RetainPro 10

Retaining Wall Design

ENERCALC, INC
© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.
 RetainPro 10

Cantilevered Retaining Walls

Restrained Retaining Walls
Gravity Retaining Walls
Gabion Walls
Segmental Block Retaining Walls
Sheet Pile Retaining Walls

A product of

ENERCALC, INC.
Retain Pro 10

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the
written permission of the publisher.

Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the
respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this
document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and
the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.

RetainPro Software
div. ENERCALC INC.
Publisher
ENERCALC, INC. Post Office Box 188
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Managing Editor
(949) 721-4099
Michael D. Brook s, S.E., P.E. (800) 422-2251
Fax: (949) 721-4098

Sales: info@enercalc.com
Support : support@enercalc.com
Web : www.enercalc.com

RetainPro 10 User's Reference

December 2011
Newport Beach, CA, USA
 I Retain Pro 10

Table of Contents
Foreword 0

Part I Caution!! 2

Part II Just a Minute! Please Read this First 4

Part III Quick Start Tutorial 6

1 First Time Familiarization
................................................................................................................................... 7
2 Starting Your First Wall Design
................................................................................................................................... 8
3 Basic Data Input Tips
................................................................................................................................... 9
4 Opening an Existing File
................................................................................................................................... 10
5 Using...................................................................................................................................
Wall Wizard and View Tab 11
6 Designing a Cantilevered Wall
................................................................................................................................... 12
7 Designing a Tapered Stem Wall
................................................................................................................................... 14
8 Designing a Gravity Wall
................................................................................................................................... 15

Part IV Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining

Walls 17
1 General Tab
................................................................................................................................... 18
General Data .......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Soil Values .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Use of Vertical Component
.......................................................................................................................................................... 24
2 Loads...................................................................................................................................
Tab 25
Loads .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Seismic Loads.......................................................................................................................................................... 31
3 Stem...................................................................................................................................
Tab 35
Stem Tab for ..........................................................................................................................................................
Cantilevered Retaining Wall 36
Summary Section of Stem Tab
......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Stem Tab for ..........................................................................................................................................................
Tapered Stem Retaining Wall 45
Stem Tab for ..........................................................................................................................................................
Gravity Retaining Wall 48
Stem Tab for ..........................................................................................................................................................
Restrained Retaining Wall 51
4 Footing Tab
................................................................................................................................... 56
Footing Design Sub-tab
.......................................................................................................................................................... 57
Key Design & ..........................................................................................................................................................
Sliding Options 60
Pier Design .......................................................................................................................................................... 64
5 Load ...................................................................................................................................
Factors 70
6 Results Tab
................................................................................................................................... 71
Summary .......................................................................................................................................................... 72
Resisting Moments
.......................................................................................................................................................... 74
Overturning Moments
.......................................................................................................................................................... 75
Wall Tilt .......................................................................................................................................................... 76
7 Stability Tab (Restrained Walls only)
................................................................................................................................... 77

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Contents II

8 Construction Tab
................................................................................................................................... 79
9 Wall Loading Tab
................................................................................................................................... 80
10 Diagrams Tab
................................................................................................................................... 81
Shear and Moment Diagrams
.......................................................................................................................................................... 82
11 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 83

Part V Segmental Walls 88

1 Segmental Wall Overview
................................................................................................................................... 89
2 Design Assumptions for Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Walls
................................................................................................................................... 90
3 Design Assumptions for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls
................................................................................................................................... 95
4 Wall Geometry Tab
................................................................................................................................... 98
5 Loads Tab
................................................................................................................................... 100
6 Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Retaining Walls
................................................................................................................................... 101
Block & Geogrid Data Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 102
Stability Tab..........................................................................................................................................................
(for Geogrid Reinforced Walls) 106
Resisting/Overturning Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 107
Construction..........................................................................................................................................................
Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls) 108
7 Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls
................................................................................................................................... 109
Block & Geogrid Data Tab for Gravity Walls
.......................................................................................................................................................... 110
Summary Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 112
Construction..........................................................................................................................................................
Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls) 113
8 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 114

Part VI Soldier Pile Retaining Wall 116

1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 120

Part VII Tapered Stem Retaining Wall 122

1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 123

Part VIII Gravity Retaining Wall 126

1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 127

Part IX Gabion Wall 130

1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
................................................................................................................................... 134

Part X Creating DXF Files 136

Part XI Appendices 140

1 Appendix A - Table of Horizontal Temperature and Shrinkage
................................................................................................................................... 141
Reinforcing
2 Appendix B - Development and Lap Lengths
................................................................................................................................... 142
3 Appendix C - Weights of Masonry Walls
................................................................................................................................... 143
4 Appendix D - Summary of Concrete & Masonry Design Formulas
................................................................................................................................... 144

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

II
III Retain Pro 10

5 Appendix E - References Used For The Development Of This

................................................................................................................................... 146
Program
6 Appendix F - Rankine and Coulomb Formulas
................................................................................................................................... 147
7 Appendix G - Conversion Factors - English - S.I. - Metric
................................................................................................................................... 148

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

Part
I
 2 Retain Pro 10

1 Caution!!

CAUTION!!
RetainPro is intended to be a design aid for persons already having the technical ability
to design retaining walls in accordance with accepted structural engineering principles
and applicable building codes. Design criteria used, input values, and all results from
this program should be verified.

The final design and/or analysis shall be the responsibility of the person(s) using the
program and its results.

Program developers RetainPro Software div. ENERCALC, Inc., their owners, and
employees, are not responsible for anything resulting from the use of this program or its
calculated values or drawings.

Your acceptance of these conditions is a condition for its use. If you do not agree to
accept these conditions and responsibility, you should return the program disk and
accompanying documentation, retaining no copies and with a statement that it has not
been installed on your computer, within 60 days of receipt and receive a refund of
purchase price excluding shipping charges.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

Part
II
 4 Retain Pro 10

2 Just a Minute! Please Read this First

Just a Minute! Please Read This First

We know you want to jump right in, but even if you are upgrading from a
previous version, please read through this User's Manual first. True, you may
not need to, especially since the program is quite intuitive and helpful prompts
are everywhere, but a read-through will be an excellent investment of 30
minutes of your time.

We assure you that you will save time by doing this - and perhaps an
unnecessary phone call to us. Nearly all of the entries are explained, and in
particular, you should read the Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
section of the respective wall modules that you plan to use.

And again, a reminder to check our Website often at www.retainpro.com,

particularly the User’s Tech Forum accessed from our home page (you’ll need
your email address and password for login).

We occasionally release updates with changes and/or enhancements. You will

be notified of these by our auto-update feature where you will be notified
automatically if any are available.

This manual is available in pdf format under the Help & Tutorials Menu or a hard
copy may be purchased online.

If you change your email address you MUST notify us at www.retainpro.com/

support, or you will not receive our quarterly newsletters or other
announcements.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

Part
III
 6 Retain Pro 10

3 Quick Start Tutorial

Quick Start Tutorials

This is just a brief summary to get you started and

instructs you on only a few of the most-used wall types.
It is very important that you also read the User’s Manual
which you can download in .pdf format under the Help &
Tutorials tab on the Tool Bar.
First Time Familiarization
Starting Your First Wall Design
Basic Data Input Tips
Opening an Existing File
Using Wall Wizard and View Tab
Designing a Cantilevered Wall
Designing a Tapered Stem Wall
Designing a Gravity Wall

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Quick Start Tutorial 7

3.1 First Time Familiarization

First Time Familiarization

1. For a first time familiarization tour, from the Start Menu, (the opening screen) select
Open File.

2. Select Examples and click Open.

3. Select Examples #1 (or any other) and click Edit.

4. DON’T CHANGE ANY VALUES – JUST EXPLORE FOR NOW.

5. Look over the View tab screen to see what values you can enter on the screen. Note that
IF you enter data, this drawing will not change scale, but if you were to click on the
Construction tab at upper right, you WOULD see changes reflected.

6. Click on each of the tabs, and their sub-tabs, from left to right. You will be entering
data in these as you do your design. The far right tab, Calc Info, is where you enter
specific information about the wall you’re designing which will appear on your printout.

7. Click on the four tabs on the right window (Results, Construction, Wall Loading, and
Diagram), just to see what they show.

8. Click on Settings. This would be a good time to enter your registration information, and
the next tab for information you want to appear put on your printout. You can also import a
logo for your printouts.

9. Go back to the Project Files screen and select Example #1 and click Edit Wall, then
click on the Stem tab. This is an important tab for designing the stem.

10. When you are the Stem screen, click in succession the yellow Wall Types. To see how
the data entry changes depending upon the type of wall you’re designing.

11. Click on the Help button at upper right, then click on the various selections to see what’s
there.

12. Click Cancel to return you to the Project Files directory, then Close File, then on the
blank screen click Start Menu (upper let corner) to return you to the Start Menu.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 8 Retain Pro 10

3.2 Starting Your First Wall Design

Starting Your First Wall Design

1. For your first wall design, from the main menu click File > New Project.

2. On the Create New RetainPro Project File dialog give it a name, such as Practice Walls,
or if you have a project ready to start, use the name of the project. Think of this as a file
where you will keep all the walls you design for this project. After file name, click Save.

3. You’ll now see a blank screen (it will fill up as you design walls for this project).

4. Click Add and you will have a screen with choices for the types of walls the program can
design.

5. When you select a wall type, you will first get a screen to enter the information about the
wall (for example: “12 ft East Property Line Wall”). What you enter will appear on your
printouts.

6. To continue, refer to the Tutorial topic for the specific type of wall you have selected.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Quick Start Tutorial 9

3.3 Basic Data Input Tips

Basic Data Input Tips

1. As you navigate the program, if a button is dimmed, it just means it’s not applicable or
available for that window.

2. To enter data into a field, use the spin buttons, or highlight the field and type in a new
value.

3. You can use the Tab key to advance to another (usually the next) entry. DON’T USE THE
“ENTER” KEY!

4. If an entry doesn’t “stick” (stay in place), just highlight the cell, Delete it, and re-enter.

5. Occasionally you will encounter checkboxes, where you check or uncheck depending
upon your intent.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 10 Retain Pro 10

3.4 Opening an Existing File

Opening an Existing File

1. From the main menu click File > Open Project.

2. Highlight the file you want and click Open.

3. Highlight the wall you want to work with and click Edit to display it.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Quick Start Tutorial 11

3.5 Using Wall Wizard and View Tab

Using Wall Wizard and View Tab

If you’re a novice, this will be a big help. By answering questions about your design you will be
led step-by-step through the data input process. But you will then need to complete your
design as instructed under the various wall types in this tutorial.

NOTE: Wall Wizard is available for cantilevered, restrained, tapered, and gravity walls only.

The View tab is another helpful option if you're just becoming acquainted with the program. It
allows the user to input values onto the screen which are then inserted into the appropriate
input fields, allowing the user to proceed with finalizing the design.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 12 Retain Pro 10

3.6 Designing a Cantilevered Wall

Designing a Cantilevered Wall

1. Assuming you’re not using Wall Wizard, click the Add button.

2. In the Choose Add Method dialog click Cantilevered Wall.

3. The screen will automatically display the Calc Info tab. Here, you must select the desired
Building Code and Unit system, and you may enter data in the Wall Specific Information
fields if desired (Job Title, Job Number, etc.) The Wall Specific Information is used to
populate the title block when printing.

4. If you’re just getting acquainted, you may want to use the View tab to enter initial
geometry, and then go on to the other tabs, where you will find your initial entries will have
already been placed in the appropriate fields.

5. Alternatively, you can skip View tab and just go directly to the other tabs to enter all your
data.

6. The General tab collects information about the wall geometry, the soil, and some design
decisions.

7. The Loads collects information about the vertical and lateral loads acting on the wall. (Be
sure to use both the Loads and the Seismic sub-tabs when appropriate.)

8. The Stem tab is used to thoroughly define the stem and its reinforcing. Before using this
tab please carefully read the procedure in the User’s Manual. You design the stem starting
at the bottom, where the moments and shears are highest. By default, the starting
“Design Height” is zero. Note that the “Design Height” is the height above the footing
where you want to check the design. At each Design Height you can change material,
thickness, or reinforcing, to economize your design as moments and shears decrease.
There should be at least two feet between any such changes. Usually only two Design
Heights will be required: At the top of the footing, and at the top of the dowels extending up
from the footing. If the wall is high, say over eight feet, you may want to check it higher,
say at six feet. Rarely would you need to specify more than three heights to check.

9. The Footing tab is used to define the footing (including the key if one is used), to specify
the associated reinforcing, and to make some design decisions regarding how the
program will handle the calculations for sliding checks.

10. At any time during the process of entering the wall design data you can view the right
screen tabs to see a Results summary, and a tabulation of Resisting and Overturning
Moments, and Tilt calculation.

11. Once sufficient geometry and loading data have been entered, the Construction tab will
display a schematic drawing, and the Wall Loading tab will display color-coded loading
diagrams. The Diagrams tab displays diagrams of the applied and resisting shears and

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Quick Start Tutorial 13

moments in the stem.

12. When you’re done, click Save to save your Project File with the latest design.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 14 Retain Pro 10

3.7 Designing a Tapered Stem Wall

Designing a Tapered Stem Wall

1. Assuming you’re not using Wall Wizard, click the Add button.

2. In the Choose Add Method dialog click Tapered Wall.

3. The screen will automatically display the Calc Info tab. Here, you must select the desired
Building Code and Unit system, and you may enter data in the Wall Specific Information
fields if desired (Job Title, Job Number, etc.) The Wall Specific Information is used to
populate the title block when printing.

4. The General tab collects information about the wall geometry, the soil, and some design
decisions.

5. The Loads collects information about the vertical and lateral loads acting on the wall. (Be
sure to use both the Loads and the Seismic sub-tabs when appropriate.)

6. The Stem tab collects geometry and reinforcing information pertinent to the stem. Note
that for a Tapered Stem Wall, only the back face can be tapered (battered), and it is only
available for concrete stems (Masonry can’t be tapered). Before using this tab please
carefully read this procedure in the User’s Manual. First enter the thickness of the stem at
the top and at the base. You then design the stem starting at the bottom, where the
moments and shears are highest. By default, the starting “Design Height” is zero. Note that
the “Design Height” is the height above the footing where you want to check the design.
You can check the wall at two heights above the base. At each height you select, the
program will automatically compute the thickness for stress determinations. For each
Design Height select the reinforcing that gives you an efficient stress ratio (close to but not
exceeding 1.0).

7. The Footing tab is used to define the footing (including the key if one is used), to specify
the associated reinforcing, and to make some design decisions regarding how the program
will handle the calculations for sliding checks.

8. At any time during the process of entering the wall design data you can view the right
screen tabs to see a Results summary, and a tabulation of Resisting and Overturning
Moments, and Tilt calculation.

9. Once sufficient geometry and loading data have been entered, the Construction tab will
display a schematic drawing, and the Wall Loading tab will display color-coded loading
diagrams. The Diagrams tab displays diagrams of the applied and resisting shears and
moments in the stem.

10.When you’re done, click Save to save your Project File with the latest design.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Quick Start Tutorial 15

3.8 Designing a Gravity Wall

Designing a Gravity Wall

1. Assuming you’re not using Wall Wizard, click the Add button.

2. In the Choose Add Method dialog click Gravity Wall.

3. The screen will automatically display the Calc Info tab. Here, you must select the desired
Building Code and Unit system, and you may enter data in the Wall Specific Information
fields if desired (Job Title, Job Number, etc.) The Wall Specific Information is used to
populate the title block when printing.

4. The General tab collects information about the wall geometry and the soil.

5. The Loads collects information about the vertical and lateral loads acting on the wall. (Be
sure to use both the Loads and the Seismic sub-tabs when appropriate.)

6. The Stem tab collects geometry and reinforcing information pertinent to the stem. Enter
wall weight (usually masonry rubble, about 145 pcf), then the dimensions defining the front
batter distance, the top thickness and the back batter distance. You then design the stem
starting at the bottom, where the moments and shears are highest. By default, the starting
“Design Height” is zero. Note that the “Design Height” is the height above the footing where
you want to check the design. You can check the wall at two heights above the base. At
each height you select, the program will automatically compute the thickness for stress
determinations, and compute the section modulus at that height.

7. The Footing tab is used to define the footing (including the key if one is used), to specify
the associated reinforcing, and to make some design decisions regarding how the program
will handle the calculations for sliding checks.

8. At any time during the process of entering the wall design data you can view the right
screen tabs to see a Results summary, and a tabulation of Resisting and Overturning
Moments, and Tilt calculation.

9. Once sufficient geometry and loading data have been entered, the Construction tab will
display a schematic drawing, and the Wall Loading tab will display color-coded loading
diagrams. The Diagrams tab displays diagrams of the applied and resisting shears and
moments in the stem.

10.When you’re done, click Save to save your Project File with the latest design.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

Part
IV
 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 17

4 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls

Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls

The following topics generally apply to both the Cantilevered Retaining Wall and the
Restrained Retaining Wall except where noted specifically.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 18 Retain Pro 10

4.1 General Tab

General Tab
The General tab collects basic wall geometry, soil values, and certain design assumptions.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 19

4.1.1 General Data

General Data

Retained Height:

This is the height of retained earth measured from top of footing to the top of soil
behind the stem (over the heel). When the backfill is sloped, the soil will slope away
and upwards from this height.
The actual retained height used for overturning and soil pressure calculations will be
the retained height projected at the vertical plane of the back of the heel, but for stem
moments, no such increase will be made.
Using the spin-buttons you can vary this in 0.25-foot increments (or you can type in
any number). After each entry you can press the tab key to advance to the next entry,
or use your mouse to position the cursor in the next input field.

