of inertia of the pile group
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.6.2
Stem Design
The vertical stem (the wall portion) of a cantilever retaining wall shall be designed as a cantilever supported at the base.
Footing Design
Toe
Additional Information
AASHTO 5.5.6.1
The toe of the base slab of a cantilever wall shall be designed as a cantilever supported by the wall. The critical section for bending moments shall be taken at the front face of the stem. The critical section for shear shall be taken at a distance d (d = effective depth) from the front face of the stem.
Heel
The top reinforcement in the rear projection (heel) of the base slab shall be designed to support the entire weight of the superimposed materials plus any tension load in the heel piles (neglect compression loads in the pile), unless a more exact method is used. The bottom reinforcement in the heel of the base slab shall be designed to support the maximum compression load in the pile neglecting the weight of the superimposed materials. The heel shall be designed as a cantilever supported by the wall. The critical sections for bending moments and shear shall be taken at the back face of the stem.
Shear Key Design
The shear key shall be designed as a cantilever supported at the bottom of the footing.

751.24.3.2.3 Counterfort Walls

Assumptions:

(1) Stability The external stability of a counterfort retaining wall shall be determined in the same manner as described for cantilever retaining walls. Therefore refer to previous pages for the criteria for location of resultant, factor of safety for sliding and bearing pressures.

(2) Stem

751.24.3.2.3 counterfort.jpg
where:
Ca = coefficient of active earth pressure
= unit weigt of soil

Design the wall to support horizontal load from the earth pressure and the liveload surcharge (if applicable) as outlined on the previous pages and as designated in AASHTD Section 3.20, except that maximum horizontal loads shall be the calculated equivalent fluid pressure at 3/4 height of wall [(0.75 H)P] which shall be considered applied uniformly from the lower quarter point to the bottom of wall.

In addition, vertical steel In the fill face of the bottom quarter of the wall shall be that required by the vertical cantilever wall with the equivalent fluid pressure of that (0.25 H) height.

Maximum concrete stress shall be assumed as the greater of the two thus obtained.

The application of these horizontal pressures shall be as follows:

Counterfort Wall Section
Moments are to be determined by analysis as a continuous beam. The counterforts are to be spaced so as to produce approximately equal positive and negative moments.

(3) Counterfort Counterforts shall be designed as T-beams, of which the wall is the flange and the counterfort is the stem. For this reason the concrete stresses ane normally low and will not control.

For the design of reinforcing steel in the back of the counterfort, the effective d shall be the perpendicular distance from the front face of the wall (at point that moment is considered), to center of reinforcing steel.

751.24.3.2.3 moment.jpg

(4) Footing

The footing of the counterfort walls shall be designed as a continuous beam of spans equal to the distance between the counterforts.

The rear projection or heel shall be designed to support the entire weight of the superimposed materials, unless a more exact method is used. Refer to AASHTD Section 5.5.6.

Divide footing (transversely) into four (4) equal sections for design footing pressures.

Counterfort walls on pile are very rare and are to be treated as special cases. See Structural Project Manager.

(5) Sign-Board type walls

The Sign-Board type of retaining walls are a special case of the counterfort retaining walls. This type of wall is used where the soiI conditions are such that the footings must be placed a great distance below the finished ground line. For this situation, the wall is discontinued approximately 12 in. below the finished ground line or below the frost line.

Due to the large depth of the counterforts, it may be more economical to use a smaller number of counterforts than would otherwise be used.

All design assumptions that apply to counterfort walls will apply to sign-board walls with the exception of the application of horizontal forces for the stem (or wall design), and the footing design which shall be as follows:

Wall
751.24.3.2.3 load.jpg
Footing
The individual footings shall be designed transversely as cantilevers supported by the wall. Refer to AASHTO Section 5.

751.24.3.3 Example 1: Spread Footing Cantilever Wall

Typical Section thru Wall
(Spread Footing)
f'c = 3,000 psi
fy = 60,000 psi
φ = 24 in.
γs = 120 pcf (unit wgt of soil)
Allowable soil pressure = 2 tsf
γc = 150 pcf (unit wgt of concr.)
Retaining wall is located in Seismic Performance Category (SPC) B.
A = 0.1 (A = seismic acceleration coefficient)

Assumptions

  • Retaining wall is under an abutment or in a location where failure of the wall may affect the structural integrity of a bridge. Therefore, it must be designed for SPC B.
  • Design is for a unit length (1 ft.) of wall.
  • Sum moments about the toe at the bottom of the footing for overturning.
  • For Group Loads I-VI loading:
  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 2.0 for footings on soil.
  • F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.5.
  • Resultant to be within middle 1/3 of footing.
  • For earthquake loading:
  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 0.75(2.0) = 1.5.
  • F.S. for sliding ≥ 0.75(1.5) = 1.125.
  • Resultant to be within middle 1/2 of footing.
  • Base of footing is below the frost line.
  • Neglect top one foot of fill over toe when determining passive pressure and soil weight.
  • Use of a shear key shifts the failure plane to "B" where resistance to sliding is provided by passive pressure against the shear key, friction of soil along failure plane "B" in front of the key, and friction between soil and concrete along the footing behind the key.
  • Soil cohesion along failure plane is neglected.
  • Footings are designed as cantilevers supported by the wall.
  • Critical sections for bending are at the front and back faces of the wall.
  • Critical sections for shear are at the back face of the wall for the heel and at a distance d (effective depth) from the front face for the toe.
  • Neglect soil weight above toe of footing in design of the toe.
  • The wall is designed as a cantilever supported by the footing.
  • Load factors for AASHTO Groups I - VI for design of concrete:
  • γ = 1.3.
  • βE = 1.3 for horizontal earth pressure on retaining walls.
  • βE = 1.0 for vertical earth pressure.
  • Load factor for earthquake loads = 1.0.

