How to Build a Concrete Block Retaining Wall

Table Of Content

• What are the different types of retaining walls?
• About the Free Retaining Wall Calculator
• If you are looking to use SkyCiv to model a concrete retaining walls, this is the best place to start!
• Retaining Wall Failures Basics must know before Design and Construction
• Check the Adequacy of Footing Thickness for Wide Beam Shear
• Interlocking Concrete Block
• Battering and deadmen-tieback system

Consider the cantilever retaining wall with the cross-section shown in the above Figure A.1, which retains a 2m depth of soil having the groundwater table at -1.0m level. Situated atop a steeply sloping site in Los Angeles, California, the Windsor Residence showcases the innovative design of AUX Architecture. This captivating house seamlessly integrates an existing retaining wall, overcoming the challenges of extreme topography, poor soil conditions, and a limited budget. Comprising two distinct masses, the home’s double-height living area delicately balances on the retaining wall, while a single-story bedroom wing interlocks, creating a striking L-shaped section. First layout an initial height for the stem walls, key, any offsets, as well as a base width and thickness for the footing.

What are the different types of retaining walls?

There are various types of retaining walls suitable for residential and light commercial projects. These include gravity walls, cantilever walls, sheet pile walls, anchored walls, and segmental retaining walls. Each type has its own advantages and design considerations based on factors such as soil conditions, site requirements, and budget constraints. The main loads that retaining walls deal with and must account for. These loads are produced from the pressure of soil above forcing soil below out from under it (much the same way liquids can create hydrostatic pressure). To learn more about the impact of lateral earth pressure on retaining wall design, check out this article in our documentation that gives some insight into this insight.

About the Free Retaining Wall Calculator

Hundreds of rocks and stones found on site, as well as local seashells, were embedded randomly to enhance the freeform organic design. Portions of the wall were polished, while the areas with protruding stones were left alone. Each criterion can be clicked on for further information to explain what it is and where it can be found in the standards. As our example is using an anchoring system, the footing will be restrained against sliding. Behind the top tier of the wall, add 6 inches of topsoil and lightly compact it. Before adding gravel, lay down enough landscape fabric to contain the new gravel.

If you are looking to use SkyCiv to model a concrete retaining walls, this is the best place to start!

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With poured concrete retaining walls, backfill is placed between the wall and the slope after the wall is constructed. The Retaining Wall Calculator helps engineers design Cantilever and Gravity retaining walls and is suitable for calculation of block or concrete walls. Various components of the retaining system can be calculated including the retaining wall stem, the concrete retaining wall footing and the soil layers on both sides of the wall.

Retaining Wall Failures Basics must know before Design and Construction

Thanks to structural design soft wares and spreadsheets, available nowadays, our design life will be easier. The length of the base slab is usually about 50% to 70% of the total height of the wall (bottom of base to top of stem). Throughout the Windsor Residence, the design team has masterfully blended the home’s architectural elements with its natural surroundings, creating a harmonious and visually striking living experience. Stepping inside, the home’s interior design seamlessly weaves together the architectural elements, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. An oak “liner” wraps the walls, ceilings, and stairs, defining the various spaces and guiding the eye through the home’s open floor plan. The home’s strategic placement on the site capitalizes on the dramatic topography, with the double-height living area delicately balanced atop a retained wall, a remnant from a previous structure.

Adding Loads

Retaining walls play a crucial role in residential and light commercial projects by preventing soil erosion and providing structural stability. A well-designed retaining wall ensures the safety and longevity of the surrounding structures while effectively managing changes in elevation. This cantilever retaining wall calculator can model either concrete or masonry stem walls, and even a combination of both. Use the Geometry tab to specify the stem thickness for concrete, or the block size for masonry. The user interface of the the free calculator will change dynamically with every selection. You and your contractor will need to determine the ideal wall height (at the tallest point), with reference to the top of supporting slopes above and behind the wall.

During construction, follow proper excavation techniques, including proper slope stability measures and installation of the base course. Proper excavation, base course installation, interlocking of segmental blocks, compaction, and drainage features should be implemented according to the manufacturer's guidelines and local building codes. A final heads-up on masonry walls—concrete blocks chip and crack easily. Carefully inspect the blocks upon delivery, and don’t be shy about returning damaged blocks for credit. Deadmen are not included in some interlocking-block systems if the design allows backfill to secure the blocks individually in place.

The design of concrete retaining walls should be performed by a qualified structural engineer or a professional with expertise in geotechnical and structural engineering. The Retaining Wall Calculator provides detailed calculation and reporting for sliding, bearing and overturning failure required for any retaining wall design. These capacities are calculated in accordance with The Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook, ACI SP-17(14), Vol. The retaining wall Sliding calculations are performed to check that the concrete retaining wall has enough capacity from any lateral force that may cause sliding. Similarly, any forces at the top of the stem would create a moment force, the overturning calculations ensure that the structure is safe against such actions. Finally, the retaining wall bearing calculations are to ensure the soil has enough bearing capacity to withstand the forces from the retaining wall.

Battering and deadmen-tieback system

This easy-to-use Retaining Wall Calculator also allows engineers calculate a number of important design results for Cantilever Retaining Walls. These results include calculations for sliding, bearing and overturning and the factory of safety for each result. Each of these stability calculations are for concrete retaining walls and are a critical part of any retaining wall design. It is important to consult with a structural engineer or a professional with expertise in retaining wall design to determine the most appropriate type for a specific project.

The foundation bearing capacity usually governs the design of the wall. The soil, particularly under the toe of the foundation, is working very hard to resist the vertical bearing loads, sliding shear, and to provide passive resistance to sliding. The bearing capacity of the soil should be calculated taking into account the effect of simultaneous horizontal loads applied to the foundation from the soil pressure.

A general rule of thumb is the footing width should be 50-70% of the wall height, and the footing thickness ranges from 12” up to 18” for walls over 10 feet in height. Similar to the stem thickness, many factors play into the footing size and site specific parameters will always need to be examined. We won’t overwhelm you with all the engineering terms that go into creating a cantilever retaining wall. However, understanding the basics of designing retaining walls always helps.

The location should also make for minimized excavation and backfill material needs. A cinder block retaining wall is only as straight and solid as the base it’s built on. Of leveling sand and half the height of the first course of blocks. Step succeeding courses back 3/4 in., overlap vertical joints at least 4 in. Backfill with crushed rock, except for the top, where you should install a 6-in.