Wall Height above Retained Soil

Use this entry to specify if the wall extends above the retained height. This entry is
typically used to define a "screen wall" projection. This extension can be used as a
weightless "Fence" or a concrete or masonry stem section without any soil retained
behind it. You can enter wind load on this projection using the entry "Wind on Stem
above soil" on the "Loads" tab. We'll handle the fence when we get to the STEM
design screen. TOTAL HEIGHT OF WALL = “RETAINED HEIGHT” + WALL HEIGHT
ABOVE RETAINED SOIL”.

Height of Soil over Toe

Measured from top of footing to top of soil on toe side, this may vary from a few inches
to a few feet depending upon site conditions. (Note that it is input in inches.) It is used
to calculate passive soil resistance (but its effective depth can be modified by the "Ht.
to Neglect" entry on the Footing > Key Dimensions & Sliding tab). This depth of soil is
also used to calculate a resisting moment, and reduce net lateral sliding force. You
can negate the latter effects on the Options screen.

Soil Slope

You may enter any backfill slope behind the wall. Use the drop-down menu or type the
slope as a ratio in the form of Horiz/Vert. The soil must be level or slope upward.
Negative backfill slopes (grade sloping downward, away from the wall) are not
allowed.
The program will use this slope to 1) include the weight of a triangular wedge of soil
over the heel as vertical load, and 2) compute overturning based upon an assumed
vertical plane at the back face of the footing extending from the bottom of the footing to
ground surface – a steeper slope will result in a higher overturning moment. The

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

20 Retain Pro 10

program will not accept a backfill slope steeper than the angle of internal friction.

When the EFP method is used, the program will NOT change the EFP based on soil
slope. All it does with the slope is:
calculate the retained height at the back of the heel, which might be greater because
of the sloped soil, and
add a surcharge due to the weight of the triangular prism of soil on top.

When the Rankine or Coulomb method is used, the final calculated pressures do
include the effect of the slope on those Rankine or Coulomb equations.

Water Table Height over Heel

If a portion of the retained height is below a water table, the active pressure of the
saturated soil will increase below that level. This additional pressure for the saturated
soil is equal to the pressure of water, plus the submerged weight of the soil (its
saturated weight - 62.4), plus the surcharge of the soil above the water table. The
submerged weight of a soil can be approximated as 62% of its dry unit weight.

If you want to design for a water table condition, enter the maximum height from top of
footing to water table level. The program will then compute the added pressures for
saturated soil on the heel side of the footing, including buoyancy effect, to calculate
increased moments and shears on the stem, and overturning. Don’t enter a height
more than the retained height, and keep in mind that this feature automatically
assumes that the liquid is water. If the water table is near the top of the retained
height, it may be advisable to use the saturated soil density and active pressure for the
full retained height instead of specifying a water table height.

Top Lateral Restraint Height

This will appear if you are designing a restrained wall. Enter the distance from the
bottom of the stem to the point of lateral restraint.

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 21

4.1.2 Soil Values

Soil Values

Allowable Soil Bearing

The maximum allowable soil bearing pressure for static conditions. Using the spin
buttons you can vary the value in increments. Usual values for this vary from 1,000 psf
to 4,000 psf or more.

Lateral Pressure Method

Here you can choose between E.F.P., Rankine formula or Coulomb formula. EFP
refers to "Equivalent Fluid Pressure," where you can enter a lateral soil pressure in psf
per foot of depth. "Rankine" or "Coulomb" instructs RetainPro to use the Rankine or
Coulomb Method to calculate active and passive soil pressures using an entered
angle of internal friction for the soil. When Rankine or Coulomb is chosen, the
Ka*Density value for active pressure is computed.

When the EFP Method is selected:

Active Soil Pressure - Heel Side

Enter the equivalent fluid pressure (EFP) for the soil being retained that acts to
overturn and slide the wall toward the toe side. This pressure acts on the stem for
stem section calculations, and on the total footing+wall+slope height for overturning,
sliding, and soil pressure calculations.

Commonly used values, assuming an angle of internal friction of 34°, are 30 pcf for a
level backfill; 35 pcf for a 4:1 slope; 38 pcf for a 3:1 slope; 43 pcf for a 2:1 slope; and
55 pcf for a 1.5:1 slope. These values are usually provided by the geotechnical
engineer.

When the retained soil is sloped, a vertical component of the lateral earth pressure
over the heel can be applied vertically downward in the plane of the back of the footing.
You can choose to apply this force for overturning resistance, sliding resistance, and/
or for soil pressure calculations, by checking the boxes in the category named "Use of
vertical component of active lateral soil pressure".

Passive Pressure
This is the resistance of the soil in front of the wall and footing to being pushed against
to resist sliding. Its value is in psf per foot of depth (pcf). This value is usually obtained
from the geotechnical engineer. Its value usually varies from 100 pcf to about 350 pcf.

Soil Density (heel side)

Enter the soil density for all earth (or water if applicable) above the heel of the footing.
This weight is used to calculate overturning resistance forces and soil pressures
using the weight of the soil block over the projecting heel of the footing. When

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.

22 Retain Pro 10

surcharges are applied over the soil, the surcharges are transformed to equivalent
uniform lateral loads acting on the wall by the ratio force = (Surcharge/ Density)
*Lateral Load. Input this value in lbs. per cubic foot. Usual values are 110 pcf to 120
pcf. More if saturated soil. Water is usually assumed to be 64 pcf.

Soil Density (toe side)

Enter the soil density on the toe side, which may be different than the heel side. When
surcharges are applied over the soil on the toe side, the surcharge is transformed to
equivalent uniform lateral loads acting on the wall by the ratio force = (Surcharge/
Density)*Lateral Load. Input this value in lbs. per cubic foot. Usual values are 110 pcf
to 120 pcf.

When the Rankine or Coulomb Method is selected:

Soil Friction Angle

This value is entered in degrees and is the angle of internal friction of the soil. This
value is usually provided by a geotechnical engineer from soils tests, but can also be
found in reference books or building codes for various typical soil classifications. This
value is used along with Soil Density within the standard Rankine and Coulomb
equations to determine "Ka" and "Kp" multipliers of density to give active and passive
soil pressure values.

Active Pressure (or At-Rest Pressure for Restrained Walls)

This value will be computed using the Rankine or Coulomb formulas. This represents
the lateral earth pressure acting to slide and overturn the wall toward the toe side. The
result will be presented in units of psf/ft. This pressure acts on the stem for stem
section calculations, and on the total footing+wall+slope height for overturning, sliding,
and soil pressure calculations.

When the retained soil is sloped, a vertical component of the lateral earth pressure
over the heel can be applied vertically downward in the plane of the back of the footing.
You can choose to apply this force for overturning resistance, sliding resistance, and/
or for soil pressure calculations, by checking the boxes on the Options tab.

Passive Soil Pressure

This value will also be computed using the Rankine or Coulomb formulas. This is the
resistance of the soil in front of the wall to being pushed against to resist sliding. Its
value is in psf per foot of depth (pcf). Common values usually vary from 100 pcf to
about 350 pcf.

Soil Density (heel side)

Enter the soil density for all earth (or water if applicable) above the heel of the footing.
This weight is used to calculate overturning resistance forces and soil pressures
using the weight of the soil block over the projecting heel of the footing. When
surcharges are applied over the soil, the surcharges are transformed to equivalent
uniform lateral loads acting on the wall by the ratio force = (Surcharge/ Density)
*Lateral Load. Input this value in lbs. per cubic foot. Usual values are 110 pcf to 120

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 23

pcf. More if saturated soil. Water is usually assumed to be 64 pcf.

Soil Density (toe side)

Enter the soil density on the toe side, which may be different than the heel side. When
surcharges are applied over the soil on the toe side, the surcharge is transformed to
equivalent uniform lateral loads acting on the wall by the ratio force = (Surcharge/
Density)*Lateral Load. Input this value in lbs. per cubic foot. Usual values are 110 pcf
to 120 pcf.

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 24 Retain Pro 10

4.1.3 Use of Vertical Component

Use of Vertical Component

Use of vertical component of active lateral soil pressure

This category offers the following three options for considering the vertical component
of active lateral soil pressure:

Choices for Use of Vertical Component of Active Pressure

Use for Soil Pressure

Use for Sliding Resistance
Use for Overturning Resistance

When used, the vertical component of the lateral pressure is applied at a vertical plane at the
back of the footing.

For a level backfill, this option will back-solve the EFP method to find the equivalent internal
friction angle, then apply this vertical component equal to tan . If either the Rankine or
Coulomb method had been chosen, this vertical component would be tangent of /2 .

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 25

4.2 Loads Tab

Loads Tab
The Loads tab collects the data required to define the applicable vertical and lateral loads, and
the seismic design criteria, if applicable.

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 26 Retain Pro 10

4.2.1 Loads
Loads

Surcharges

This surcharge is treated as additional soil weight – if the surcharge is 240 psf and the
density is 120 pcf, then the program uses two feet of additional soil. Similarly, if 50 psf
is added for the weight of a slab over the footing, this will be equivalent to 0.41 feet of
soil (50 / 120). This surcharge will affect sliding resistance and active toe pressure.
Consider this if modeling a point load toe surcharge.

When a heel surcharge is defined, it is considered to be uniformly applied to the top

surface of the soil over the heel. It may be entered whether or not the ground surface
is sloped. This surcharge is always taken as a vertical force. This surcharge is divided
by the soil density and multiplied by the Active Pressure coefficient to create a uniform
lateral load applied to the wall. You can choose to use this surcharge to resist sliding
and overturning by checking the option box adjacent to the load input field. Typical live
load surcharges are 100 psf for light traffic and parking, and 250 psf for highway
traffic.

Both the toe surcharge and the heel surcharge have associated checkboxes that can
be used to dictate whether the respective surcharges should be considered as
resisting sliding and overturning of the wall.

Axial Load Applied to Top of Stem

These loads are considered uniformly distributed along the length of the wall. They are
applied to the top of the topmost stem section. The dead and live loads are used to
calculate stem design values and factored soil reaction pressures used for footing
design. Only the dead load is used to resist overturning and sliding of the retaining
wall. AVOID A HIGH AXIAL LOAD (say over 3 kips plf Total Load) SINCE IT COULD
CAUSE A REVERSAL OF BENDING IN THE HEEL.

Since slenderness ratios (h/t) for retaining walls are generally small, usually less than
10, and axial stresses are low, slenderness effects are checked but usually have a
small effect.

Consider a point load (such as a beam reaction) applied to the top of a wall. The
intensity of that point load will decrease at locations that are more distant from the
point of application, because the lateral distribution width will increase as one moves
away from the point of application. For this reason, the intensity of the axial load felt at
the base of the stem will be significantly less than the intensity immediately beneath
the beam bearing. To account for this effect, the magnitude of the axial point load
entered should be reduced proportionately (since the input actually represents a
uniformly distributed load along the length of the wall). But the top of the wall may need
to be checked for localized stress by appended calculations.

The input for axial load applied to the top of the stem allows the load magnitudes to be

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 27

defined as either Dead Load or Live Load. The load will be factored accordingly. This
type of load also allows the specification of an eccentricity value, where the
eccentricity is defined with respect to the centerline of the uppermost stem section.
Positive values of eccentricity move the load toward the toe, causing bending
moments that are additive to those caused by the lateral soil pressure over the heel.
Negative eccentricities are accepted in the Restrained Retaining Wall module, where
tension is already expected on the toe side. But negative eccentricities are not
accepted in the Cantilevered Retaining Wall module.

Adjacent Footing Data

This entry gives you the option of placing a footing (line or square) adjacent and
parallel to the back face of the wall, and have its effect on the wall included in both the
vertical and horizontal forces on the wall and footing. Refer to the Reference Diagram
for locations where input measurements should be taken.

Adjacent Footing Loads will be factored by the Live Load factor for strength design.

For "Line (Strip) Load" the entry is the total load per ft. parallel to the wall (not psf).

If the adjacent footing is specified as "Square Footing" (not line load), the load entered
should be the adjacent footing load divided by its dimension parallel to the wall, giving
a pounds per lineal foot value, as for a continuous (line) footing.

A Boussinesq analysis is used to calculate the vertical and lateral pressures acting on
the stem and footing. The program uses equation (11-20a) in Bowles’ Foundation
Analysis and Design, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, page 630.

When the Boussinesq analysis is used, the program may require additional computing
time (hundreds of internal calculations are done after each entry), depending upon the
speed of your computer. To avoid this delay (which occurs any time any entry is
changed) we suggest you use a vertical load of zero until your data entry is nearly
finalized. Then enter the actual footing load and modify your final values.

For adjacent truck or highway loading, it may be preferable to use a heel surcharge
(uniform) of 250 psf (or more) instead of treating it as an "adjacent footing."

It is generally not necessary to use this feature if the adjacent footing load is farther
from the stem than the retained height, less the depth of the adjacent footing below the
retained height, since at this distance it will not have significant effect on the wall.

Footing Width

Width of the adjacent footing measured perpendicular to the wall. This is necessary to
create a one-foot long by Width wide area over which the load is applied.

Footing Eccentricity

This entry is provided in case the soil pressure under the adjacent footing is not
uniform. Enter the eccentricity of the resultant force under the adjacent footing from

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the centerline of the adjacent footing. Positive eccentricity is toward the toe, resulting
in greater pressure at the side of the adjacent footing closest to the stem. (An
eccentricity value of zero means that the adjacent footing load will be considered to
act at the center of the adjacent footing.) The program will use the vertical load and
eccentricity and create a trapezoidal pressure distribution under the adjacent footing
for use with the Boussinesq analysis of vertical and lateral pressures.

Wall to Footing Centerline Distance

This is the distance from the center of the adjacent footing to the back face of the
stem at the retained height. The nearest edge of the footing should be at least a foot
away from the wall face – otherwise suggest using an equivalent heel surcharge
instead. Do not use a horizontal distance greater than the vertical distance from the
top of the footing to the bottom of the adjacent footing, since the effect on the wall will
be insignificant.

Footing Type

This drop down menu selection allows you to enter either an isolated footing using the
"Square Footing" selection, or a continuous footing using the "Line Load" selection.

Footing Base Above/Below Retained Height

Use this entry to locate the bottom of the adjacent footing with respect to the Retained
Height. Entering a negative number places the footing below the elevation of the soil
measured at the back of the wall. A positive entry would typically only be used when
the soil is sloped and the footing resides "uphill" from the retained height elevation. To
insert a negative number, first type the number, then press the "-" (minus) sign.

Note: If the "Adjacent Footing" is another retaining wall at a higher elevation,

the Boussenesq analysis may be used for the vertical load applied to the soil
from the adjacent retaining wall footing, however the design must also
consider the lateral (sliding) loads from that adjacent wall. This load could be
applied as "Added Lateral Load", however this is at the discretion of the
designer and is not within the scope of the program. Caution is urged for this
condition. See discussion in the companion book: Basics of Retaining Wall
Design. The designer should be advised that the program does not incorporate
any form of global stability analysis.

Poisson’s Ratio

Since the resulting pressures are sensitive to Poisson’s Ratio, there is an entry
allowing you to specify a ratio from 0.30 to 0.55. This value should be provided by the
geotechnical engineer. A value of 0.50 is often assumed.

Applied Lateral Load on Stem

This input allows you to specify an additional uniformly distributed lateral load applied
to the stem. This is generally not the preferred method of applying seismic load. Use
the Seismic sub-tab instead.

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 29

This entry can be useful for a point load, such as due to an impact of a car or similar
force. When used in this way, it may be easiest to enter the load as a one-foot high
increment, and specify the "Height to Bottom" and "Height to Top" to define a one-foot
high strip of application.

This load will be factored by whatever value is specified in the adjacent Load factor
input. To apply an additional factor (such as an impact factor), increase the applied
load proportionately (e.g. an impact load of 1000 lbs requiring an impact factor of 2.0
would be entered as 2,000 lbs). You may need to do several designs to check multiple
load combinations.
Use engineering judgment when applying a point lateral load. The magnitude may be
able to be reduced to account for the fact that the load distributes horizontally at levels
below the point of application, so its intensity reduces at elevations below the point of
application.

Height to Top

This dimension defines the upper extent of the applied lateral load measured from the
top of the footing. Do not enter a dimension higher than the top of the wall ("Retained
Height" plus "Wall height above retained soil").

Height to Bottom

This dimension defines the lower extent of the applied lateral load measured from the
top of the footing.

Load Factor

This factor will be applied to the lateral load when performing strength design checks.
It is not applied for service level load checks such as sliding, overturning, or soild
bearing pressure checks.

Wind on Stem above Soil

This wind force will be applied to that part of the stem projecting above the retained
height defined by the entry "Wall height above retained soil." It is used to generate
sliding force, overturning moment, stem design moment and shear, and soil
pressures. There will be a check box to indicate whether you wish to apply the wind in
a reverse direction. Use this with caution since it may not capture the most critical
design condition. (i.e., it will cause the program to skip the condition where the wind
force would combine with the soil overturning force.)