Lateral Pressures Without Earthquake

Ca =
Ca = = 0.546
Load Area (ft2) Force (k) = (Unit Wgt.)(Area) Arm (ft.) Moment (ft-k)
(1) (0.5)(6.667ft)(2.222ft) = 7.407 0.889 7.278 6.469
(2) (6.667ft)(6.944ft) = 46.296 5.556 6.167 34.259
(3) (0.833ft)(8.000ft) + (0.5)(0.083ft)(8.000ft) = 7.000 1.050 2.396 2.515
(4) (1.500ft)(9.500ft) = 14.250 2.138 4.750 10.153
(5) (2.500ft)(1.000ft) = 2.500 0.375 2.500 0.938
(6) (1.000ft)(1.917ft)+(0.5)(0.010ft)(1.000ft) = 1.922 0.231 0.961 0.222
Σ - ΣV = 10.239 - ΣMR = 54.556
PAV - 1.178 9.500 11.192
Σ resisting - ΣV = 11.417 - ΣMR = 65.748
PAH - 3.534 3.556 12.567
PP - 2.668 1.3891 -
1 The passive capacity at the shear key is ignored in overturning checks,since this capacity is considered in the factor of safety against sliding. It is assumed that a sliding and overturning failure will not occur simultaneously. The passive capacity at the shear key is developed only if the wall does slide.
751.24.3.3 passive.jpg

= 1.389 ft.

Overturning
F.S. = o.k.
where: MOT = overturning moment; MR = resisting moment
Resultant Eccentricity
= 4.658 ft.
o.k.
Sliding
Check if shear key is required for Group Loads I-VI:
F.S. = = 0.896 no good - shear key req'd
where: φs-c = angle of friction between soil and concrete = (2/3)φs-s
F.S. =
where: φs-s = angle of internal friction of soil
F.S. = = 1.789 ≥ 1.5 o.k.
Footing Pressure
PH = pressure at heel = 1.132 k/ft2
PT = pressure at toe = 1.272 k/ft2
Allowable pressure = 2 tons/ft2 = 4 k/ft2 ≥ 1.272 k/ft2 o.k.

Lateral Pressures With Earthquake

kh = 0.5A = 0.5 (0.1) = 0.05

kv = 0

Active Pressure on Psuedo-Wall
δ = φ = 24° (δ is the angle of friction between the soil and the wall. In this case, δ = φ = because the soil wedge considered is next to the soil above the footing.)
i = 18.435°
β = 0°
KAE = 0.674
PAE = ½γsH2(1 − kv)KAE
PAE = ½[0.120 k/ft3](10.667 ft)2(1 ft.)(1 - 0)(0.674) = 4.602k
PAEV = PAE(sinδ) = 4.602k(sin24°) = 1.872k
PAEH = PAE(cosδ) = 4.602k(cos 24°) = 4.204k
P'AH = PAEH − PAH = 4.204k − 3.534k = 0.670k
P'AV = PAEV − PAV = 1.872k − 1.178k = 0.694k
where: P'AH and P'AV are the seismic components of the active force.
Passive Pressure on Shear Key
δ = φ = 24° (δ = φ because the soil wedge considered is assumed to form in front of the footing.)
i = 0
β = 0
KPE = 0.976
PPE = ½γsH2(1 − kv)KPE
PPE = ½[0.120 k/ft3][(5.0 ft)2 - (2.5 ft2)](1 ft.)(1 - 0)(0.976) = 1.098k
Load Force (k) Arm (ft) Moment (ft-k)
Σ (1) thru (6) 10.239 - 54.556
PAV 1.178 9.500 11.192
P'AV 0.694 9.500 6.593
Σresisting ΣV = 12.111 - ΣMR = 72.341
PAH 3.534 3.556 12.567
P'AH 0.670 6.400a 4.288
PPEV 0.447b 0.000 0.000
PPEH 1.003b 1.389c 0.000
- - - ΣMOT = 16.855
a P'AH acts at 0.6H of the wedge face (1992 AASHTO Div. IA Commentary).
b PPEH and PPEH are the components of PPE with respect to δ (the friction angle). PPE does not contribute to overturning.
c The line of action of PPEH can be located as was done for PP.
Overturning
o.k.
Resultant Eccentricity
o.k.


Sliding
o.k.


Footing Pressure
for e ≤ L/6:
= 1.139 k/ft2
= 1.411 k/ft2
Allowable soil pressure for earthquake = 2 (allowable soil pressure)
(2)[4 k/ft2] = 8 k/ft2 > 1.411 k/ft2 o.k.

