Retaining Wall Failures: Gravity Always Wins

This slideshow illustrates several examples of different retaining wall failures that I have encountered in my travels. The failures were caused by either poor design or more often by the relentless force of gravity that bears down on the heavy soil backfill which in turn exerts extreme lateral earth pressures against the retaining structure.

Specifying InsulFoam GF Geofoam as a lightweight fill alternative is a proven method to reduce or eliminate lateral loads upon vertical structures. An upside down half trapezoidal shape is installed as backfill and replaces soil above the plane of failure or angle of repose. This effectively eliminates any lateral pressures against the wall and allows for significant reduction in concrete wall thickness, steel reinforcement, mechanical tiebacks, and the need for large, deeply dug cantilever footings.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Retaining
• Wall
• Failures