Wind Type

Note that recent building codes have started to determine wind forces at the strength
level as opposed to at the traditional service level. Consequently RetainPro allows the
user to indicate whether the specified wind pressure is at the Strength-Level or at the
Service-Level.

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30 Retain Pro 10

When performing a design based on IBC 2012 / CBC 2013:

The wind should be entered as a Strength-Level load.

When designing a masonry stem by strength design methodology or a concrete
stem, the wind load factor (which should be 1.0) will be applied to the specified wind
loads.
When designing a masonry stem by ASD methodology, the wind load factor is not
used, and the specified wind loads will be reduced to a service level by multiplying
the specified pressure by 0.6.
Regardless of the stem construction, when determining service-level soil bearing
pressure and when performing sliding and overturning checks, the specified wind
loads will be reduced to a service level by multiplying the specified pressure by 0.6.

When performing a design based on codes other than IBC 2012 / CBC 2013:

The wind should be entered as a Service-Level load.

When designing a masonry stem by strength design methodology or a concrete
stem, the wind load factor (which should be 1.6) will be applied to the specified wind
loads.
When designing a masonry stem by ASD methodology, the wind load factor is not
used, and the specified wind loads will be used exactly as specified.
Regardless of the stem construction, when determining service-level soil bearing
pressure and when performing sliding and overturning checks, the specified wind
loads will be used exactly as specified.

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 31

4.2.2 Seismic Loads

Seismic Loads

You can choose to apply seismic force from lateral earth pressure and/or from wall self-
weight.

Seismic Lateral Earth Pressure

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32 Retain Pro 10

This category is used to specify whether seismic lateral earth pressure is to be

considered or not. If it is to be considered, the program offers the option of two
different methods:
Mononobe-Okabe/Seed-Whitman procedure, or
Simplified procedure per Geotechnical report

Mononobe-Okabe/Seed-Whitman procedure

By entering kh the program will calculate KAE and KA using the Mononobe-Okabe/
Seed-Whitman equations for a yielding wall (cantilevered).

If it is a non-yielding wall (restrained) the added lateral force per square foot is
computed using Fw = kh(density)(retained height), in psf. Common kh values range
from 0.05 to 0.30, depending upon area seismicity. Some sources indicate that kh =
SDS / 2.5, but jurisdictions and interpretations vary.

Both the static soil pressure component and the added seismic component will be
displayed. The resultant seismic component is assumed to act at 0.6 x retained
height.

Methodology

The program computes KAE (coefficient for combined active and earthquake forces)
per the Coulomb formula, modified by Mononobe-Okabe/Seed-Whitman, to account
for earthquake loading, where the term is the angle whose tangent is the horizontal
ground acceleration. (Note that if Kh = 0, = 0, then KAE = KA.) Vertical acceleration
is neglected, resulting in a more conservative KAE.

KAE = active earth pressure coefficient, static+seismic

Where = tan-1 Kh, = wall slope to horizontal (90 degrees for a vertical face), =
angle of internal friction, = backfill slope, and = wall friction angle.

For a vertical wall face and assumed to be /2 , KAE becomes:

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 33

The values KAE and KA are displayed.

For the horizontal component, the forces are multiplied by cos δ (wall/soil interface
angle).

Total force (active and seismic) = PAE = 0.5( ) KAE H2 where = soil density and H
= retained height.

Since the total force PAE consists of two components, static (PA, as previously
computed for static forces) with triangular distribution and the earthquake (PAE - PA)
with an inverted semi-triangular distribution with an assumed point of application at
0.60 x height, the combined (static and EQ) point of application is determined by

which is displayed as "Ht. to static + EQ point of appl."

Total base shear for both static force and added seismic force are displayed.

Simplified procedure per Geotechnical report

Use this method if a geotechnical report specifies added seismic load as a factor
multiplied by the retained height, such as X*H, where X is the multiplier and H is the
retained height, enter that multiplier here. Using this method, the seismic lateral force
will be applied uniformly over the retained height. Since this is a factored force it will
be reduced by 0.7 for use in sliding, overturning, and soil bearing calculations.

Seismic due to stem Self-Weight

If you indicate that you want the program to consider the seismic effect due to the self-
weight of the stem, then you will specify a value for the factor Fp/Wp, which will be

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34 Retain Pro 10

used to calculate a uniform seismic force in psf (kh x (wall weight). If the wall has
multiple stem sections, each will be calculated separately and accumulated for the
base shear and moment.

NOTE: The kh values entered are the design accelerations (not necessarily
peak ground acceleration as may be given in a geotechnical report) and must
be determined per procedures in the applicable code. The program then
applies the appropriate Load Factors (1.0 for concrete design and 0.7 for
serviceability checks).

There is a check box to allow the applied seismic force to be reversed to that it acts in
the direction that opposes the active lateral earth pressure. Use caution with this
option, since it has the effect of reducing the magnitude of total load applied to the
retaining wall system.

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4.3 Stem Tab

Stem Tab
The Stem tab collects the data required to define the stem geometry, reinforcing, and design
heights.

The layout and content of this tab will vary depending upon which type of wall is being
designed. Refer to the subsequent topics in this section of the User's Manual for wall-
specific details on the various parameters that are collected on this tab.

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4.3.1 Stem Tab for Cantilevered Retaining Wall

Stem Tab for Cantilevered Retaining Wall
When a Cantilevered Retaining Wall is defined, the Stem tab will appear as shown below:

Stem Design Parameters

Material

Use the drop-down list box to select Masonry, Concrete, Fence, or None. Fence is
only allowed on top of the wall, higher than the Retained Height, and is considered
weightless. Use None to disable the stem section.

Thickness

Use the spinners to set the thickness of Concrete wall segments. Use the drop-down
list box to set the thickness of Masonry wall segments. For segments defined as
"Fence" the thickness input is unavailable.

Wall Weight

This displayed value is based upon wall data within the program. A multiplier input
field is provided if it becomes necessary to adjust the data. See Appendix C for
masonry wall weights.

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 37

Design Method

When a masonry stem section is chosen, this allows a choice of ASD or LRFD
(Allowable Stress Design or Load and Resistance Factor Design). When the latter is
selected the input notations change (e.g. fs to fy) and all calculations are based upon
LRFD.

Rebar Size

Make your selection from the drop-down list box for bar sizes #3 to #10. When U.S.
units are used, “Soft Metric” sizes will be displayed in parentheses.

Rebar Spacing

Use the spinners to set the rebar spacing in Concrete wall segments. Use the drop-
down list box to set the rebar spacing in Masonry wall segments. For segments
defined as "Fence" the rebar spacing input is unavailable.

Rebar Position

Chose between Center or Edge. If Center is chosen, the rebar d distance will be 1/2
the actual wall thickness. If Edge is chosen the rebar will be located at the heel side of
the stem as defined below.

For masonry wall segments, the program contains a table of the appropriate "d"
values to use for various block sizes and center/edge locations, as shown in the table
below.

Default Values of Rebar Position for

Masonry Wall Segments

Thickness Rebar Depth

(in)
Center Edge

6" 2.75" 2.75"

8" 3.75" 5.25"
10" 4.75" 7.25"
12" 5.75" 9.0"
14" 6.75" 11.0"
16" 7.75" 13.0"

For concrete wall segments, the "edge" rebar depth is always stem thickness less
1.5" for #5 and smaller bars (stem thickness less 2" for #6 or larger), less one-half the

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bar diameter.

Specify Position Box

Click this box to enter an explicit "d" value for the particular stem segment.

f'm

For Masonry stem segments, enter the compressive strength of masonry in units of
psi. This input is not applicable to Concrete stem segments.

f'c

For Concrete stem segments, enter the compressive strength of concrete in units of
psi. This input is not applicable to Masonry stem segments.

Fs

For ASD masonry design, select the allowable steel stress, based on working stress
design, which should be used for design of the masonry stem segment. The drop-
down list box allows quick selection of common values. This input is not applicable to
LRFD masonry design or to concrete design.

Fy

For LRFD masonry design and for concrete design, select the rebar yield stress to
used for design of the indicated stem segment. The drop-down list box allows quick
selection of common values. This input is not applicable to ASD masonry design.

CMU weight type

(Applies to Masonry stem segments only.) This input provides a drop-down list box
that offers the common CMU weights.

Concrete Density

(Applies to Concrete stem segments only.) This input provides spinners to define the
unit weight of the concrete for a particular stem segment.

Solid Grouting

This applies to masonry only, and if this box is checked the weight of the wall will be
based upon industry standard values for the weights of solid-grouted walls of
lightweight, medium weight, or normal weight block based on the selection for CMU
weight type.

If this box is not checked, the program will calculate the weight based upon grouting of
only cells containing reinforcing.

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 39

This also affects equivalent solid thickness for stem shear calculations, and area for
axial stress calculations (combined with moment for masonry stems).

Em = f'm *

This input collects the value by which the compressive strength of masonry is
multiplied to arrive at the value of the modulus of elasticity for masonry. IBC ’06
specifies Em = 900*f’m which is the default value.

"n", Modular Ratio

This is calculated by the program as Es/Em.

Equivalent Solid Thickness

For partially-grouted masonry stem segments (those where solid grouting has not
been specified) the equivalent solid thickness is generated from an internal database
as shown below:

Grout Spacing

Thickness 8" 16" 24" 32" 40" 48"

(inches)

5.6 4.5 4.1 3.9 3.8 3.7

6

7.6 5.8 5.2 4.9 4.7 4.6

8

9.6 7.2 6.3 5.9 5.7 5.5

10

11.6 8.5 7.5 7.0 6.7 6.5

12

13.6 9.9 8.7 8.1 7.6 7.4

14

15.6 11.6 10.1 9.5 8.6 8.3

16

Stem Design Height Above Footing

IMPORTANT! The term “Stem Design Height” refers to a height above the top of the
footing (i.e. above the base of the stem). It is the height above the bottom of the stem
where you want the program to compute moments and shears.

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You can divide the stem into a maximum of five segments (increments of height).
Each increment can represent a change in material (concrete, masonry, or fence),
thickness, reinforcing size or spacing.

For most walls, only two or three changes in stem sections are used. For example, it
would be logical to place a Stem Design Height at the top of the dowels projecting into
the stem from the footing and perhaps at another location farther up the wall where a
more economical section is desired.

Bottom

You must start your stem design here, at the base (height above footing = 0.00),
where the stem moment and shear is maximum. You can manipulate the bar sizes,
spacing, and position, as well as the wall material and thickness until the Summary
box indicates an acceptable stress ratio (the higher and closer to 1.0, the more
efficient).

To check the wall at a higher Design Height, such as at least the LAP REQ’D IF
ABOVE distance, where reinforcing or thickness can be reduced, click the Insert Stem
button and enter the next higher design height. Advance the spin button to the desired
height above the top of the footing or enter it by typing. This will create a new 2nd
section that you can now design.
Continue this way, clicking Insert Stem after each stem section design is completed,
up to a maximum of five heights. A new Design Height should only be entered when
you want to change the material, thickness, or reinforcing, and should never be less
than about two-foot intervals.

Summary

The summary box indicates the design shears and moments in the selected stem
segment, and the interaction ratio for that segment.

For stem segments of Masonry that are designed according to ASD, the Summary
indicates actual and allowable moments, total applied shear force, applied shear
stress and allowable shear stress, and rebar lap splice lengths.

For stem segments of Concrete or of Masonry that are designed according to LRFD,
the Summary indicates factored applied moment and the nominal moment capacity,
the total applied shear force, the factored applied shear stress and the nominal shear
stress, and rebar lap splice lengths.

See additional detail in the section named "Summary Section of Stem Tab".

Design Options

The last section offers the following design options:

Reduce lap splice by stress ratio (This option is provided for informational purposes
only. Use engineering judgment with the application of this option, as it is contrary to
current building codes and design standards.)
Reduce hook embedment by % rebar stress

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Compute lap lengths per IBC modifications to ACI 530. As of build 10.14.7.15, this
is automatically selected, because IBC is clear that this is mandatory.
4.3.1.1 Summary Section of Stem Tab

Summary Section of Stem Tab

The summary section indicates the results of the Stem design at-a-glance.

Interaction Ratio

The interaction ratio indicates the efficiency of your design, not to exceed 1.0.

For masonry using ASD this is the computed ratio of fa/Fa + Mactual/Mallowable. For
concrete and masonry using LRFD it is Mactual/Mallowable.

The weight of the stem will be included only if there is added axial load. For masonry
stems, Fa is calculated by considering the wall as unsupported with "K" = 2.0. Since
even a very small axial load will activate the unsupported height/slenderness
calculation for masonry stems, we suggest you do not enter an axial load unless it is
significant (e.g. greater than, say, 3000 plf.).

Actual Moment

This is the maximum moment due to the lateral pressures and applied loads above
the "Design Height" location entered. Note that when concrete is used, all soil
pressures and loads are factored per default Load Factors for evaluation of moments
and shears.

Allowable Moment

This is the allowable moment capacity. It is Allowable Stress Design (ASD) for
masonry, or based upon Strength Design for concrete and when LRFD is specified for
masonry. For concrete strength design, the maximum reinforcing steel percentage is
controlled by equilibrium at the prescribed strain limits.

Total Force

This is the total lateral force from loads applied above the "Check Design at Height"
location entered. This force is factored for concrete and masonry using the LRFD
method. Forces applied to compute overturning, sliding, and soil pressure are not
factored.

Actual Shear

For masonry, the effective thickness is used to calculate the actual shear. The
effective thickness is the actual "d" distance for the moment applied, considering
partial or full grouting (equivalent solid thickness is not used). In other words, the unit

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shear is determined by dividing the total lateral force of the stem cross section by the
product of "d" * 12" unit width strip. Shears are calculated at the "Design height"
location entered, not at distance "d" above design height. Concrete stems use an area
of "d" x 12" for the shear area, and masonry stems use "d" x 12" per ACI 530-11,
Section 2.3.6.1.1.

Allowable Shear

For masonry designed by ASD according to ACI 530-11, the allowable shear stress
varies between 3*sqrt(f'm) and 2*sqrt(f'm) as a function of M/(Vd). No contribution of
shear strength is assumed from reinforcing steel in a retaining wall.

For masonry designed by LRFD according to ACI 530-11, the nominal shear strength
varies between 6*Anv*sqrt(f'm) and 4*Anv*sqrt(f'm) as a function of M/(Vd). Again, no
contribution of shear strength is assumed from reinforcing steel in a retaining wall.

For concrete, the nominal shear strength is 2* *sqrt(f'c), per ACI 318-05 Section
11.3.1.1 or ACI 318-08 Section 11.2.1.1 or ACI 318-11 Section 11.2.1.1.

Rebar Lap & Embedment Lengths

Regardless of the stem material, there are two fundamental lengths to calculate: lap
splice length and development length. These values are summarized in the "Rebar
Lap & Embedment Lengths" table, which can be accessed from the button on the
Stem tab. As of build 10.14.7.29, this table is only available in the Cantilevered
Retaining Wall module.

The following presents the formulas used and the limits applied to generate the values
in that table:

Straight Development Length of Rebar in Concrete: (Applies to all referenced

codes)

ld calc = (3/40) * (fy / sqrt(f'c)) * (psis / 2.5) * (bar size / 8)

psis = 0.8 for bar sizes #6 and smaller, 1.0 for bar sizes #7 and larger

ld report = ld calc but not less than 12 inches

(This is Eq. (12-1) with appropriate assumptions for bar location, clear cover, spacing,
transverse reinforcing, and epoxy coating.)

Lap Splice Length of Rebar in Concrete: (Applies to all referenced codes)

ls = 1.3 * ld calc but not less than 12 inches

Hooked Embedment of Rebar in Concrete: (Applies to all referenced codes)

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 43

ldh calc = 0.02 * (fy / sqrt(f'c)) * (bar size / 8) * 0.7 * (As required / As prov ided)

(As required / As prov ided) = the ratio of required to provided area of rebar (this is a user
option checkbox)

ldh report = ldh calc but not less than the larger of 8 bar diameters or 6 inches

Development Length of Rebar in Masonry designed by ASD: (Applies to all

referenced codes)

ld calc = (0.002) * (bar size / 8) * fs

fs = actual stress in rebar

ld report = ld calc but not less than 12 inches

(This is the IBC equation.)

Lap Splice Length of Rebar in Masonry designed by ASD: (Applies to all

referenced codes)

ls = Factor * ld calc but not less than 12 inches or 40 bar diameters

Factor = 1.5 in regions where design tensile stresses in reinforcement are greater
than 0.8 * fs , otherwise 1.0.

(As of build 10.14.7.29, the program conservatively assumes a value of 1.5 for the
"Factor" referenced above.)

Development Length of Rebar in Masonry designed by LRFD: (Applies to all

referenced codes)

ld calc = (0.13) * (bar size / 8)^2 * fy * gamma / (K * sqrt(f'm))

gamma = 1.0 for #3 through #5 bars, 1.3 for #6 through #7 bars, and 1.5 for #8
through #9 bars

K = 1.5 for #3 through #5 bars, 2.0 for #6 through #9 bars

ld report = ld calc but not less than 12 inches

(This is the ACI equation by direct reference from IBC. The value of K has
conservatively been set to the required clear cover for the selected bar exposed to
earth.)