Reinforcement-Stem

751.24.3.3 reinforcement stem.jpg

d = 11" - 2" - (1/2)(0.5") = 8.75"

b = 12"

f'c = 3,000 psi

Without Earthquake
PAH = ½ [0.120 k/ft3](0.546)(6.944 ft.)2(1 ft.)(cos 18.435°) = 1.499k
γ = 1.3
βE = 1.3 (active lateral earth pressure)
Mu = (1.3)(1.3)(1.499k)(2.315ft) = 5.865 (ft-k)
With Earthquake
kh = 0.05
kv = 0
Additional Information
1992 AASHTO Div. IA Commentary
θ = 2.862°
δ = φ/2 = 24°/2 = 12° for angle of friction between soil and wall. This criteria is used only for seismic loading if the angle of friction is not known.
φ = 24°
i = 18.435°
β = 0°
KAE = 0.654
PAEH = 1/2 γsKAEH2cosδ
PAEH = 1/2 [0.120k/ft](0.654)(6.944 ft.)2(1 ft.) cos(12°) = 1.851k
Mu = (1.499k)(2.315 ft.) + (1.851k − 1.499k)(0.6(6.944 ft.)) = 4.936(ft−k)
The moment without earthquake controls:
= 85.116 psi
ρ =
ρ = = 0.00144
Additional Information
AASHTO 8.17.1.1 & 8.15.2.1.1
ρmin = = 0.00245
Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = 4/3 (0.00144) = 0.00192
ASReq = ρbd = 0.00192 (12 in.)(8.75 in.) = 0.202 in.2/ft
One #4 bar has AS = 0.196 in2
s = 11.64 in.
Use #4's @ 10" cts.
Check Shear
Vuφ Vn
Without Earthquake
Vu, = (1.3)(1.3)(1.499k) = 2.533k
With Earthquake
Vu = 1.851k
The shear force without earthquake controls.
= 28.4 psi
= 109.5 psi > 28.4 psi o.k.

Reinforcement-Footing-Heel

751.24.3.3 heel.jpg

Note: Earthquake will not control and will not be checked.

βE = 1.0 (vertical earth pressure)

d = 18" - 3" - (1/2)(0.750") = 14.625"

b = 12"

f'c = 3,000 psi

Mu = 1.3 [(5.556k + 1.500k)(3.333ft) + 0.889k(4.444ft) + 1.178k(6.667ft)]

Mu = 45.919(ft−k)

= 238.5 psi

ρ = = 0.00418

ρmin = = 0.00235

ASReq = 0.00418 (12 in.) (14.625 in.) = 0.734 in2/ft.


Use #6's @ 7" cts.

Check Shear
Shear shall be checked at back face of stem.
Vu = 1.3 (5.556k + 1.500k + 0.889k + 1.178k) = 11.860k
= 109.5 psi o.k.

Reinforcement-Footing-Toe

751.24.3.3. toe.jpg

d = 18" - 4" = 14"

b = 12"

Without Earthquake
Apply Load Factors
load 4 (weight) = 0.431k(1.3)(1.0) = 0.560k
βE = 1.3 for lateral earth pressure for retaining walls.
βE = 1.0 for vertical earth pressure.
ΣMOT = 12.567(ft−k)(1.3)(1.3) = 21.238(ft−k)
ΣMR = [54.556(ft−k) + 11.192(ft−k)](1.3)(1.0) = 85.472(ft−k)
ΣV = 11.417k(1.3)(1.0) = 14.842k
= 4.328 ft.
e = (9.5 ft./2) − 4.328 ft. = 0.422 ft.
= 1.146k/ft2
= 1.979k/ft2
= 1.811k/ft.
Mu = 2.997(ft−k)
With Earthquake
PH = 1.139 k/ft
PT = 1.411 k/ft
= 1.356 k/ft
Mu = 2.146(ft−k)
The moment without earthquake controls.
= 16.990 psi
ρ = = 0.000284
ρmin = = 0.00257
Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = = 0.000379
ASReq = 0.000379 (12 in.)(14.0 in.) = 0.064 in.2/ft.


s = 36.8 in.
Minimum is # 4 bars at 12 inches. These will be the same bars that are in the back of the stem. Use the smaller of the two spacings.
Use # 4's @ 10" cts.
Check Shear
Shear shall be checked at a distance "d" from the face of the stem.
Without Earthquake
= 1.913k/ft.
= 1.240k
With Earthquake
= 1390k/ft.
= 0.788k
Shear without earthquake controls.
= 109.5 psi o.k.

Reinforcement-Shear Key

751.24.3.3 shear key.jpg

The passive pressure is higher without earthquake loads.

γ = 1.3

βE = 1.3 (lateral earth pressure)

d = 12"-3"-(1/2)(0.5") = 8.75"

b = 12"

Mu = (3.379k)(1.360 ft.)(1.3)(1.3) = 7.764(ft−k)

= 112.677 psi

ρ = = 0.00192

ρmin = = 0.00292

Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = 4/3 (0.00192) = 0.00256

ASReq = 0.00256(12 in.)(8.75 in.) = 0.269 in.2/ft.


Use # 4 @ 8.5 in cts.

Check Shear

= 109.5 psi o.k.

Reinforcement Summary

751.24.3.3 summary.jpg

751.24.3.4 Example 2: L-Shaped Cantilever Wall

Typical Section thru Wall
(Spread Footing)

f'c = 4000 psi

fy = 60,000 psi

φ = 29°

γs = 120 pcf

Allowable soil pressure = 1.5 tsf = 3.0 ksf

Retaining wall is located in Seismic Performance Category (SPC) A.

= 21.801°

= 0.462

= 2.882

PA = 1/2 γs CaH2 = 1/2 (0.120 k/ft3)(0.462)(4.958 ft.)2 = 0.681k

For sliding, PP is assumed to act only on the portion of key below the frost line that is set at an 18 in. depth on the southern border.