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Lap Splice Length of Rebar in Masonry designed by LRFD: (Applies to all

referenced codes)

ls = 1.0 * ld calc but not less than 12 inches and need not be GREATER than 72 bar
diameters

General Notes on Rebar Lap & Embedment Lengths

For concrete stems, a Class B lap splice is assumed (see ACI 318-11, 12.15),
therefore the lap length is the bar development length x 1.3. Concrete is assumed to
be normal weight, and bars are assumed to be plain (not epoxy coated).

Concrete development lengths are computed per ACI 12.2.

For the bottom Design Height only (Ht. = 0.00), this displays the required hooked bar
embedment into the footing. It assumes a bar with a 90 bend and at least a 12-
diameter extension.

The minimum footing thickness required is based upon this embedment depth plus
the clearance you have specified below the bar (usually 3 inches). If this totals more
than the footing thickness you have chosen, a warning message will be displayed.

Note that if the bar extends straight down into a key, it must be embedded by a depth
equal to the development length.

The program does not reduce embedment length by stress level unless the user
selects the checkbox labeled Reduce Hook Embedment by Percent Rebar Stress.

The program never reduces lap splice lengths by the stress ratio. It is not permitted
by the referenced codes.

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4.3.2 Stem Tab for Tapered Stem Retaining Wall

Stem Tab for Tapered Stem Retaining Wall
When a Tapered Stem Retaining Wall is defined, the Stem tab will appear as shown below:

Note: Taper can only apply to the inside face (the face against the soil).

Material

The Material will automatically be defined as Concrete, since masonry cannot be

tapered.

Thickness: Top and Base

Enter the stem thickness at the top and at the bottom.

f’c and Fy

Enter concrete strength and rebar yield stress.

Rebar Cover

Select the rebar clear cover to consider in the design.

Stem Design

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Stem design will automatically be performed at the bottom of the stem (interface with
the footing). In addition, you can specify two additional heights above the base to
check moments and shears. These are identified as "@ Height #2" and "@ Height #1",
where the latter is the lower height.

Ht. Above Footing

Specify two heights above the top of footing elevation where a stem design should be
performed (such as where it would be desirable to change the rebar pattern or size for
economy). Height #2 is highest and Height at Stem Base will be fixed at 0.00. The #1
height should be located at a distance above the top of the footing that is at least equal
to the lap splice length for the dowels.

Rebar Depth "d"

This will be computed based upon the heights you have chosen, the specified wall
taper, and the specified Rebar Cover. (The calculation of Rebar Depth for a tapered
stem uses a conservative approximation by assuming a dimension of one-inch for the
rebar diameter, regardless of the size of rebar actually selected. Accordingly, the
program will adjust the rebar depth by a value of one-half of an inch to determine "d".)

Rebar Size

Use the drop-down list box to select the desired rebar size.

Rebar Spacing

Use the spinners to set the desired rebar spacing. (The maximum permissible
spacing is 18 inches, which is in accordance with ACI.)

Max. Permissible Spacing

This is the maximum permissible spacing for the rebar size selected. This is based
on the strength calculation, but it will stop at an upper limit of 18 inches in accordance with
ACI.

Mu

These are factored moments at the heights you have selected. These will be based
on the load factors that you specify on the Load Factors tab.

Compare these values with Design Moment as described below, to verify adequacy of
your design at the selected height location.

Mn

This is the design moment strength, which will be based upon the bar sizes and
spacings you established, along with wall geometry, concrete strength, etc.

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Status

This indicates whether each stem design is OK at the specified height. If there is a
problem, this will display a descriptive message such as "Mu > Phi Mn" or "As <
min" or "As > max" or "Ftg. Rebar Embed!".

Rebar Lap Req'd

This is the lap splice length required based on the bar size used at the specified
Design Height. It is the development length of the bar multiplied by 1.3 (assuming a
Class B splice) and without adjustment for stress level.

Rebar Hook Development Length into Footing

This is the hooked development length that is required for the bar size specified at the
stem base. It is based on the assumption that the bar is hooked into the footing with a
90 bend and minimum 12 db bar extension. The calculated values is also based on
the assumption that the side cover (normal to the plane of the hook) is not less than
2.5 inches and that the cover on the extension beyond the hook is not less than 2
inches. These latter assumptions facilitate the application of a factor of 0.7 to the
calculated value of ldh.

Shear at Section

This is the total factored shear at the indicated height.

Vu

Factored shear stress at designated height computed by Shear at Section / (12 "d").

Vn

Design Shear Strength based upon 0.75 2 sqrt(f'c) for concrete.

Option to reduce hooked bar embedment depth

When the checkbox is checked the program will reduce the hooked embedment depth
by the considering the ratio of (As required)/(As provided).

Concrete Density

Use the spinners to set the unit weight of the concrete.

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4.3.3 Stem Tab for Gravity Retaining Wall

Stem Tab for Gravity Retaining Wall
When a Gravity Retaining Wall is defined, the Stem tab will appear as shown below:

Gravity walls may have one or both sides tapered and are assumed to be proportioned such
that no reinforcing is required since every section is primarily in compression. Any solid
homogeneous material may be used. Reinforcing can be added if there is any tension in the
cross section, but the program does not compute this requirement.

Although the program only permits straight tapered sides (no crooks), changes in batter on
either face, or even curved surfaces, can be modeled with reasonably close results.

Material

Use this drop-down list box to specify the material being considered.

Wall Weight

Enter the weight of the wall material in pcf. Generally this will be the weight of concrete
or rubble (approximately 145 pcf).

Front Batter Distance

Enter the offset of the front face at top of the wall from the front face at the base.

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Thickness at Top

Enter the thickness of the top of the wall.

Back Batter Distance

Enter the offset of the back face at the top of the wall from the back face at the base.

F’c Max. Compression

Enter your criteria for the maximum permissible compressive stress on the wall.
Usually varies from 100 psi to over 700 psi.

Ft Max. Tension

Enter your criteria for the maximum permissible tensile stress on the wall. Usually
varies from about 15 psi to 40 psi. Generally gravity walls are designed such that there
is no tension – the full cross section is in compression.

Stem Design

Stem design will automatically be performed at the bottom of the stem (interface with
the footing). In addition, you can specify two additional heights above the base to
check stresses. These are identified as "@ Height #2" and "@ Height #1", where the
latter is the lower height.

Height Above Footing

Specify two heights above the top of footing elevation where stem stresses should be
checked. Height #2 is highest and @Stem Base will be fixed at 0.00.

Wall Thickness @ Height

Displays the calculated values of wall thickness at the heights you have specified for
analysis.

Section Modulus

Displays the computed section modulus at the heights selected for analysis.

Moment @ Height

Displays the moment at the designated design heights.

Vertical Load @ Height

Displays the summation of vertical loads above designated height.

Maximum Tension / Compression Stress

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Displays extreme tension and compression stresses based on interaction formulas.

Status

Indicates "OK" if not tension exists. If tension exists but it does not exceed the user-
specified threshold then the status indicates "Tension Exists". If tension exists to a
degree that exceeds the user-specified threshold then the status indicates "Tension
Exceeded". If compression exists to a degree that exceeds the user-specified
threshold then the status indicates "Compression Exceeded".

Shear @ Section

Displays total shear force at the designated height.

Actual Unit Shear

Displays the calculated shear stress at the designated height. Compare this with the
allowable shear for the material you have selected.

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4.3.4 Stem Tab for Restrained Retaining Wall

Stem Tab for Restrained Retaining Wall
When a Restrained Retaining Wall is defined, the Stem tab will appear as shown below:

If Restrained Stem is selected, you may have a lateral support (such as an abutting roof,
slab-on-grade over backfill, or tiebacks). The lateral support should be near the top of the wall,
although some extension of the wall above the support is permitted by the program. You have
the option of fixing the base (as for a cantilevered wall) or assuming it pinned. Intermediate
degrees of fixity are not permitted. The program will compute moments, shears, and stresses
at three locations: base (negative moment if fixed; zero moment if pinned), maximum positive
moment between base and lateral support, and at the point of lateral support.

Material

Select Masonry or Concrete. Only one material can be used, and must be of constant
thickness.

Support Height

Use the spinners to define the height from base to the elevation of the lateral support.

100% Fixity @ Base

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Clicking this box will model the stem as being fully fixed at the base (connection to the
footing). If unchecked, the stem will be considered pinned to the footing (no moment
fixity).

Stem Thickness

The program only permits a constant thickness throughout the height of the wall.
Use the spinners to establish the stem thickness. If Masonry is chosen, the drop-down
list box will offer common CMU sizes.

Design Method (Only applies to Masonry stems)

Select the design method to be used, either ASD or LRFD.

Multiply Block Weight By (Only applies to Masonry stems)

Provides a multiplier input field in case it becomes necessary to adjust the data. See
Appendix C for masonry wall weights.

Solid Grout (Only applies to Masonry stems)

If this box is checked the weight of the wall will be based upon industry standard
values for the weights of solid-grouted walls of lightweight, medium weight, or normal
weight block based on the selection for CMU weight type.

If this box is not checked, the program will calculate the weight based upon grouting of
only cells containing reinforcing.

This also affects equivalent solid thickness for stem shear calculations, and area for
axial stress calculations (combined with moment for masonry stems).

f'm

For Masonry stem segments, enter the compressive strength of masonry in units of
psi. This input is not applicable to Concrete stem segments.

f'c

For Concrete stem segments, enter the compressive strength of concrete in units of
psi. This input is not applicable to Masonry stem segments.

Fs

For ASD masonry design, select the allowable steel stress, based on working stress
design, which should be used for design of the masonry stem segment. The drop-
down list box allows quick selection of common values. This input is not applicable to
LRFD masonry design or to concrete design.

Fy

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For LRFD masonry design and for concrete design, select the rebar yield stress to
used for design of the indicated stem segment. The drop-down list box allows quick
selection of common values. This input is not applicable to ASD masonry design.

Em = f'm *

This input collects the value by which the compressive strength of masonry is
multiplied to arrive at the value of the modulus of elasticity for masonry. IBC ’06
specifies Em = 900*f’m which is the default value.

CMU Type

(Applies to Masonry stem segments only.) This input provides a drop-down list box
that offers the common CMU weights.

Concrete Density

(Applies to Concrete stems only.) This input provides spinners to define the unit
weight of the concrete for the stem.

Rebar Cover

This appears if a concrete stem is chosen and lets you enter desired cover on toe and
earth side. The cover is used to calculate the "d" dimension when the rebar is
specified to be in the "Edge" position of Concrete stems in the Stem Design category,
which is explained in more detail below. When the rebar is specified to be in the
"Edge" position of Masonry stems, the program uses tabular data on the geometry of
various CMU sizes to calculate the "d" dimension. (Refer to the "Stem Tab for
Cantilevered Retaining Wall" topic for detailed information regarding the calculated "d"
dimension for Masonry stems.)

Stem Design

This allows you to design or check wall moment and shear at three locations: @ Top
Support, @ Mmax Between Ends, and @ Stem Base. If base is pinned, the entries
under @ Stem Base will be zero or dimmed.

Ht. Above Footing

This displays, from left to right, the distance from the top of footing up to the lateral
support, the distance from the top of footing up to the point of maximum positive
moment, and it displays 0.00 ft to represent the design that is performed at the base of
the stem.

Rebar Depth "d"

From the thickness and center/edge condition, the program determines the "d"
dimension to be used for design (using internal tables and default modifications). See

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Rebar Position above. For concrete stems with bars in the "Edge" position, the
program automatically uses the specified clear cover and assumes a one-half inch
allowance for one-half of a bar diameter when determining "d".

Rebar Size

Select from the drop-down list box.

Rebar Location

Choose Center or Edge placement.

Rebar Spacing

For Concrete stems, use the spinners to increment the rebar spacing. For Masonry
stems, use the drop-down list box to select a modular spacing.

Rebar Placement

Serves as a convenient reminder to indicate which side of the wall the specified rebar
is considered to be placed on.

Mu (Only for Concrete Stems and for Masonry Stems designed according to
LRFD)

Displays factored moments at the indicated locations with (+) and (-) as applicable.
For concrete stems and for masonry stems designed according to LRFD, the
moments will be factored by the load factors specified on the Load Factors tab.

Actual Moment (Only for Masonry Stems designed according to ASD)

Displays actual moments at the indicated locations with (+) and (-) as applicable.

Mn (Only for Concrete Stems and for Masonry Stems designed according to
LRFD)

This is the design moment strength, which will be based upon the bar sizes and
spacings you established, along with wall geometry, concrete strength, etc.

Allowable Moment (Only for Masonry Stems designed according to ASD)

This is the allowable moment capacity based upon the bar sizes and spacings you
established, along with wall geometry, concrete strength, etc.

Status

This indicates whether the stem design is OK at the specified height. If there is a
problem, this will display a descriptive message such as "Mu > Phi * Mn" or "As < min"
or "As > max" or "Ftg. Rebar Embed!".

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Rebar Lap Req'd

For masonry, the lap required is 48 bar diameters for Fs = 32,000 psi and
40 diameters for Fs = 20,000 psi.

For concrete, a Class B splice is assumed, which multiplies the development length
by 1.3 (See ACI 12.15.2), and excludes reduction for stress level.

Note: The program does not compute or display bar cut-off points, which must be
done manually, or extend positive reinforcing so it is acceptable.

Rebar Hook Development Length into Footing

This is the hooked development length that is required for the bar size specified at the
stem base. It is based on the assumption that the bar is hooked into the footing with a
90 bend and minimum 12 db bar extension. The calculated values is also based on
the assumption that the side cover (normal to the plane of the hook) is not less than
2.5 inches and that the cover on the extension beyond the hook is not less than 2
inches. These latter assumptions facilitate the application of a factor of 0.7 to the
calculated value of ldh.

Shear at Section

This is the total shear force at the indicated height (factored for concrete or masonry
designed according to LRFD).

Factored Shear Stress (or Applied Shear Stress for Masonry Stems designed
according to ASD)

Shear stress at designated height computed by Shear at Section / (12 "d") (factored
for concrete or masonry designed according to LRFD).

Design Shear Strength (or Allowable Shear Stress for Masonry Stems
designed according to ASD)

For masonry designed by ASD according to ACI 530-11, the allowable shear stress
varies between 3*sqrt(f'm) and 2*sqrt(f'm) as a function of M/(Vd). No contribution of
shear strength is assumed from reinforcing steel in a retaining wall.

For masonry designed by LRFD according to ACI 530-11, the nominal shear strength
varies between 6*Anv*sqrt(f'm) and 4*Anv*sqrt(f'm) as a function of M/(Vd). Again, no
contribution of shear strength is assumed from reinforcing steel in a retaining wall.

For concrete, the nominal shear strength is 2* *sqrt(f'c), per ACI 318-05 Section
11.3.1.1 or ACI 318-08 Section 11.2.1.1 or ACI 318-11 Section 11.2.1.1.

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4.4 Footing Tab

Footing Tab
The Footing tab collects the data required to define the footing geometry and reinforcing, and
the key geometry and reinforcing if one is present. This is also where certain design decisions
can be made regarding how the program handles the sliding calculations.

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4.4.1 Footing Design Sub-tab

Footing Design Sub-tab

Footing Size & Materials

Toe Width

This is the width of the Toe of the footing, and is measured from the front edge of the
footing to the front face of the stem. Can be set to 0.00 for a property line condition. All
overturning and resisting moments are taken about the bottom-front edge of the toe.

Heel Width

Distance from front face of stem to back of heel projection. If a dimension is entered
that is less than the stem width at the base, the program will automatically reset the
heel dimension to at least the stem width. For a property line at the rear face of the
stem, set this dimension to be equal to the stem width.

Total Footing Width

The calculated width of the footing, Toe Width + Heel Width.

Thickness

Total footing thickness, NOT including the key depth (if used). For bending and shear
design of the footing, the rebar depth "d" is taken as Footing Depth - Rebar Cover - ½"
(the additional 1/2" is to account for the rebar radius). If footing thickness is inadequate
for shear capacity a red warning indicator will appear.

The footing thickness must be greater than the hooked rebar embedment length
required for the bottom stem reinforcing + rebar cover. The program adds the
calculated hooked bar embedment from the Stem screen and adds it to the rebar
cover you have chosen for the bottom of the footing (usually 3"). If the specified
thickness is inadequate, increase the thickness, or change the stem dowels.

Center Stem on Footing

Clicking this bar will adjust the toe and heel widths you have entered so the stem is
centered on the footing but the overall footing width remains the same.

Automatic Width Design

Clicking this button will cause the program to iterate footing widths until the soil
pressure, overturning stability, and sliding stability ratios are acceptable. You can
select either a fixed toe or heel distance, or balance the toe and heel dimensions. You
can also select whether the resultant must be within the middle third of the footing.
After clicking “Design,” the widths required will be displayed.

Automatic footing design is not available for Restrained Walls, Gravity Walls, or

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Segmental Walls.

f'c

Enter concrete compressive stress for footing.

Fy

Allowable rebar yield stress to be used for design of footing bending reinforcement.

Rebar Cover in Heel/Toe

Distance from the face of concrete to edge of rebar. The program will add 1/2" to this
value and subtract the result from the footing thickness to determine the bending "d"
distance.