PP = 1/2 (0.120 k/ft3)(2.882)[(2.458 ft.)2 − (1.500 ft.)2] = 0.656k

Assumptions

  • Design is for a unit length (1 ft.) of wall.
  • Sum moments about the toe at the bottom of the footing for overturning.
  • F.S. for overturning ≥ 2.0 for footings on soil.
  • F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.5 for footings on soil.
  • Resultant of dead load and earth pressure to be in back half of the middle third of the footing if subjected to frost heave.
  • For all loading combinations the resultant must be in the middle third of the footing except for collision loads.
  • The top 12 in. of the soil is not neglected in determining the passive pressure because the soil there will be maintained.
  • Frost line is set at 18 in. at the south border for Missouri.
  • Portions of shear key which are above the frost line are assumed not to resist sliding by passive pressure.
  • Use of a shear key shifts the failure plane to "B" where resistance to sliding is also provided by friction of soil along the failure plane in front of the shear key. Friction between the soil and concrete behind the shear key will be neglected.
  • Soil cohesion along the failure plane is neglected.
  • Live loads can move to within 1 ft. of the stem face and 1 ft. from the toe.
  • The wall is designed as a cantilever supported by the footing.
  • Footing is designed as a cantilever supported by the wall. Critical sections for bending and shear will be taken at the face of the wall.
  • Load factors for AASHTO Groups I-VI for design of concrete are:
  • γ = 1.3.
  • βE = 1.3 for horizontal earth pressure on retaining walls.
  • βE = 1.0 for vertical earth pressure.
  • βLL = 1.67 for live loads and collision loads.

Dead Load and Earth Pressure - Stabilty and Pressure Checks

Dead Load and Earth Pressure - Stabilty and Pressure Checks
Load Force (k) Arm (in.) Moment (ft-k)
(1) (0.833 ft.)(5.167 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 0.646 5.333 3.444
(2) (0.958ft)(5.750ft)(0.150k/ft3) = 0.827 2.875 2.376
(3) (1.000ft)(1.500ft)(0.150k/ft3) = 0.22534.259 4.250 0.956
ΣV = 1.698 ΣMR = 6.776
PAV 0.253 5.750 1.455
ΣV = 1.951 ΣMR = 8.231
PAH 0.633 1.653 1.045
PP 0.656 1.061 -
ΣMOT = 1.045
1 The passive pressure at the shear key is ignored in overturning checks.
Overturning
= 7.877 ≥ 2.0 o.k.
Location of Resultant
MoDOT policy is that the resultant must be in the back half of the middle third of the footing when considering dead and earth loads:
= 3.683 ft. o.k.
Sliding
where:
φs-s = angle of internal friction of soil
φs-c = angle of friction between soil and concrete = (2/3)φs-s
= 2.339 ≥ 1.5 o.k.
Footing Pressure
= 0.808 ft.
Heel: = 0.625 ksf < 3.0 ksf o.k.
Toe: = 0.053 ksf < 3.0 ksf o.k.

Dead Load, Earth Pressure, and Live Load - Stability and Pressure Checks

Stability is not an issue because the live load resists overturning and increases the sliding friction force.

751.24.3.4 checks.jpg

The live load will be distributed as:

where E = 0.8X + 3.75
X = distance in feet from the load to the front face of wall

The live load will be positioned as shown by the dashed lines above. The bearing pressure and resultant location will be determined for these two positions.

Live Load 1 ft From Stem Face
Resultant Eccentricity
X = 1 ft.
E = 0.8(1 ft.) + 3.75 = 4.55 ft.
= 3.516k
= 3.834 ft.
= 5.75 ft. o.k.
Footing Pressure
Allowable Pressure = 3.0 ksf
Heel: = 1.902 ksf
Toe: = 0.000ksf
Live Load 1 ft From Toe
Resultant Eccentricity
X = 3.917 ft.
E = 0.8(3.917 ft.) + 3.75 = 6.883 ft.
= 2.324k
= 2.225 ft.
= 0.958 ft. o.k.
Footing Pressure
Allowable Pressure = 3.0ksf
Heel: = 0.239ksf o.k.
Toe: = 1.248ksf o.k.

Dead Load, Earth Pressure, Collision Load, and Live Load - Stability and Pressure Checks

During a collision, the live load will be close to the wall so check this combination when the live load is one foot from the face of the stem. Sliding (in either direction) will not be an issue. Stability about the heel should be checked although it is unlikely to be a problem. There are no criteria for the location of the resultant, so long as the footing pressure does not exceed 125% of the allowable. It is assumed that the distributed collision force will develop an equal and opposite force on the fillface of the back wall unless it exceeds the passive pressure that can be developed by soil behind the wall.

FLL = 3.516k

751.24.3.4 collision.jpg

FCOLL = = 1.667k

= 1.867

PPH = 2.556k > FCOLL Thus the soil will develop an equal but opp. force.

Overturning About the Heel
F.S. =
F.S. = = 1.847 ≥ 1.2 o.k.
Footing Pressure
= 1.022 ft. from heel
e = = 1.853 ft.
Allowable Pressure = (1.25)(3.0ksf) = 3.75ksf
Heel: = 3.566ksf o.k.

Stem Design-Steel in Rear Face

751.24.3.4 steel in rear face.jpg

γ = 1.3

βE = 1.3 (active lateral earth pressure)

d = 10 in. − 2 in. − (0.5 in./2) = 7.75 in.

PAH = 0.412k

Mu = (1.333 ft.)(0.412k)(1.3)(1.3) = 0.928(ft−k)

= 17.160psi

= 0.000287

= 0.00298

Use ρ = (4/3)ρ = (4/3)(0.000287) = 0.000382

One #4 bar has AS = 0.196 in2, so the required minimum of one #4 bar every 12 in. controls.

Use #4's @ 12 in. (min)

(These bars are also the bars in the bottom of the footing so the smaller of the two required spacings will be used.)

Check Shear
= 8.8 psi
= 126.5 psi > 8.8 psi o.k.