Minimum Temperature & Shrinkage As Percentage

Enter the minimum steel percentage to address temperature and shrinkage

requirements in the footing (commonly 0.0018 Ag for Fy= 60,000 psi). If the % steel
required by stress analysis is less than 200/Fy, the minimum of (200/Fy -or- 1.333 *
bending percentage required) is calculated and compared with the Minimum
Temperature & Shrinkage As % entered here, and the greater of the two is used to
calculate rebar spacing requirements.
Neglect Upward Pressure at Heel

For heel calculations you may choose to neglect the upward soil pressure, typically
resulting in greater heel moment. If this box is checked the Mu for upward loads will be
zero.

Footing Rebar Requirements

Rebar at Stem Base

This is a reminder of the size and spacing of the reinforcing used at the bottom of the
stem, to make it easier to select toe reinforcing to match (toe reinforcing is usually the
bottom stem dowel bars bent toward the toe).

Toe Reinforcing Options

This list provides options for reinforcing sizes and spacing for the toe bars (located in
the bottom of the footing). Typically the toe bars are extensions of the stem dowels,
which are bent out toward the toe. Therefore, you will probably just want to verify that
the stem dowel bar size and spacing would also be adequate for use in the toe.

NOTE: If “No reinf’ req’d” message appears, it means the flexural capacity of the
footing (modulus of rupture times the section modulus, with 2” deducted from the

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 Cantilevered and Restrained Retaining Walls 59

thickness for crack allowance per code) is adequate to resist the applied moment.
However, the designer in some cases may consider it prudent to add reinforcing
regardless of the theoretical flexural capacity. For plain concrete per ACI 22.5.1, Fr =

Φ5 (f’c )1/2.

Heel Reinforcing Options

This list provides options for acceptable sizes and spacing for heel bars (located in
the top of the footing). It is desirable to select a spacing that is modular with the stem
dowel bars for ease of construction. Note: The program does not calculate the heel
bar development length inward from the back face of the stem (where the moment is
maximum). You can refer to Appendix B for development lengths in concrete, which
can be adjusted for the stress level in the heel bars. When detailing footing reinforcing
it is important to consider and specify development lengths for both toe and heel bars.

NOTE: If “No reinf’ req’d” message appears, it means the flexural capacity of the
footing (modulus of rupture times the section modulus, with 2” deducted from the
thickness for crack allowance per code) is adequate to resist the applied moment.
However, the designer in some cases may consider it prudent to add reinforcing
regardless of the theoretical flexural capacity.

Rebar Selections

Use these three size and spacing entries to select your toe, heel, and if applicable, key
reinforcing. The "Max @" message tells you the maximum spacing allowed for the bar
selected.

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4.4.2 Key Design & Sliding Options

Key Design & Sliding Options
This screen is used to indicate whether a key is to be used, and if so, specify its dimensions.
This screen also collects information about the design intent for the sliding check, and
presents a summary of the sliding forces.

Slab is present to resist all sliding forces

Provides a way to communicate to the program that sliding is not a design

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consideration, because in the designer's judgment, sliding is completely precluded,

such as by a slab on grade on the toe side of the wall that prevents sliding altogether.
If this option is selected, the lateral sliding force is displayed for checking the
resistance offered by the slab, and the slab is assumed to be at the top of the footing,
but not higher.

Key Dimensions

Key Depth

Depth of the key below the bottom of footing. The bottom of the key is used as the
lower horizontal plane for determining the size of the passive pressure block from the
soil in front of the footing. Adjust this depth so the sliding safety factor is acceptable,
but not less than 1.5.

Key Width
Width of the key, measured along the same direction as the footing width. This is
usually 12"-14", but generally not less than one-half the key depth so flexural stresses
in the key are usually minimal.

Key Location
Enter the distance from the front edge of the toe to the front of the key. Do not enter a
distance greater than the footing width minus key width.

Align with Stem

Click this button to align the front edge of key with the front of the stem. If the key width
is then set to a value that is reasonably close to the stem width, the stem bars may be
able to be extended down into the key to facilitate rebar development.

Use sliding calc per 1807.2.1 of IBC 2009/2012 and CBC 2010/2013

When this option is selected, the program will consider the driving force to extend all
the way to the bottom of the key. If this option is NOT selected (such as to check the
stability of a design that was performed based on a code prior to IBC 2009 and CBC
2010) then the driving force will not extend below the bottom of the footing.

Sliding Resistance Method

Enter whether sliding resistance will be by friction and passive pressure or by

cohesion and passive pressure.

Soil Over Toe to Neglect for Sliding Resistance

Since the soil over the toe of the footing may be loose and uncompacted, it may have
little or no passive resistance. This entry gives the option to neglect some portion of
the Height of Soil Over Toe entered in the General tab. You can neglect the soil over
toe plus the footing thickness, if desired.

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% Passive Usable for Sliding Resistance

Enter a value from zero to 100% to indicate the percentage of the calculated passive
pressure that will be used as resistance in the sliding calculation. This may be a
stated restriction in the geotechnical report.

Footing/Soil Friction Factor

Enter the friction factor here. It usually varies from 0.25 to 0.45, and is generally
provided by the geotechnical engineer.

% Friction Usable for Sliding Resistance

Enter a value from zero to 100% to indicate the percentage of the calculated friction
force that will be used as resistance in the sliding calculation. This may be a stated
restriction in the geotechnical report.

Summary of Sliding Forces

Lateral Force @ Base of Footing

This is the total lateral force against the stem and footing which causes the wall to
slide and which must be resisted.

Less Passive Pressure Force

This uses the allowable passive pressure in pcf and the available depth ("footing
thickness" plus "soil above toe" less "height to neglect") multiplied by the "percent
usable" you specified to compute the total passive resistance. Weight due to toe
surcharge, if applicable, will also be incorporated into the calculation of the passive
force. If a key is used, the available passive pressure depth will be to the bottom of the
key.

Less Friction Force

This is the total vertical reaction multiplied by the friction factor, and then multiplied by
the "percent usable" you specified.

Added Resisting Force Required

If this value is indicated as 0.0 lbs., then there is no requirement for additional resisting
force in order to achieve a static balance of forces, but it does not necessarily mean
that there is an adequate factor of safety against sliding. Watch the Sliding Ratio on
the Results tab, Summary sub-tab for an adequate value (usually 1.5). Consider
adding a key or modifying footing geometry if required.

Added Resisting Force Required for 1.5:1 Factor of Safety

This is the additional resisting force that would be required in order to achieve a 1.5
safety factor. If this value is indicated as 0.0 lbs., then the Siding Ratio is already 1.5 or

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greater.

Key Rebar Requirement

Key Reinforcing

This area indicates the permissible spacing values for a variety of logical rebar sizes,
and allows the user to specify the size and spacing of the rebar in the key.

Sliding Factor of Safety

This reports the ratio of passive and friction resistance to the total lateral force. This
should be at least 1.5, or 1.1 if seismic is activated.

NOTE: If lateral restraint is provided by an abutting floor slab (by checking the "Slab
is present..." box), the sliding factor of safety will not be displayed, but the
“Lateral Force @ Base of Footing” will be displayed for checking restraint
adequacy of the slab.

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4.4.3 Pier Design

Pier Design
Checking the Use Pier Foundation checkbox (on the sub-tabs under the Footing tab) will
replace the Key Design & Sliding Options sub-tab with the Pier Design sub-tab as shown
below:

This allows you to use drilled cast-in-place concrete piers spaced in a single row along the

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length of the wall. The default is without lateral support at the footing level. If lateral support is
available, such as an abutting slab at the footing level, check the box labeled "Lateral support
at Top of Pier". The Key Dimensions & Sliding tab is not applicable when piers are used so
the Key Dimensions & Sliding Options tab is not displayed when the Use Pier Foundation
checkbox is checked. However, the Footing Design tab does remain active, so you can adjust
the footing dimensions as necessary for the piers, and adjust as needed for torsion
resistance (see below).

Lateral Support at Top of Pier

Provides a way to specify that there is lateral restraint at or near the top of the pier. If
this option is checked, the program will offer a related item named "Assumed Fixity
Below Embed"

Vert. Load from Wall, plf

This is the total vertical load imposed upon the piers from the wall above, including the
footing weight. It matches the total vertical load from the Resisting Moment summary.

Lateral Load from Wall, plf

This is the net sliding force and matches the total force shown on the Overturning
Moments summary for the wall.

Added Lateral at Top of Pier, lbs

The geotechnical engineer may recommend an added lateral force at or near the top
of the pier (sometimes termed “creep”). This may be a triangular force but for
simplicity it is assumed to act at the top of the pier.

End Soil Bearing Allow, psf

Allowable end bearing pressure at bottom of pier.

Pier Skin Friction, psf

If applicable, enter the allowable skin friction on the pier for added vertical load
capacity. This may require conversion from a friction angle.

Allow. Passive Pressure, pcf

This is used to define the variation in allowable passive pressure with depth.

Apply Safety Factor to Allowable Passive Pressure

Allows the user to use a drop-down list box to select a safety factor that will be applied
to the calculated passive pressure

Actual Passive Pressure, pcf

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Reports the value of Allowable Passive Pressure in pcf divided by the safety factor
selected above.

Max. Allow. Passive Pressure, psf

Specifies the upper limit on the allowable passive pressure. The allowable passive
pressure will increase with depth until it reaches this value, at which point the
allowable passive pressure will remain constant at this value.

Diameter Multiplier for Pass. Resistance

The geotechnical engineer may permit a multiplier to the diameter for greater effective
passive resistance. The default is 1.0.

Footing Toe to C.L. Pier, ft

This dimension from the toe of the footing will locate the centerline of the pier.

Eccentricity of Vertical Load to C.L. Pier, ft

This is the calculated distance between the centerline of the pier and the location of
the resultant vertical load.

Load Factor for Pier Design

Enter the load factor to be used in the reinforced concrete design of the pier.

Pier Spacing, ft

This usually ranges from six to ten feet and often requires adjusting to optimize.

fc, psi

Enter the pier concrete strength.

Fy, psi

Enter the yield strength of the pier reinforcing.

Diameter Required, in

Diameter required based upon applied Vertical Load and the allowable end soil bearing
pressure.

Diameter Used, in

If skin friction is used (activated by checkbox below) the diameter can be adjusted
provided Total Bearing Capacity exceeds Total Vert. Load to Pier.

Effective Embedment Required, ft

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This uses the “pole embedment” equations per IBC ’06 Section 1805.7.2 or IBC '09
Section 1807.3 or IBC '12 Section 1807.3 to determine the required pier embedment
depth based upon the passive pressure entered and the applied moment to pier. The
embedment depth will vary depending upon whether the checkbox for lateral support
at top is checked.

Ignore Passive Pressure from Pier Top, ft

Since the soil near the top of a drilled pier may be disturbed and uncompacted, it may
have little or no passive resistance. This entry gives the option to neglect the passive
pressure over the specified height at the top of the drilled pier.

Total Embedment Required, ft

This is the sum of "Effective Embedment Required" plus "Ignore Passive Pressure
from Pier Top".

Effective Embedment Used, ft

Input a depth of embedment considered to be effective below the section where

passive pressure is being ignored.

Total Embedment Used, ft

This is the sum of "Effective Embedment Used" plus "Ignore Passive Pressure from
Pier Top".

Location of point of inflection

Use the drop-down list box to select the ratio of depth-to-inflection to effective
embedment depth. Tests suggest 1/6 is reasonable; 1/3 is conservative. This will be
used to calculate the maximum moment applied to pier. The resulting length will be
measured below the zone where passive pressure is ignored (if any).

Apply Skin Friction (with option to ignore some length of skin friction)

Check this if skin friction is to be used to increase vertical capacity of pier. If selected,
there is an entry for depth to be ignored for skin friction.

No. of Bars (circular)

Select the number of bars. They are assumed to be in a circular pattern.

Size of Rebar

Select size of bars to use in the circular pattern.

Applied Moment at Pier Top, ft-lbs

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This is the wall overturning moment multiplied by the pier spacing.

Pier Design Mu, ft-lbs

This is the total factored design moment applied to the pier.

Allow. Pier Mom., phi Mn, ft-lbs

This is the design moment capacity of the pier using the strength values input and a
phi factor of 0.90. This uses the Whitney Approximation method which is slightly
conservative.

Applied Shear at Pier Top, lbs

This is the Lateral Load from Wall multiplied by the pier spacing.

Shear in Pier, lbs

This is the total factored design shear applied to the pier. It includes lateral load from
the wall, and additional shear due to the pier reacting out the applied moment.

Actual Shear, Vu, psi

Displays factored shear stress.

Allow. Shear, phi Vn, psi

Displays design shear strength using a phi value of 0.75: phi vn = 0.75*2*(fc )1/2

Total Vert. Load to Pier, lbs

This is the Vertical Load from Wall multiplied by the pier spacing.

Total Vertical Capacity, lbs

This combines both end bearing capacity and skin friction, as applicable.

Axial Stress, fa, psi

This is the total vertical load / pier area. This is for reference only since it is not
considered a critical design consideration.

Footing Torsion, Tu, ft-lbs

Displays factored torsional force in footing, which is calculated as moment from wall
multiplied by one-half pier spacing.

Footing Torsion Allow., phi Tn, ft-lbs

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Displays torsional design strength of the footing based on ACI 318-05 Section 11.6.1
or ACI 318-08 Section 11.5.1 or ACI 318-11 Section 11.5.1.

DESIGN STATUS messages

If “Pier Problem” is displayed, vertical load capacity or moment capacity is exceeded,

or embedment depth is insufficient.

For more information on pier foundation design see Basics of Retaining Wall Design,
9th Edition

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4.5 Load Factors

Load Factors
This tab allows the code-specified load factors to be reviewed and edited if necessary.

Load Type / Load Factors

For each type of load (DL, LL, etc) the default factor will be displayed. These values
can be edited for the current design. If desired, the edit values can be made the
default for future designs by clicking the button labeled "Set These Factors As
Defaults". Remember to review these factors for each new design since they are
editable.

NOTE: The above factors apply to Strength Design (concrete stem sections and
footing), and masonry design when LRFD is selected. For Allowable Strength Design
for masonry, all factors are set at 1.0 except earthquake (E) is 0.7, to convert strength-
based E to a service-level load.

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4.6 Results Tab

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4.6.1 Summary
Summary
This screen summarizes the footing/soil bearing results obtained from previous screens,
including a message whether the resultant is within or outside the middle third of the footing.
This is not an input screen. It's strictly for your review.

Stability Ratios

These are displayed for both overturning and sliding.

Soil Loading Results

Soil Pressure @ Toe and Heel

This is the resulting soil pressure for both the toe and heel based on service loads. If
the eccentricity is outside the middle third, the heel pressure will show 0.00, and the
program will calculate the toe pressure assuming no tension at the heel.

Allowable Soil Pressure

This is for reference as entered on the General tab.

Total Bearing Load

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This is the sum of all vertical forces.

Resultant Eccentricity

Distance from center of footing to the resultant of the soil pressure distribution.

Eccentricity Within/Outside Middle Third

If the eccentricity is greater than one-sixth the footing width, the resultant is outside the
middle third. (If outside the middle third, the program computes the toe soil pressure
assuming no tension at the heel.)

Footing Results

ACI Factored Soil Pressure @ Toe and Heel

ACI or AASHTO load factors are applied to all loads to determine total vertical load for
soil pressure used in calculating footing moments and shears. This load is then
applied at the same eccentricity calculated for service load soil pressures to yield the
factored soil pressures for footing design using LRFD design principles.

Note that since factored vertical loads are applied at the non-factored resultant
eccentricity, a true 1.6 load factor applied to lateral earth pressure is not used for
footing design. ACI load factors are intended to give conservative results for design.
Calculation of a factored load eccentricity would give soil pressure diagrams that
would not always represent the actual soil pressure distribution under the footing, and
yield unreasonable results. Factored lateral earth pressure, however, is always used
for concrete stem design.

M u Design @ Toe/Heel

These are the factored moments at face of stem for toe and heel moments. Since
neither can be greater than the stem base moment (factored if concrete stem), the
latter may govern. These moments will be reduced if you choose to neglect the
upward soil pressure on the Footing tab.

A message will indicate which controls.

Shear @ Toe and Heel

These items report the factored shear stress from the one-way action in the footing.
The toe shear stress is calculated at a distance "d" (footing thickness - rebar cover)
from the face of the bottom stem segment. (If "d" is greater than the projecting toe
length, then the one-way toe shear is reported as zero.) The heel shear stress is
calculated at the face of the stem.

Allowable Footing Shear

The design shear strength calculated as (0.75 * 2 * * f'c ½ ).

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4.6.2 Resisting Moments

Resisting Moments
This screen presents in tabular form each component contributing to resisting moment, giving
weights and moment arms from the front edge of the toe to the centroid of the force.

Resisting/Overturning ratio is displayed.

The force and moment displayed at the bottom accounts for deduction of effect of vertical
component, if box on the General tab has been checked.

For calculating the vertical component, if checked on the General tab, and if the EFP method
was chosen, the program will back-solve using the Rankine formula to obtain an equivalent
internal friction angle.

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4.6.3 Overturning Moments

Overturning Moments
This screen presents in tabular form each component acting horizontally to overturn the wall/
footing system. The centroid of each force is multiplied by its distance up from the bottom of
the footing. The Heel Active Pressure includes the effect of surcharges and water table, if
applicable, and its Distance is to the centroid of the total lateral force.