Stem Design-Steel in Front Face (Collision Loads)

751.24.3.4 steel in front face.jpg


The soil pressure on the back of the stem becomes passive soil pressure during a collision, however this pressure is ignored for reinforcement design.

γ = 1.3

βLL = 1.67

= 7.75 in.

= 1.667 k/ft.

Mu = 1.667k/ft. (1 ft.)(3 ft.)(1.3)(1.67) = 10.855(ft−k)

= 200.809 psi

= 0.00345

= 0.00298

One #4 bar has AS = 0.196 in2.

s = 7.3 in.

Use #4's @ 7 in.

Check Shear
= 45.8 psi < 126.5 psi o.k.

Footing Design - Bottom Steel

It is not considered necessary to design footing reinforcement based upon a load case which includes collision loads.

Dead Load and Earth Pressure Only
751.24.3.4 dead load.jpg
Footing wt. = = 0.707k
βE = 1.3 (lateral earth pressure)
γ = 1.3
Apply Load Factors:
ΣV = 1.951k (1.3) = 2.536k
ΣMR = 8.231(ft−k)(1.3) = 10.700(ft−k)
ΣMOT = 1.045(ft−k)(1.3)(1.3) = 1.766(ft−k)
Footing wt. = 0.707k (1.3) = 0.919k
= 3.523 ft.
= 0.648 ft.
= 0.739 ksf
= 0.143ksf
= 0.653 ksf
Moment at Wall Face:
= 1.524(ft−k)
Dead Load, Earth Pressure, and Live Load
Live Load 1 ft. From Stem Face
751.24.3.4 live load.jpg
βE = 1.3 (lateral earth pressure)
βLL = 1.67
γ = 1.3
Apply Load Factors:
FLL = 3.516k(1.3)(1.67) = 7.633k
ΣV = 7.633k + 1.951k(1.3) = 10.169k
ΣMOT = 1.045(ft−k)(1.3)(1.3) = 1.766(ft−k)
ΣMR = 8.231(ft−k)(1.3) + 3.917 ft.(7.633k) = 40.599(ft−k)
= 3.819 ft.
e = 3.819 ft. − (5.75 ft./2) = 0.944 ft.
= 0.026 ksf
= 3.511 ksf
= 3.006 ksf
= 2.400 ksf
Footing wt. from face of wall to toe:
Footing wt. = = 0.919k
Footing wt. from LLWL to toe:
Footing wt. = = 0.732k
Moment at Wall Face:
MW =
MW = 2.430(ft−k)
Moment at LLWL:
MLL = = 4.837(ft−k)
Live Load 1 ft. From Toe
751.24.3.4 toe.jpg
Apply Load Factors:
FLL = 2.324k(1.3)(1.67) = 5.045k
ΣV = 5.045k + 1.951k(1.3) = 7.581k
ΣMOT = 1.045(ft−k)(1.3)(1.3) = 1.766(ft−k)
ΣMR = 8.231(ft−k)(1.3) + 5.045k(1ft.) = 15.745(ft−k)
= 1.844 ft.
= 1.031 ft.
PH = 0 ksf
= 2.741 ksf
L1 = 3[(L/2)− e]
L1 = 3[(5.75 ft./2)− 1.031 ft.] = 5.532 ft.
= 0.305 ksf
= 2.196 ksf
Moment at Wall Face:
MW = = 1.298(ft−k)
Moment at LLWL:
MLL = = 1.186(ft−k)
Design Flexural Steel in Bottom of Footing
d = 11.5 in. − 4 in. = 7.500 in.
Mu = 4.837(ft−k) (controlling moment)
= 0.096 ksi
= 0.00162
= 0.00421
Use ρ = (4/3)ρ = (4/3)(0.00162) = 0.00216
ASReq = 0.00216(12 in.)(7.5 in.) = 0.194 in2/ft.


s = 12.1 in.
Use #4's @ 12 in. cts. (Also use this spacing in the back of the stem.)
Check Shear
Dead Load and Earth Pressure Only
VW = 1.038k
Live Load 1 ft. From Stem Face
Shear at the wall can be neglected for this loading case.
VLL = 4.019k
Live Load 1 ft. From Toe
VW = 1.525k
VLL = 2.282k
Use VU = 4.019k
= 126.5 psi

Shear Key Design

751.24.3.4 shear key.jpg

For concrete cast against and permanently exposed to earth, minimum cover for reinforcement is 3 inches.

= 8.75 in.

= 0.331 k/ft.

= 0.850 k/ft.

Mu = 1.287(ft−k)

= 0.0187 ksi

= 0.000312

= 0.00337

Use ρ = (4/3)ρ = (4/3)(0.000312) = 0.000416

ASReq = 0.000416 (12 in.)(8.75 in.) = 0.0437 in2/ft.


s = 53.8 in.

Use #4's @ 18 in. cts. (min)

Check Shear
V = 0.886k
= 16.8 psi < 126.5 psi o.k.

Reinforcement Summary

751.24.3.4 summary.jpg

751.24.3.5 Example 3: Pile Footing Cantilever Wall

751.24.3.5.jpg

f’c = 3,000 psi

fy = 60,000 psi

φ = 27°

γs = 120 pcf

Pile type: HP 10 x 42

Allowable pile bearing = 56 tons

Pile width = 10 inches

Toe pile batter = 1:3

See EPG 751.12 Barriers, Railings, Curbs and Fences for weight and centroid of barrier.