The total overturning moment is displayed along with the Resisting/Overturning ratio.

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4.6.4 Wall Tilt

Wall Tilt
This computes the horizontal displacement at the top of a wall caused by rotation due to
compression of the soil under the toe.

You must enter the modulus of subgrade reaction. The program divides the soil bearing
stress in psi by the soil modulus (psi/inch) to quantify the displacement at the footing. Then,
assuming the wall and footing are rigid, the program determines the horizontal displacement
at the top of the wall based on the amount of rotation experienced at the footing.

Note: This is approximate due to variation in soil pressure under the footing, and
does not include deflection of the stem due to lateral earth pressures. (The latter is
usually less than the "tilt" deflection, and if desired, must be done by hand
calculation, requiring investigation of cracked and uncracked moments of inertia.)

To mobilize the active pressure in retained earth, it is often considered that the deflection at
top must be greater than or equal to 0.005 x Htotal.

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4.7 Stability Tab (Restrained Walls only)

Stability (Restrained Walls)
For Restrained Walls the Stability sub-tab will appear, summarizing the conditions regarding
base fixity and base lateral restraint.

A banner displays whether a slab is present to resist base sliding (box checked on Footing
> Key Design tab) and whether fixed or pinned at base, as previously selected on the Stem
tab.

The reaction at the top restraint is displayed.

The Sliding forces are displayed.

For analyzing the stem, if it is assumed “pinned” at the bottom (option is located on the
Stem tab), and a slab is not present to resist sliding, then the theoretical overturning of the
footing due to the reaction at the base of the stem, is the horizontal reaction at the bottom of
the stem times the thickness of the footing. In actual practice the footing will be constructed
integrally with the stem (not a true “pin”) therefore the program will compare the theoretical
moment at the footing-stem interface to the allowable moment, and if the allowable moment
exceeds the theoretical applied moment at the footing-stem interface, the soil bearing will
be displayed as a uniform value.

If slab restraint is provided, the moment applied to the footing is the total vertical load times

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its eccentricity from the center of the footing. This moment is displayed (on the Stability tab)
and is used to compute soil pressure. As above, if the allowable moment of the stem-
footing interface exceeds the theoretical applied moment the soil pressure will be computed
as uniform.

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4.8 Construction Tab

Construction
This graphics screen displays a construction drawing showing the pertinent construction data
for the wall as you have entered it. It can be printed, copied to the Windows clipboard, or a
DXF file can be generated for importing to your CAD software. This graphic is intended as a
check of your input and is not editable.

To print, use Print button at top left. Layers of information can be turned on and off by
checkboxes across the top of the drawing view.

This drawing will not depict the wall in a graphically correct way until sufficient data has been
entered. Only a default graphic will appear initially.

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4.9 Wall Loading Tab

Wall Loading Diagram
This diagram displays the active or at-rest pressure distribution, the passive pressure
distribution, any applied loads that have been defined, and the maximum soil pressure
distribution.
Loads are color-coded and may be turned on and off by using the checkboxes across the top
of the diagram.
To print, use button at upper left.

Note that if seismic or adjacent footing loads are used, the Wall Loading diagram does not
graphically depict these loads, but they are included in the reaction shown at the bottom of the
diagram.

This feature not available for segmental walls

This drawing will not depict the wall in a graphically correct way until sufficient data has been
entered. Only a default graphic will appear initially.

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4.10 Diagrams Tab

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4.10.1 Shear and Moment Diagrams

Shear and Moment Diagrams

These diagrams display applied and resisting moments and shears plotted along the height of
the stem.

Each change in section (material, thickness, or reinforcing) is marked.

For concrete stem sections, the applied moments and shears are factored, and resisting
moments and shears are design strengths based upon LRFD design.

For masonry stem sections designed according to LRFD, the applied moments and shears
are factored, and resisting moments and shears are design strengths. For masonry stem
sections designed according to ASD, the applied moments and shears are service-level
loads, and resisting moments and shears are allowable strengths.

The moment resisting line is usually sloped to reflect the variation in resisting capacity with
reduced remaining rebar development length.

These curves will be useful for visualizing and determining cutoff points for reinforcing, and
general viewing of the stem adequacy.

This feature not available for gravity or segmental walls.

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4.11 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
GENERAL:

For cantilever walls the stem is fixed to the footing, the footing is free to rotate on the
supporting soil, and no lateral restraint can exist at or near the top of the wall (otherwise it is
not a cantilevered wall).

For restrained ("basement" or "tie-back") walls, the program assumes either 100% fixity at the
base, or pinned (zero rotational fixity). Lateral support is at or near the top, and moment/
shears are computed at the base, maximum positive, and at the upper support. The program
does not check flexural stress reduction for axial loads (the unity interaction formula) since in
most cases of basement walls the h/t ratio is below about 10 for masonry walls and
somewhat higher for concrete, and axial stresses are low. If axial stresses are considered
significant (say over 1000 lbs. per ft. length of wall), the interaction should be checked at the
point of maximum positive moment.

For restrained walls, the program assumes that the restraint at or near the top is provided by
a continuous line of restraint, such as could be provided by continuous connection to a slab or
other diaphragm. If the connection between the retaining wall and the restraining diaphragm
occurs only at discrete points, the horizontal span of the wall between those tieback points
may become a design consideration. This potential failure mode would have to be checked by
supplemental hand calculations, as the program does not consider this type of behavior.

References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

Stem design material is limited to concrete or concrete masonry. Design strength of concrete
and masonry may be specified.

Conventional "heel" and "toe" terminology is used, whereby the "heel" side of the wall
supports the retained earth. In this program, the "heel" distance is measured from the front
face of the stem.

Concrete design for stem and footing is based upon ultimate strength design (SD) using
factored loads. Factors for various building codes will be displayed on the Load Factors page,
and may be edited. Since they are editable, be sure to check them before starting a design
since you may have changed them.

Masonry design is based upon the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) or Strength Design (SD),
as selected.

A geotechnical engineer will typically have determined design criteria (equivalent fluid
pressure, allowable soil bearing pressure, sliding coefficient, etc.). If this is not the case, you
can enter the angle of internal friction for the soil, and the program will compute the
corresponding active pressure, using the Rankine or Coulomb formulas based upon the soil
density and backfill slope you have specified. If either the Rankine or Coulomb method is
chosen, passive pressure will be based upon the Rankine Formula, assuming a level toe-side
backfill.

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Global stability is not checked.

Weight of concrete block masonry can be lightweight, medium weight, or normal weight, per
the table in this User's Manual. Refer to Appendix C.

Horizontal temperature/shrinkage reinforcing is at the discretion of the designer and is not

computed by the program. For horizontal temperature and shrinkage reinforcing for various
stems see Appendix A.

Axial loads may be applied to the top of the stem but it is recommended that they do not
exceed about 3,000 lbs to avoid reversal of heel bending moment. Slenderness interaction
reductions for cantilevered walls are not calculated since h/t ratios are typically less than
about 12. Only "positive" eccentricities from the centerline of the top stem are accepted (i.e.
toward the toe), since negative eccentricity could lead to unconservative results.

Excessively high axial loads are not anticipated by the program and should not be applied if
they would cause tension in the bottom of the footing heel – the program assumes typical
retaining wall conditions where the heel moment causes tension at the top of the footing. If a
design requires a very high axial load, say, over 3 kips/lf, it is suggested to use footing design
software or hand calculations.

Concrete block thicknesses of 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", and 16" are allowed in the program.

Bond stress masonry for masonry stems. Flexural bond is a slipping (grip) stress between
reinforcing and grout, resulting from the incremental change in moment from one point to
another, and is a function of the total shear at the section. The program does not specifically
check bond stress, but does use the formula = M / (j d db), and compares this with the
allowable development length. The formula for bond, relating to shear, is: = V / ( o j d),
where o is the perimeter of the bar(s) per linear foot. “j” and “d” are the familiar terms. This
can be re-written to be approximately: = 0.35 V s / db j d, where “s” is the bar spacing in
feet and db is the bar diameter, if the designer wishes to check to the bond.

Bond stress in masonry retaining walls is of questionable significance since the bars are
customarily cast in grout which by code must be at least 2,000 psi, therefore comparable to
embedment in concrete. Furthermore, Amrein (see bibliography) quotes a research study
concluding the bond stress could be 400 psi based upon experimental studies showing
minimum achieved stresses of 1,000 psi, thereby giving the former value a safety factor of
2.5.

This is probably a moot issue since rarely would bond stresses govern over shear stresses,
particularly if the stress level in the reinforcing is factored in. Additionally, development lengths
for reinforcing in masonry, and code required lap lengths, are considered quite conservative.

Stem reinforcing may be #4 through #10 bars. Soft Metric sizes are shown in parenthesis
alongside.

Critical section for bending in the footing is at the face of the stem for concrete and 1/4

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nominal thickness within the wall for masonry stems. For shear, for both concrete and
masonry stems, the critical section is a distance "d" from the face of the stem toward the toe,
and at the face of the stem for the heel. The program does not calculate toe or heel bar
development lengths inward from the face of the stem (where the moment is maximum).
When selecting and detailing the arrangement of toe and heel bars this should be considered.
Refer to Appendix B for development lengths in concrete, which can be adjusted for the
stress level.

The program calculates the bending in the key and determines whether reinforcing is
required. For determining section modulus, 3" is deducted from the key width per ACI
recommendation. If reinforcing is required, a message will appear. You can then change the
key dimensions until the message disappears, or use the rebar suggestions displayed. The
key moment and shear is produced by the passive resisting pressure acting against the key.

Slab restraint at the base can be specified on the Footing > Key Design & Sliding Options tab.
The program only allows this restraint to occur at the top of the footing – not higher.

RESTRAINED WALLS:

A vertical component of active pressure is not activated, whether or not it is checked on the
General tab, since the top of the wall is assumed not to deflect and thereby not activate such
force. Overturning moment is not applicable, and is therefore not displayed, since overturning
stability is by restraint at or near the top of the wall.

When 100% Fixity @ Base is selected and floor slab restraint is provided, soil pressures are
computed as for cantilevered walls, using the fixed moment at the base of the stem as the
overturning moment. The bending moment calculated in the toe of the footing does not
consider any stiffening effect that may be provided by the adjacent floor slab. For this case,
passive and frictional resistances are not displayed, nor is the sliding ratio, but total lateral
force at base is shown to aid in checking bearing against the floor slab.

When 100% Fixity @ Base is selected and floor slab restraint is not provided, soil pressures
are computed as for cantilevered walls, using the fixed moment at the base of the stem as
the overturning moment, and sliding resistance based on the lateral reaction at the base of
the footing. This is somewhat conservative since, if passive resistance is available, the point
of lateral support is slightly above the bottom of the footing.

When 100% Fixity @ Base is not selected, the footing will not be designed to provide base-
of-stem fixity. In this case, the total lateral reactions assume all lateral restraint at bottom
occurs at bottom of footing (pin-connection) even if floor slab is present. This may be slightly
conservative or unconservative depending upon whether a floor slab is present, or if not, if
passive resistance is available. Reaction at top restraint assumes pin-connection at bottom of
footing.

Shear at base of stem is computed based on the summation of all lateral force above that
point.

When 100% Fixity @ Base is not selected, there will still be some moment at base of stem
due to any eccentricity of resultant loads on the footing. In addition, if slab restraint is not

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provided, there will be an additional moment due to the lateral reaction at the bottom of the
footing multiplied by the thickness of the footing. Since the bottom of the stem is assumed
“pinned,” for analysis purposes, the resulting soil pressure will be trapezoidal; however, in
actuality there will be some fixity at the stem-footing interface. If the Stem Base moment
capacity (shown on Stem Screen) is greater than the Moment used for Soil Pressure (shown
on Stability screen), then the soil pressure will be uniform over the footing width, and this is
displayed.

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V
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5 Segmental Walls

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5.1 Segmental Wall Overview

Segmental Wall Overview

Segmental walls are constructed of stacked masonry blocks, usually of proprietary

configurations, without steel rebar, grouting, or mortar. They are dry-stacked, either vertically
or with offsets at each block such that the wall is slightly battered and leans into the earth.
When geogrids are used in segmental retaining walls, they are placed in horizontal layers
separated by some vertical distance as the wall is constructed and backfilling progresses.
Their purpose is to reinforce the earth behind the wall such that the reinforced earth zone acts
en masse with the wall to resist sliding and overturning, hence no conventional foundation is
required. (These walls are also called MSE – Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls.) The
geogrids extend beyond the failure plane and resist pullout by friction resistance due to the
weight of soil above. Connection to the wall blocks is achieved through friction between
blocks and sometimes by proprietary connection devices.

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5.2 Design Assumptions for Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Walls

Design Assumptions for Geogrid Reinforced Segmental
Walls

When working with the Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Retaining Wall module in RetainPro
the input screens and output report vary from the conventional cantilevered and restrained
retaining walls.

In general, methodology used conforms to NCMA’s Design of Segmental Retaining Walls,

2nd Edition and Segmental Retaining Walls – seismic Design Manual, 1st Edition.

Since segmental geogrid reinforced retaining walls can be highly complex, some simplifying
design assumptions have been implemented to make the program easier to use and still
cover most conditions encountered. These assumptions are:

1. All masonry units are the same size (height, width, depth) and single wythe.
2. Offsets between blocks are uniform for the full height of the wall.
3. Spacing of geogrid layers may be specified (number of blocks between layers), but
spacing is constant except for lowest layer and above uppermost layer.
4. Lengths of geogrids are constant for all layers.
5. Same geogrid material is used for all layers.
6. Coulomb method is used for determining lateral earth pressures.
7. Overall wall height is limited to 30 feet.
8. Setting base is assumed to be gravel or crushed stone, 6” thick, and extending 6”
beyond each edge of the bottom block.
9. Block dimensions are obtained from vendor websites or literature.
10. Weight of wall is assumed to be 120 pcf for depth of block.
11. Geogrid Long Term Design Strength and connection values have been obtained from
vendor websites or vendor ES-ICC Evaluation Reports. Verification with vendor is
recommended.

Segmental Type

Select either Gravity of Geogrid (this example is with geogrids)

Retained height

Enter the retained height, which is assumed to be the total wall height above the
setting base. It should be an even multiple of block heights.

Embedment

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Depth below grade to top of setting pad. Usually one block course or 1’-0”

Backfill slope

Select from the drop down menu, which will also display the slope angle.

Soil density, exterior (in situ)

Enter the density of the native soil beyond the backfill zone and under the base.

Soil density, interior (backfill)

Enter the density of the backfill material (usually granular soil or gravel.).
Soil friction angle, Φie , exterior

Enter the angle of internal friction of in-situ soil.

Wall/soil friction angle, δ

Enter the friction angle at the wall interface (usually 2/3 Φe

Soil friction angle, Φi, interior

Enter the angles of internal friction of the backfill soil.

Surcharge DL, psf

Enter the dead load surcharge.

Surcharge LL, psf

Enter the live load surcharge – it will not be used to resist overturning or sliding.

Seismic kh factor

Enter seismic acceleration factor. (generally kh = 0.15 maximum – see Methodology)

Base width, ft.

Enter the full base width including wall depth. (usually 60% - 70% of retained height).

Select block

From the drop down menu select the vendor and block you want to use. More vendors
will be added as we receive requests. Highlighting a selected block will insert its
values into the criteria below.

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Block depth, in. This will be automatically input based upon block selection.
Block height, in. This will be automatically input based upon block selection.
Block weight, psf This will be automatically input. Note that the full block depth is
assumed to be in-filled and an average density of 120 pcf is
used.

Offset per block, in.

Select this value from the drop down menu – it may be vendor dependent.

Batter, degrees.

This angle will be computed and displayed based upon offset and block height
entered.

Hinge height, ft.

This will be computed and displayed based upon the formula Hh = (block depth) /
(tangent of batter angle).

Select geogrid

From the drop down menu select the geogrid vendor available in your area and the
specific geogrid providing the required LTADS which will be displayed below.

Ci factor

Enter the geogrid/soil friction factor (usually 0.70 – 0.90)

LTDS, lbs/ft.

This displayed value (Long Term Design Strength) will be automatically inserted
based upon the vendor/geogrid selection. Or you can enter a custom value.

Safety Factor (SF)

Enter desired safety factor to be applied to LTDS. Usually 1.5.

LTADS, lbs/ft.

This displayed value (Long Term Allowable Design Strength) is LTDS multiplied by the
safety factor selected.

Blocks up to layer 1

Enter the number of blocks from base to first layer. Usually 1 or 2.

Blocks between layers

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Enter the number of blocks between successively higher layers. This spacing will be
fixed for full height, and is generally one to three blocks.

Minimum blocks above top layer

Enter how many blocks you want as a minimum between top layer and top of wall. Do
not exceed Hinge Height.

Blocks / Layers (located below the Wall Analysis Table)

Clicking between these displays show either all blocks in the Wall Analysis Table, or
just the layers. But the count of blocks will be displayed in each case.

Wall Analysis Table: Description of columns

Block Displays the total number of blocks

Layer Displays the layer numbers in ascending order from bottom.
Ht. above base Displays block and layer heights in ft-inches and decimals.
Tension, T u Displays the computed unreduced tension at a layer height.
Connect, Peak Displays the Peak Connection Strength based upon the block
and geogrid selected, per the vendor published test-result
equation. The displayed value does not exceed the vendor
maximum permitted value. The displayed value is reduced by
the safety factor specified above.
Connect, Serv. Displays the ¾” displacement serviceability Connection
Strength based upon the block and geogrid selected, per the
vendor published test-result equation. The displayed value does
not exceed the maximum permitted value.
Embed, Le . The calculated embedment length of the geogrid beyond the
failure line as computed by Coulomb method. One foot is added
to the displayed length per NCMA recommendation.
Vert, N Accumulated vertical load from blocks above, at indicated
height.
S.F. Indicates safety factor which is the ratio of the lesser of the
connect values and LTADS to the Tension, Tu. This value
should be at least 1.5, or 1.1 if seismic is included.

Base Displays total wall weight at bottom of wall.

Results tab

Summary tab: Display stability ratios, checks sliding at lowest level, soil
bearing pressure, allowable soil bearing pressure.

Overturning/Resisting tab: Displays resisting moments, overturning moments, and

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ratios.

Construction tab

Displays schematic drawing of wall, reinforced area, geogrid layers, and failure lines
for both Rankine and Coulomb methods.

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5.3 Design Assumptions for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls

Design Assumptions for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls

When working with the Gravity Segmental Retaining Wall module in RetainPro the input
screens and output report vary from the conventional cantilevered and restrained retaining
walls.

In general, methodology used conforms to NCMA’s Design Manual for Segmental Retaining
Walls, 2nd Edition and Segmental Retaining Walls – Seismic Design Manual, 1st Edition.

Since segmental retaining walls can be highly complex, we have made some simplifying
design assumptions to make the program easier to use and still cover most conditions
encountered. These assumptions are:
1. All masonry units are same size (height, width, depth) and single wythe.
2. Offsets between blocks are uniform for the full height of the wall.
3. Coulomb method is used for determining lateral earth pressures.
4. Setting base is assumed to be gravel or crushed stone, 6” thick, and extending 6”
beyond each edge of the bottom block.
5. Block dimensions have been obtained from vendor websites or literature.
6. Weight of wall is assumed to be 120 pcf for depth of block, including infill if applicable.

Segmental Type

Select either Gravity of Geogrid (this example is Gravity)

Retained height

Enter the retained height, which is assumed to be the total wall height above the
setting base. It should be an even multiple of block heights.

Embedment

Depth below grade to top of setting pad. Usually one block course or 1’-0”

Backfill slope

Select from the drop down menu, which will also display the slope angle.

Soil density, exterior (in situ)

Enter the density of the native soil beyond the backfill zone and under the base.
Soil density, interior (backfill)

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Enter the density of the backfill material (usually granular soil or gravel.).

Soil friction angle, Φie , exterior

Enter the angle of internal friction of in-situ soil.

Wall/soil friction angle, δ

Enter the friction angle at the wall interface (usually 2/3 Φe)

Soil friction angle, Φi, interior

Enter the angles of internal friction of the backfill soil.

Surcharge DL, psf

Enter the dead load surcharge.

Surcharge LL, psf

Enter the live load surcharge – it will not be used to resist overturning or sliding.

Seismic factor, kh

Enter seismic acceleration factor. (kh = 0.15 maximum is often used.)

Select block

From the drop down menu select the vendor and block you want to use. More vendors
will be added as we receive requests. You can also choose “Custom” to input any
block. Highlighting a selected block will insert its values into the criteria below.

Block depth, in. This will be automatically input or may be custom entered.
Block height, in. This will be automatically input or may be custom entered.
Block weight, psf This will be automatically input or may be custom entered. Note
that the full block depth is assumed to be in-filled and an
average density of 120 pcf is used.

Offset per block, in.

Select this value from the drop down menu – it may be vendor dependent.

Batter, degrees.

This angle will be computed and displayed based upon offset and block height
entered.

Hinge height, ft.

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This will be computed and displayed based upon the formula Hh = (block depth) /
(tangent of batter angle).

Wall Analysis Table: Description of columns

Block Displays the total number of blocks

Ht. above base Displays block and layer heights in ft-inches and decimals.
Vert, N Accumulated vertical load from blocks above, at indicated height.
Lateral, static Calculated lateral static force at each block height
Lateral, seismic Calculated lateral seismic force at each block height
Shear interface Calculates allowable shear at block interface per vendor equation. This
equation is displayed under the block selection above.
S.F. Indicates safety factor based upon ratio of shear resistance at interface
to lateral force at indicated level.

Base Displays total wall weight at bottom of wall.

Results tab Displays overturning/resisting moments and ratios, sliding forces and
ratios, and soil bearing values.

Construction tab Displays schematic drawing of wall, with dimensions and block
selection.

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5.4 Wall Geometry Tab

Wall Geometry Tab

Retained Height

Enter the retained height, which is assumed to be the total wall height above the
setting base. It should be an even multiple of the height of the selected block.

Embedment

Depth below grade (on the low side) to top of setting pad. Usually one block course or
1’-0”.

Base Pad Depth

Thickness of the base pad.

Backfill Slope

Select the backfill slope from the drop-down list box.

Soil Density, Exterior (in-situ)

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Enter the density of the native soil beyond the backfill zone and under the base.

Soil Density, Interior (backfill)

Enter the density of the backfill material (typically granular soil or gravel).

Soil Phi, exterior (friction angle, Φie )

Enter the angle of internal friction of in-situ soil.

Wall/Soil Friction Angle, δ

The friction angle at the soil/wall interface is calculated by the program as 2/3 Φe and
reported here.

Soil Phi, interior (friction angle, Φi)

Enter the angle of internal friction of the backfill soil.

Ka (Horiz)

Coulomb's coefficient of lateral active earth pressure.

Base width, ft. (only applies to segmental walls with geogrids)

Enter the full base width including wall depth. (usually 60% - 70% of retained height).

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5.5 Loads Tab

Loads Tab

Surcharge DL, psf

Enter the dead load surcharge.

Surcharge LL, psf

Enter the live load surcharge – it will not be used to resist overturning or sliding.

Seismic Kh factor

Enter seismic acceleration factor. (Generally kh = 0.15 maximum – see Methodology.)

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5.6 Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Retaining Walls

Geogrid Reinforced Segmental Retaining Walls

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5.6.1 Block & Geogrid Data Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)
Block & Geogrid Data Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Segmental Type

Allows the selection of either "Gravity" or "Using Geogrid". The remainder of this
section is specific to the option with geogrid.

Blocks in Layer 1

Enter the number of blocks from base to first layer of geogrid. Typically 1 or 2.

Blocks Per Layer

Enter the number of blocks between successive layers of geogrid. This value will be
consistent throughout the full height of the wall, and is generally one to three blocks.

Select block

Select the vendor and block from the drop-down list box. More vendors will be added
as we receive requests. Clicking on a listed block will insert its values into the input
fields below.

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Block depth, in.

This will be automatically input based upon block selection.

Block height, in.

This will be automatically input based upon block selection.

Wall weight, psf

This will be automatically input based upon block selection. Note that the full block
depth is assumed to be infilled, and an average density of 120 pcf is used.

Offset per block, in.

Use the drop-down list box to select this value. It may be vendor dependent.

Batter, degrees

This angle will be computed and displayed based upon offset and block height
entered.

Hinge height, ft.

This will be computed and displayed based upon the formula Hh = (block depth) /
(tangent of batter angle).

Select geogrid

Use the drop-down list box to select the geogrid vendor available in your area and the
specific geogrid to consider for this wall. This selection provides the required LTDS
and LTADS which will be displayed below.

Ci factor

Enter the geogrid/soil friction factor (usually 0.70 – 0.90).

LTDS, lbs/ft.

The Long Term Design Strength is determined and displayed based upon the vendor/
geogrid selection. Optionally, you can enter a custom value.

Safety Factor

Enter desired safety factor to be applied to the LTDS. Typically 1.5.

LTADS, lbs/ft.

The Long Term Allowable Design Strength is calculated as LTDS multiplied by the
safety factor and is displayed here.

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Minimum blocks above top layer

Enter the minimum number of blocks to consider between top layer of geogrid and the
top of the wall. Do not exceed Hinge Height.

Wall Analysis Table:

Toggle Table Display (Show Blocks / Show Layers)

Click this button to switch between a table that displays one line per block and a table
that displays one line per layer of geogrid (which could represent multiple courses of
block). The actual block course numbers will always be displayed for reference,
regardless of which format is selected for the table.

Description of columns in Wall Analysis Table

Block Displays the block course numbers.

Layer Displays the geogrid layer numbers in ascending order from
bottom.
Height Displays block and layer heights above base in ft-inches and in
decimal format.
Tension, T u Displays the computed unreduced tension at a layer height.
Connect, Peak Displays the Peak Connection Strength based upon the block
and geogrid selected, per the vendor published test-result
equation. The displayed value does not exceed the vendor
maximum permitted value. The displayed value is reduced by
the safety factor specified above.
Connect, Svc Displays the ¾” displacement serviceability Connection
Strength based upon the block and geogrid selected, per the
vendor published test-result equation. The displayed value does
not exceed the maximum permitted value.
Embed, Le The calculated embedment length of the geogrid beyond the
failure line as computed by Coulomb method. One foot is added
to the displayed length per NCMA recommendation.
Vert, N Accumulated vertical load from blocks above, at indicated
height.
S.F. Indicates safety factor which is the ratio of the lesser of the
connect values and LTADS to the Tension, Tu. This value
should be at least 1.5, or 1.1 if seismic is included.

Base Displays total wall weight at bottom of wall.

Note: In situations where there is no geogrid selection available for a particular block type,
that generally indicates that we have not yet been able to find ICC reports or other

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independent third-party results to substantiate the design values to use for that particular
combination. If you happen to have access to certifiable data for a particular combination of
materials, we will be glad to review it and consider it for inclusion in the program. At present,
this is the only way to incorporate new combinations of materials into this module. There is
no way to enter user-defined values into this module.

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5.6.2 Stability Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Stability Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Stability Tab

Displays overturning and sliding factors of safety.

Reports factor of safety against sliding at lowest level.

Reports total vertical load, eccentricity of vertical force, effective base width, soil
bearing pressure, allowable soil bearing pressure, and soil bearing safety factor.

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5.6.3 Resisting/Overturning Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Resisting/Overturning Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Resisting / Overturning Tab

Itemizes the individual forces, moment arms, and resulting moments for each of the
overturning and resisting components.

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5.6.4 Construction Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Construction Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Construction Tab

Displays schematic drawing of wall, reinforced area, geogrid layers, and failure lines
for both Rankine and Coulomb methods.

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5.7 Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls

Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls

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5.7.1 Block & Geogrid Data Tab for Gravity Walls

Block & Geogrid Data Tab (for Geogrid Reinforced Walls)

Segmental Type

Allows the selection of either "Gravity" or "Using Geogrid". The remainder of this
section is specific to the option without geogrid.

Select block

Select the vendor and block from the drop-down list box. More vendors will be added
as we receive requests. Clicking on a listed block will insert its values into the input
fields below.

Block depth, in.

This will be automatically input based upon block selection.

Block height, in.

This will be automatically input based upon block selection.

Wall weight, psf

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This will be automatically input based upon block selection. Note that the full block
depth is assumed to be infilled, and an average density of 120 pcf is used.

Offset per block, in.

Use the drop-down list box to select this value. It may be vendor dependent.

Batter, degrees

This angle will be computed and displayed based upon offset and block height
entered.

Hinge height, ft.

This will be computed and displayed based upon the formula Hh = (block depth) /
(tangent of batter angle).

Wall Analysis Table:

Description of columns in Wall Analysis Table

Block Displays the block course numbers.

Height Displays block heights above base in ft-inches and in decimal
format.
Vert, N Accumulated vertical load from blocks above, at indicated
height.
Lateral, static Calculated lateral static force at each block height.
Lateral, seismic Calculated lateral seismic force at each block height.
Shear interface Calculates allowable shear at block interface per vendor
equation. This equation is displayed under the block selection above.
S.F. Indicates safety factor based upon ratio of shear resistance at
interface to lateral force at indicated level.
Base Displays total wall weight at bottom of wall.

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5.7.2 Summary Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls)

Summary Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls)

Summary Tab

Displays overturning and resisting moments and overturning factors of safety.

Displays sliding force, sliding resistance, and sliding factors of safety.

Displays soil bearing pressure, allowable bearing capacity, and soil bearing safety
factor.

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5.7.3 Construction Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls)

Construction Tab (for Gravity Segmental Retaining Walls)

Construction Tab

Displays schematic drawing of wall.

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5.8 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

Surcharge can be composed of either dead load, live load, or both.

The design of segmental retaining walls generally follows the guidelines in Design of
Segmental Retaining Walls, 2nd Edition, and Segmental Retaining Walls – Seismic Design
Manual, 1st. Edition, both published by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA).
Some assumptions have been made to simplify the program (as stated in the program), yet
cover most construction practices and design requirements. The user has a choice of
masonry block and geogrid vendors, and more will be added as requests are received.

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VI
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6 Soldier Pile Retaining Wall

Soldier Pile Retaining Wall

Soldier pile retaining walls, also called soldier beam walls, are generally used at construction
sites for temporary shoring. Steel piles are driven into the ground, or placed in drilled holes
filled with lean concrete, at a spacing such that lagging can be placed between the piles, and
the excavation can proceed down to the level of the finished grade on the low side. The
stability of a soldier pile retaining wall depends upon the active earth pressure being resisted
by passive pressure on the embedded section of the pile. Pile spacing is typically 6 – 10 feet
on center.

This program is currently only applicable to cantilevered soldier piles.

Use Lagging

Check this box if lagging is to be considered between piles.

Retained Height, ft.

This is the distance between the final excavated grade and the retained height at the
top grade.

Backfill Slope, degrees

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Enter the slope of the backfill measured in degrees from horizontal.

Soil Phi, degrees

Enter the angle of internal friction of the retained material, usually obtained from the
geotechnical engineer.

Soil Density, pcf

Density of the retained soil, usually 100 to 130 pcf.

Surcharge, psf

Enter surcharge if one exists on upper grade such as for equipment, materials, or
contingencies.

Allowable Passive, psf/ft

Enter allowable passive pressure in pcf, usually (1/Ka)*(soil density).

Apply S.F. to Passive

This safety factor will be applied to the above allowable passive pressure, typically 1.5.

Pile Spacing, ft

Enter center to center spacing of piles, typically 6 ft to 10 ft controlled by retained

height pressure on wood lagging.

Drive or Drill Pile

Select whether the steel pile is driven into the soil or placed into a drilled hole and
encased in lean concrete.

Pile Diameter or Flange, in.

If the pile is driven, enter the flange width. If the pile is set in lean concrete in a drilled
hole, enter the hole diameter.

Multiplier to passive wedge

This is a multiplier from 1.0 – 3.0 to be applied to the pile flange width or drilled hole
diameter due to wedging action and is usually provided by the geotechnical engineer.

Embedment used, ft.

Enter the actual embedment, usually rounded from the required embedment reported
below.

Soldier Pile Section

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Enter the desired steel section, such as W10x49. The program does not actually
perform Code checking on the selected steel section, but it does report values that will
assist in performing that check separately.

Ka (horiz)

This is computed automatically using the Rankine equation.

Kp (Rankine)

This is calculated automatically and is 1/Ka as calculated above for a backfill slope of
zero.

Pile Pa, lbs.

Total lateral force due to earth pressure.

Pile Pw, lbs.

Total lateral force due to surcharge if applicable.

Pile Total lateral, lbs.

Sum of Pa + Pw

Depth to Max M, ft.

Distance below lower grade to point of maximum moment in the pile.

Mmax in Pile, ft-lbs.

This is a maximum moment in the pile for which the steel pile is designed.

Max. Mom. Factored by 1.6 for LRFD design

This is Mmax in Pile multiplied by 1.6. It is provided for convenience in checking the
steel pile section for adequacy.

Embedment Required, ft.

This is the required pile embedment based upon allowable passive pressure, the
specified safety factor and the applied active pressure.

Lagging Depth, ft.

Enter the depth below grade at which lagging pressure is to be calculated based on
the active soil pressure.

Lagging Pressure @ Depth, psf

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Pressure used in the design of horizontal wood lagging between piles.

Lagging Moment @ Depth, ft-lbs.

This moment is computed assuming arching action and using moment = wl2/10.

Lagging Shear @ Depth, lb/vertical ft.

This shear is computed using wl/2 where w is the Lagging Pressure @ Depth
determined above.

Lagging selection

Enter the wood lagging selection, such as 4 in x 12 in. No design is performed based
on this entry, but it is printed in the calculation report for reference.

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6.1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

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Part
VII
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7 Tapered Stem Retaining Wall

Tapered Stem Retaining Wall

Tapered Stem Retaining Walls are cantilevered retaining walls where the soil face is battered
to achieve a variable thickness from the base of the stem to the top of the stem.

The input parameters are significantly the same as those in the Cantilevered Retaining Wall.
Refer to that section for their descriptions.

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7.1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

Stem design material is limited to concrete, because it is impractical to construct a tapered

wall with concrete masonry units. Design strength of concrete may be specified.

Conventional "heel" and "toe" terminology is used, whereby the "heel" side of the wall
supports the retained earth. In this program, the "heel" distance is measured from the front
face of the stem.