Assumptions

  • Retaining wall is located such that traffic can come within half of the wall height to the plane where earth pressure is applied.
  • Reinforcement design is for one foot of wall length.
  • Sum moments about the centerline of the toe pile at a distance of 6B (where B is the pile width) below the bottom of the footing for overturning.
  • Neglect top one foot of fill over toe in determining soil weight and passive pressure on shear key.
  • Neglect all fill over toe in designing stem reinforcement.
  • The wall is designed as a cantilever supported by the footing.
  • Footing is designed as a cantilever supported by the wall.
  • Critical sections for bending are at the front and back faces of the wall.
  • Critical sections for shear are at the back face of the wall for the heel and at a distance d (effective depth) from the front face for the toe.

δ = 0, ϕ = 27° so CA reduces to:

= 0.376

= 2.663

Table 751.24.3.5.1 is for stability check (moments taken about C.L. of toe pile at a depth of 6B below the bottom of the footing).

Table 751.24.3.5.1
Load Force (kips/ft) Arm about C.L. of toe pile at 6B below footing (ft.) Moment (ft-kips) per foot of wall length
Dead Load (1) 0.340 2.542 0.864
(2) (1.333 ft.)(7.000 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 1.400 2.833 3.966
(3) (3.000 ft.)(8.500 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 3.825 4.417 16.895
(4) (1.000 ft.)(1.750 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 0.263 4.417 1.162
Σ ΣV = 5.828 - ΣMR = 22.887
Earth Load (5) (7.000 ft.)(5.167 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 4.340 6.083 26.400
(6) (2.000 ft.)(2.000 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 0.480 1.167 0.560
Σ ΣV = 4.820 - ΣMR = 26.960
Live Load Surcharge PSV (2.000 ft.)(5.167 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 1.240 6.083 MR = 7.543
PSH (2.000 ft.)(0.376)(10.000 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 0.902 10.000 MOT = 9.020
Earth Pressure PA 2.2561 8.333 MOT = 18.799
PP 3.2852 - -
Collision Force (FCOL) (10.000k)/[2(7.000 ft.)] = 0.714 18.000 MOT = 12.852
Heel Pile Tension (PHV) (3.000 tons)(2 k/ton)(1 pile)/(12.000 ft.) = 0.500 7.167 MR = 3.584
Toe Pile Batter (PBH) 5.9033 - -
Passive Pile Pressure (Ppp) 0.8324 - -
1
2
3
4


Table 751.24.3.5.2 is for bearing pressure checks (moments taken about C.L of toe pile at the bottom of the footing).

Table 751.24.3.5.2
Load Force (kips/ft) Arm about C.L. of toe pile at 6B below footing (ft.) Moment (ft-kips) per foot of wall length
Dead Load (1) 0.340 0.875 0.298
(2) (1.333 ft.)(7.000 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 1.400 1.167 1.634
(3) (3.000 ft.)(8.500 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 3.825 2.750 10.519
(4) (1.000 ft.)(1.750 ft.)(0.150k/ft3) = 0.263 2.750 0.723
Σ ΣV = 5.828 - ΣMR = 13.174
Earth Load (5) (7.000 ft.)(5.167 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 4.340 4.417 19.170
(6) (2.000 ft.)(2.000 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 0.480 -0.500 -0.240
Σ ΣV = 4.820 - ΣMR = 18.930
Live Load Surcharge PSV (2.000 ft.)(5.167 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 1.240 4.417 MR = 5.477
PSH (2.000 ft.)(0.376)(10.000 ft.)(0.120k/ft3) = 0.902 5.000 MOT = 4.510
Earth Pressure PA 2.256 3.333 MOT = 7.519
PP 3.285 - -
Collision Force (FCOL) (10.000k)/[2(7.000 ft.)] = 0.714 13.000 MOT = 9.282
Heel Pile Tension (PHV) (3.000 tons)(2 k/ton)(1 pile)/(12.000 ft.) = 0.500 5.500 MR = 2.750
Toe Pile Batter (PBH) 5.903 - -
Passive Pile Pressure (Ppp) 0.832 - -

Investigate a representative 12 ft. strip. This will include one heel pile and two toe piles. The assumption is made that the stiffness of a batter pile in the vertical direction is the same as that of a vertical pile.

Neutral Axis Location = [2piles(1.5 ft.) + 1pile(7 ft.)] / (3 piles) = 3.333 ft. from the toe.

751.24.3.5 neutral axis.jpg

I = Ad2

For repetitive 12 ft. strip:

Total pile area = 3A
I = 2A(1.833 ft.)2 + A(3.667 ft.)2 = 20.167(A)ft.2

For a 1 ft. unit strip:

Total pile area = (3A/12 ft.) = 0.250A
Case I
F.S. for overturning ≥ 1.5
F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.5
Check Overturning
Neglect resisting moment due to PSV for this check.
ΣMR = 22.887(ft−k) + 26.960(ft−k) + 3.584(ft−k)
ΣMR = 53.431(ft−k)
ΣMOT = 9.020(ft−k) + 18.799(ft−k) = 27.819(ft−k)
F.S.OT = = 1.921 > 1.5 o.k.
Check Pile Bearing
Without PSV :
ΣV = 5.828k + 4.820k = 10.648k
e = = 1.885 ft.
Moment arm = 1.885 ft. - 1.833 ft. = 0.052 ft.
Allowable pile load = 56 tons/pile. Each pile has area A, so:
o.k.
o.k.
With PSV:
ΣV = 5.828k + 4.820k + 1.240k = 11.888k
= 2.149 ft.
Moment arm = 2.149 ft. - 1.833 ft. = 0.316 ft.
o.k.
o.k.
Check Sliding
= 3.173 ≥ 1.5 o.k.
Case II
F.S. for overturning ≥ 1.2
F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.2
Check Overturning
ΣMR = (22.887 + 26.960 + 7.543 + 3.584)(ft−k) = 60.974(ft−k)
ΣMOT = (9.020 + 18.799 + 12.852)(ft−k) = 40.671(ft−k)
= 1.499 ≥ 1.2 o.k.
Check Pile Bearing
= 1.369 ft.
Moment arm = 1.833 ft. - 1.369 ft. = 0.464 ft.
o.k.
= 35.519k
o.k.
Check Sliding
= 2.588 ≥ 1.2 o.k.
Case III
F.S. for overturning ≥ 1.5
F.S. for sliding ≥ 1.5
Check Overturning
ΣMR = (22.887 + 26.960 + 3.584)(ft−k) = 53.431(ft−k)
ΣMOT = 18.799(ft−k)
= 2.842 ≥ 1.5 o.k.
Check Pile Bearing
= 2.309 ft.
Moment arm = 2.309 ft. - 1.833 ft. = 0.476 ft.
= 37.065k
o.k.
= 53.649k
o.k.
Check Sliding
= 4.441 ≥ 1.5 o.k.
Case IV
Check Pile Bearing
= 3.015 ft.
Moment arm = 3.015 ft. - 1.833 ft. = 1.182 ft.
25% overstress is allowed on the heel pile:
o.k.
= 28.868k
o.k.
Reinforcement - Stem
751.24.3.5 reinforcement stem.jpg
b = 12 in.
cover = 2 in.
h = 16 in.
d = 16 in. - 2 in. - 0.5(0.625 in.) = 13.688 in.
FCollision = 0.714k/ft
Apply Load Factors
FCol. = γβLL(0.714k) = (1.3)(1.67)(0.714k) = 1.550k
PLL = γβE (0.632k) = (1.3)(1.67)(0.632k) = 1.372k
PAStem = γβE (1.105k) = (1.3)(1.3)(1.105k) = 1.867k
Mu = (10.00 ft.)(1.550k) + (3.500 ft.)(1.372k) + (2.333 ft.)(1.867k)
Mu = 24.658(ft−k)
= 0.146ksi
= 0.00251
= 0.00212
ρ = 0.00251
One #5 bar has AS = 0.307 in2
s = 8.9 in.
Use # 5 bars @ 8.5 in. cts.
Check Shear
VuφVn
Vu = FCollision + PLL + PAStem = 1.550k + 1.372k + 1.867k = 4.789k


= 34.301 psi
= 109.5 psi > 34.3 psi o.k.
Reinforcement - Footing - Top Steel
751.24.3.5 footing.jpg
b = 12 in.
cover = 3 in.
h = 36 in.
d = 36 in. - 3 in. - 0.5(0.5 in.) = 32.750 in.
Design the heel to support the entire weight of the superimposed materials.
Soil(1) = 4.340k/ft.
LLs = 1.240k/ft.
= 2.325k/ft.
Apply Load Factors
Soil(1) = γβE(4.340k) = (1.3)(1.0)(4.340k) = 5.642k
LLs = γβE(1.240k) = (1.3)(1.67)(1.240k) = 2.692k
Slab wt. = γβD(2.325k) = (1.3)(1.0)(2.325k) = 3.023k
Mu = (2.583 ft.)(5.642k + 2.692k + 3.023k) = 29.335(ft−k)
= 0.0304 ksi
= 0.000510
= 0.00188
Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = 4/3 (0.000510) = 0.000680
One #4 bar has As = 0.196 in.2
s = 8.8 in.
Use #4 bars @ 8.5 in. cts.
Check Shear
= 33.998 psi ≤ 109.5 psi = νc o.k.
Reinforcement - Footing - Bottom Steel
Design the flexural steel in the bottom of the footing to resist the largest moment that the heel pile could exert on the footing. The largest heel pile bearing force was in Case IV. The heel pile will cause a larger moment about the stem face than the toe pile (even though there are two toe piles for every one heel pile) because it has a much longer moment arm about the stem face.
751.24.3.5 heel pile.jpg
Pile is embedded into footing 12 inches.
b = 12 in.
h = 36 in.
d = 36 in. - 4 in. = 32 in.
Apply Load Factors to Case IV Loads
ΣV = 13.842 k/ft.
ΣM = 41.735 (ft−k)/ft.
e = = 3.015 ft.
Moment arm = 3.015 ft. - 1.833 ft. = 1.182 ft.
= 7.588 k/ft.
= 27.825(ft−k)/ft.
= 0.0301 ksi
= 0.000505
= 0.00196
Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = 4/3 (0.000505) = 0.000673
ASReq = ρbd = (0.000673)(12 in.)(32 in.) = 0.258 in2/ft.


One #4 bar has As = 0.196 in2.
s = 9.1 in.
Use #4 bars @ 9 in. cts.
Check Shear
The critical section for shear for the toe is at a distance d = 21.75 inches from the face of the stem. The toe pile is 6 inches from the stem face so the toe pile shear does not affect the shear at the critical section. The critical section for shear is at the stem face for the heel so all of the force of the heel pile affects the shear at the critical section. The worst case for shear is Case IV.
Vu = 7.588k
= 23.248 psi ≤ 109.5 psi = νc o.k.
Reinforcement - Shear Key
b = 12 in.
h = 12 in.
cover = 3 in.
d = 12 in. - 3 in. - 0.5(0.5 in.) = 8.75 in.
Apply Load Factors
PP = γβE (3.845k) = (1.3)(1.3)(3.845k) = 6.498k
Mu = (0.912 ft.)(6.498k) = 5.926(ft−k)
= 0.0860 ksi
= 0.00146
= 0.00292
Use ρ = 4/3 ρ = 4/3(0.00146) = 0.00195
ASReq = ρbd = (0.00195)(12 in.)(8.75 in.) = 0.205 in.2/ft.