Concrete design for stem and footing is based upon ultimate strength design (SD) using
factored loads. Factors for various building codes will be displayed on the Load Factors page,
and may be edited. Since they are editable, be sure to check them before starting a design
since you may have changed them.

Where stem thickness varies, it is assumed that the front face (toe side) of the stem is flush,
and the change in thickness occurs on the heel side.

A geotechnical engineer will typically have determined design criteria (equivalent fluid
pressure, allowable soil bearing pressure, sliding coefficient, etc.). If this is not the case, you
can enter the angle of internal friction for the soil, and the program will compute the
corresponding active pressure, using the Rankine or Coulomb formulas based upon the soil
density and backfill slope you have specified. If either the Rankine or Coulomb method is
chosen, passive pressure will be based upon the Rankine Formula, assuming a level toe-side
backfill.

Global stability is not checked.

Horizontal temperature/shrinkage reinforcing is at the discretion of the designer and is not

computed by the program. For horizontal temperature and shrinkage reinforcing for various
stems see Appendix A.

Axial loads may be applied to the top of the stem but it is recommended that they do not
exceed about 3,000 lbs to avoid reversal of heel bending moment. Slenderness interaction
reductions for cantilevered walls are not calculated since h/t ratios are typically less than
about 12. Only "positive" eccentricities from the centerline of the top stem are accepted (i.e.
toward the toe), since negative eccentricity could lead to unconservative results.

Excessively high axial loads are not anticipated by the program and should not be applied if
they would cause tension in the bottom of the footing heel – the program assumes typical
retaining wall conditions where the heel moment causes tension at the top of the footing. If a
design requires a very high axial load, say, over 3 kips/lf, it is suggested to use footing design
software or hand calculations.

Critical section for bending in the footing is at the face of the concrete stem. For shear, the
critical section is a distance "d" from the face of the stem toward the toe, and at the face of
the stem for the heel. The program does not calculate toe or heel bar development lengths

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124 Retain Pro 10

inward from the face of the stem (where the moment is maximum). When selecting and
detailing the arrangement of toe and heel bars this should be considered. Refer to Appendix B
for development lengths in concrete, which can be adjusted for the stress level.

The program calculates the bending in the key and determines whether reinforcing is
required. For determining section modulus, 3" is deducted from the key width per ACI
recommendation. If reinforcing is required, a message will appear. You can then change the
key dimensions until the message disappears, or use the rebar suggestions displayed. The
key moment and shear is produced by the passive resisting pressure acting against the key.

Slab restraint at the base can be specified on the Footing > Key Design & Sliding Options tab.
The program only allows this restraint to occur at the top of the footing – not higher.

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8 Gravity Retaining Wall

Gravity Retaining Wall

Gravity Retaining Walls are cantilevered retaining walls where both faces can be battered
battered to achieve a variable thickness from the base of the stem to the top of the stem, and
where stability is generally accomplished by the magnitude of the wall weight itself, rather
than by long extensions on the toe and heel of the footing.

The input parameters are significantly the same as those in the Cantilevered Retaining Wall.
Refer to that section for their descriptions.

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8.1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

Stem design material is limited to concrete or rubble masonry. Allowable tensile and
compressive stresses may be specified. Stem stresses are compared to specified allowable
values to evaluate the adequacy of the stem.

Conventional "heel" and "toe" terminology is used, whereby the "heel" side of the wall
supports the retained earth. In this program, the "heel" distance is measured from the front
face of the stem.

A geotechnical engineer will typically have determined design criteria (equivalent fluid
pressure, allowable soil bearing pressure, sliding coefficient, etc.). If this is not the case, you
can enter the angle of internal friction for the soil, and the program will compute the
corresponding active pressure, using the Rankine or Coulomb formulas based upon the soil
density and backfill slope you have specified. If either the Rankine or Coulomb method is
chosen, passive pressure will be based upon the Rankine Formula, assuming a level toe-side
backfill.

Global stability is not checked.

Horizontal temperature/shrinkage reinforcing is at the discretion of the designer and is not

computed by the program. For horizontal temperature and shrinkage reinforcing for various
stems see Appendix A.

Axial loads may be applied to the top of the stem but it is recommended that they do not
exceed about 3,000 lbs to avoid reversal of heel bending moment. Slenderness interaction
reductions for cantilevered walls are not calculated since h/t ratios are typically less than
about 12. Only "positive" eccentricities from the centerline of the top stem are accepted (i.e.
toward the toe), since negative eccentricity could lead to unconservative results.

Excessively high axial loads are not anticipated by the program and should not be applied if
they would cause tension in the bottom of the footing heel – the program assumes typical
retaining wall conditions where the heel moment causes tension at the top of the footing. If a
design requires a very high axial load, say, over 3 kips/lf, it is suggested to use footing design
software or hand calculations.

Critical section for bending in the footing is at the face of the concrete stem. For shear, the
critical section is a distance "d" from the face of the stem toward the toe, and at the face of
the stem for the heel. The program does not calculate toe or heel bar development lengths
inward from the face of the stem (where the moment is maximum). When selecting and
detailing the arrangement of toe and heel bars this should be considered. Refer to Appendix B
for development lengths in concrete, which can be adjusted for the stress level.

The program calculates the bending in the key and determines whether reinforcing is
required. For determining section modulus, 3" is deducted from the key width per ACI
recommendation. If reinforcing is required, a message will appear. You can then change the

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128 Retain Pro 10

key dimensions until the message disappears, or use the rebar suggestions displayed. The
key moment and shear is produced by the passive resisting pressure acting against the key.

Slab restraint at the base can be specified on the Footing > Key Design & Sliding Options tab.
The program only allows this restraint to occur at the top of the footing – not higher.

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9 Gabion Wall

Gabion Wall
A gabion wall is a gravity wall constructed using prefabricated steel wire cages filled with rock.
The cages are often 3 ft on a side and are infilled with stone as specified by the designer. In
lieu of rock filled gabion cages, large precast concrete blocks may be used.
This program assumes all cages or blocks to be of uniform size and infill density. They can
either be assembled vertically or tilted backward by selecting either 3° or 6° tilt. Maximum
allowed height is 18 ft. A rule of thumb for the length of the bottom course is 75% of the
retained height. The retained height is assumed to be the same height as the wall. The
Coulomb equation is used for determining lateral earth pressure.
This Gabion Wall program does not handle MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) walls, which
use geogrids.

Notes:
1. All courses are of the same height and infill density.
2. If wall depth is uniform, consider using segmental retaining wall module with the
gravity wall (no geogrids) option.
3. Concrete blocks may be used in lieu of gabion cages.
4. Offset of successive layers is limited to one-half course height. Earth side face flush.
5. Coulomb equation is used for active pressure. Wall friction angle is assumed zero.
6. If wall is battered, the effect can be modeled by introducing successive offsets (tan

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 Gabion Wall 131

beta times course height).

7. This design is not valid for reinforced soils (Mechanically Stabilized Earth). Consider
using Segmental Retaining Wall module instead.
8. Vendor specifications may apply.

Course Height (Gabion/Block), In.

Enter the height of the Gabion cages or block in inches. This is assumed uniform
throughout.

Retained Height, ft.

Enter the retained height in ft. which is also assumed to be the top of the wall.

Wall Tilt from Vertical, deg

Use this item to select "None", 3°, or 6° backward tilt.

Surcharge, psf

Enter a surcharge load if applicable.

Density, Gabion Infill or Block, pcf.

Enter the density of the infill or block. A rock infill is typically 120pcf and concrete
block is typically 140pcf.

Density of Backfill, pcf

Enter the density of the backfill material, typically provided by the geotechnical
engineer.

Backfill Slope, deg

If applicable, enter the backfill slope in degrees.

Soil Friction Angle, Phi

Obtain this from the geotechnical engineer. 35° is typical.

Ka (horiz)

This value is computed using the Coulomb equation with variables being phi, backfill
slope and with wall/soil friction angle assumed to be 0°.

Allowable Soil Bearing, psf

Obtain this value from the geotechnical engineer.

Coef. of Friction on Soil

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132 Retain Pro 10

This value is usually 0.25-0.50 as determined by the geotechnical engineer.

Coef. of Interblock Friction

This is the coefficient of friction to resist sliding between cages or blocks. A value
0.70 is often used.

Overturning Ratio

This is the controlling ratio of the resisting moment divided by the overturning moment.

Sliding Ratio

This is computed for each level and is the ratio of the sliding resistance (weight of
courses above times coefficient of interblock friction) and the applied lateral force. If it
is less than 1.5 it will appear in red.

Act. Soil Bearing Pressure, psf.

This value is computed using conventional statics and appears in red if it exceeds the
allowable cell bearing specified.

Table of course entries and values. A description of each column heading is as

follows:

Course: These are numbered in ascending order and cannot exceed 10.

Height: Measured from bottom of first (base) course.

Offset: Measured from front edge bottom course.

Length: Of cages or blocks in course.

Vertical: Accumulated vertical load from courses above.

Dist: Horizontal distance from front edge of bottom course to centroid of the
referenced course.

RM: Resisting moment at referenced course.

Lateral: Accumulated lateral force from earth pressure and surcharge.

OTM: Accumulated overturning moment above referenced course.

Stab S.F.: RM / OTM

Sliding S.F.: Vertical * (Coef. Interblock friction) / Lateral.

Add, edit or delete courses using the buttons and input fields below the table. The first

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 Gabion Wall 133

value entered will automatically be the bottom layer. To delete a course highlight it and
click Delete.

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9.1 Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions

Methodology / Analysis & Design Assumptions
References used for the development of this program are listed in Appendix E.

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 136 Retain Pro 10

10 Creating DXF Files

Creating DXF Files

RetainPro can create a retaining wall construction drawing in DXF format to import into a
CAD program.

The procedure to create a Drawing Exchange Format (DXF) file is as follows:

1. Click File > Create DXF in the menu bar. The Select DXF File Options dialog box opens as
shown below.

2. Click the General tab.

3. Select the Drawing Scale with the drop-down list box.

4. Select the option to display paving (slab) at the toe side and/or the heel side.

5. Select the Toe Rebar Size.

6. Set the Toe Rebar Spacing by using the Up and Down arrows. The Maximum Spacing is
given above the Toe Bar Spacing input.

7. Select the Heel Rebar Size.

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 Creating DXF Files 137

8. Set the Heel Rebar Spacing by using the Up and Down arrows. The Maximum Spacing is
given above the Heel Bar Spacing input.

9. Select the Longitudinal Temp. & Shrinkage Reinforcing bar size and spacing to be
displayed in the footing.

10.Indicate whether or not to display horizontal reinforcing.

11.Click the Colors & Layers tab.

12.Select a color appropriate for each layer name by clicking on the down-arrow. To
associate a color with a Layer Name, enter the desired name in the Layer Name input field
at right.

13.Click the Create DXF button. The Create RetainPro DXF File dialog appears.

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138 Retain Pro 10

14.Navigate to the folder where the DXF file is to be saved and click the Save button.

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11 Appendices

Appendix A - Table of Horizontal Temperature and Shrinkage Reinforcing

Appendix B - Development and Lap Lengths
Appendix C - Weights of Masonry Walls
Appendix D - Summary of Concrete & Masonry Design Formulas
Appendix E - References Used For The Development Of This Program
Appendix F - Rankine and Coulomb Formulas
Appendix G - Conversion Factors - English - S.I. - Metric

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11.1 Appendix A - Table of Horizontal Temperature and Shrinkage

Reinforcing
Appendix A - Table of Horizontal Temperature and
Shrinkage Reinforcing

Typical Horizontal Rebar Spacing

for .0007 Ag Masonry and .002 Ag for concrete

Mat’l Thick #3 #4 #5 #6 #7
Concrete 6 9 17 18 18
Concrete 7 8 14 18 18
Concrete 8 7 12 18 18
Concrete 9 6 11 17 18
Concrete 10 5.5 10 15 18
Concrete* 12 9 17 18 18
Concrete* 14 8 14 18 18
Concrete* 16 7 12 18 18
CMU 6 24 48 48 48
CMU 8 16 32 48 48
CMU 10 16 24 32 48
CMU 12 12 24 32 48
CMU 16 8 16 24 40 48

* ACI 318-05 and -08 and -11, Sec. 14.3.4 requires two layers in walls over 10” thick,
but “basement walls” are exempted, which presumably applies to retaining walls also.
However, the above spacings assume that the specified rebar will be placed on each
face.

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11.2 Appendix B - Development and Lap Lengths

Appendix B - Development and Lap Lengths
Lap Splice Lengths (1) and Hooked Bar Embedments (inches)

(1) Min. lap for spliced bars, in., assumes fy = 60 ksi, per ACI 318-11, Equation (12-1).

(2) 40 bar diameters for fy = 40 ksi and 48 diameters for fy = 60 ksi IBC ’12-2107.2

(3) Min. lap is development length x 1.3, assuming Class B splice. Cannot be reduced for stress
level.
(4) Assumes standard hook and not reduced by ratio As (required) / As (provided).

Note that IBC ’12, 2107.2, modifies ACI 530-11, Section 2.1.7.7.1.1 which has the effect of deleting the
following
development length equation in ACI 530:

= 1.0 for #3, #4, #5 bars, 1.4 for #6, #7, and 1.5 for #8
K = Masonry cover but not less than 5 db

This requirement resulted in much longer lap lengths and has met with
considerable objection.

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11.3 Appendix C - Weights of Masonry Walls

Appendix C - Weights of Masonry Walls

Wall Concrete Masonry Units

Thickness
Lightweight Medium Weight Normal Weight
Solid Grouted 103 pcf 115 pcf 135 pcf
Wall
6” 8” 10” 12” 6” 8” 10” 12” 6” 8” 10” 12”

52 75 93 118 58 78 98 124 63 84 104 133

16” o.c. 41 60 69 88 47 63 80 94 52 66 86 103

Vertical
Cores 24” o.c. 37 55 61 79 43 58 72 85 46 61 78 94
Grouted
at 32” o.c. 36 52 57 74 42 55 68 80 47 58 74 89

40” o.c. 35 50 55 71 41 53 66 77 46 56 72 86

48” o.c. 34 49 53 69 40 45 64 75 45 55 70 83

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11.4 Appendix D - Summary of Concrete & Masonry Design Formulas

Appendix D - Summary of Concrete & Masonry Design
Formulas

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 Appendices 145

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 146 Retain Pro 10

11.5 Appendix E - References Used For The Development Of This

Program
Appendix E - References Used For The Development Of
This Program

ACI 318-05 and -08 and -11, published by the American Concrete Institute.
International Building Code (IBC), 2006 and 2009 and 2012, published by the
International Code Council (ICC).
Building code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530-05/ASCE 5-05/TMS
402-05 and TMS 402-08/ACI 530-08/ASCE 5-08 and TMS 402-11/ACI 530-11/
ASCE 5-11).
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ANSI/ASCE 7-05 and
ANSI/ASCE 7-10.
Design of Reinforced Masonry Structures, Concrete Masonry Association of
California and Nevada, 1997.
Foundation Analysis and Design, Fifth Edition, by Joseph E. Bowles, published by
McGraw-Hill.
Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook, Fifth Edition, by J. Amrhein, published
by the Masonry Institute of America
CRSI Handbook, 1996, published by Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute.
Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Walls, 3rd Edition, NCMA.
Reinforced Concrete Design, Sixth Edition, Wang & Salmon, published by Harper
& Row.
Principles of Foundation Engineering, 5th Edition, Braja Das, Thompson.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Kramer, Prentice-Hall, 2003.
The Seismic Design Handbook, 2nd. Edition, Farzad Naeim, Kluwer Academic
Publishers, Boston. 2001.
NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for Buildings and
Other Structures, Parts 1 and 2, 2002. Edition.
Foundations and Earth Structures, NAVFAC Design Manual 7.02, 1986.
Foundation Engineering, 2nd Edition, Peck, Hansen, Thornburn, Wiley, 1974.
Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice, Tarzaghi and Peck, Wiley, 1967.
Design and Performance of Earth Retaining Structures, ASCE Paper by Robert
Whitman, 1990.
Lateral Stresses & Design of Earth-Retaining Structures, ASCE Paper by Seed
and Whitman, 1970.

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11.6 Appendix F - Rankine and Coulomb Formulas

Appendix F - Rankine and Coulomb Formulas

The three methods of inputting active soil pressure are the Equivalent Fluid Pressure
(EFP) method, Rankine method and Coulomb method.

With the Equivalent Fluid Pressure (EFP) method, the soil active pressure is defined
by an equivalent fluid pressure in psf per foot of depth (e.g. 35 psf).

With the Rankine or Coulomb method, you can input the angle of internal friction and
the program will compute the horizontal (and vertical, if applicable) Ka by the
respective formulas.

For a level backfill, both the Rankine and Coulomb formulas give the same result,
except that the latter also takes into account frictional resistance of the wall surface,
and inclination of the wall surface (i.e. batter).

The Rankine Formula

The Coulomb Formula

For both formulas:

= Angle of backfill slope
= Angle of internal friction
= 90 - wall slope angle from horizontal
= Angle of friction between soil and wall
(Assumed in program to be /2)

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11.7 Appendix G - Conversion Factors - English - S.I. - Metric

Appendix G - Conversion Factors - English - S.I. - Metric

© 1989-2012 RetainPro Software, div. ENERCALC, INC.