One #4 bar has As = 0.196 in2


s = 11.5 in.
Use #4 bars @ 11 in. cts.
Check Shear
= 72.807 psi < 109.5 psi = νc
Reinforcement Summary
751.24.3.5 summary.jpg

751.24.3.6 Dimensions

Cantilever Walls

Each section of wall shall be in increments of 4 ft. with a maximum length of 28'-0".

751.24.3.6 friction or bearing piles.jpg


Each section of wall shall be in increments of 4 ft. with a maximum length of 28'-0".

751.24.3.6 pile footing.jpg


Cantilever Walls - L-Shaped

Each section of wall shall be in increments of 4 ft. with a maximum length of 28'-0".

751.24.3.6 L shaped.jpg


Counterfort Walls

Notes:
Dimension "A"
• Maximum length = 28'-0".
• Each section to be in 4'-0" increments.
• (See rustication recess details.)
Dimensions "B" & "C"
• As required by the design to balance the negative and positive moments. (See the design assumptions).
Notes:
Batter "D":
* As required to maintain 9" minimum at the top of the counterfort and 12" minimum edge distance at the top of the footing, between counterfort and footing edge.
* Batter to be given an eighth of an inch per foot of counterfort height.
Dimension "L":
* As required for stability.
* As an estimate, use "L" equal to 1/2 the height of "H".

Sign-Board Type Counterfort Walls

Notes:
Dimension "A"
* Maximum length = 28'-0".
* Each section to be in 4'-0" increments.
* (See rustication recess details.)
Dimensions "B" & "C"
* As required by the design to balance the negative and positive moments. (See the design assumptions).
Dimension "E"
* (Sign-board type only)
* As required to maintain footing pressure within the allowable for existing foundation material. 12" minimum.
Notes:
Batter "D":
* As required to maintain 9" minimum at the top of the counterfort and 12" minimum edge distance at the top of the footing, between counterfort and footing edge.
* Batter to be given an eighth of an inch per foot of counterfort height.
Dimension "L":
* As required for stability.
* As an estimate, use "L" equal to 1/2 the height of "H".

751.24.3.7 Reinforcement

Cantilever Walls

(*) Alternate long and short bars at equal spaces.
(**) If collision forces are assumed, use #4 @ 12" cts. min. and extend at least development length into footing. (See EPG 751.5.9.2.8.1 Development and Lap Splice General.)
(***) Theo. cut-off for bending + development length. (Wall height over 10' only.)
(*) Alternate long and short bars at equal spaces.
(**) If collision forces are assumed, use #4 @ 12" cts. min. and extend at least development length into footing. (See EPG 751.5.9.2.8.1 Development and Lap Splice General.)
(***) Theo. cut-off for bending + development length. (Wall height over 10' only.)
(****) Due to site constriction.

Cantilever Walls - L-Shaped

(*) Do not splice stress bars in the fill face at top of footing.
(**) If collision forces are assumed, use #4 @ 12" cts. min. and extend at least development length into footing. (See EPG 751.5.9.2.8.1 Development and Lap Splice General.)

Counterfort Walls

Wall and Stem
(For footing reinforcement, see the "Footing" diagram, below)
(*) Use development length or standard hook in accordance with EPG 751.5.9.2.8.1 Development and Lap Splice General.
(**) See lap splices Class B. (See EPG 751.5.9.2.8.1 Development and Lap Splice General.)
Footing
(*) By design for loads and footing pressures on section under consideration. (#5 @ 12" cts. is the minimum.)

Counterfort Walls - Sign-Board Type

Wall and Stem
Refer to "Counterfort Walls, Wall and Stem", above.
Spread Footing
751.24.3.7 sign board.jpg
If the shear line is within the counterfort projected (longitudinally or transversely), the footing may be considered satisfactory for all conditions. If outside of the counterfort projected, the footing must be analyzed and reinforced for bending and checked for bond stress and for diagonal tension stress.
751.24.3.7 sign board footing.jpg

751.24.3.8 Details

Non-Keyed Joints

Each section of wall shall be in increments of 4 ft. with a maximum length of 28'-0".

751.24.3.8 nonkeyed.jpg
See EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes for appropriate notes.

Keyed Joints

751.24.3.8 keyed.jpg
See EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes for appropriate notes.


Rustication Recess

751.24.3.8 rustication.jpg


Drains

751.24.3.8 drains.jpg
Note: French drains shall be used on all retaining walls, unless otherwise specified on the Design Layout.
751.24.3.8 drop inlet.jpg


Construction Joint Keys:

Cantilever Walls
751.24.3.8 cantilever.jpg


Counterfort Walls
751.24.3.8 counterfort.jpg


Key length: Divide the length "A" into an odd number of spaces of equal lengths. Each space shall not exceed a length of 24 inches. Use as few spaces as possible with the minimum number of spaces equal to three (or one key).
Key width = Counterfort width/3 (to the nearest inch)
Key depth = 2" (nominal)
Sign-Board Walls
751.24.3.8 sign board.jpg
Key length = divide length "A" or "B" into an odd number of spaces of equal lengths. Each space length shall not exceed 24 inches. Use as few spaces as possible with the minimum number of spaces equal to three (or one key).