A

This technical specification manual will allow a wall designer to source and reference specific
l

information for use in developing project documents. The information shown here is for use with Allan
l

Block products only. Visit allanblock.com for the most current information.
a
n

B
l
o
c
k

E
allanblock.com
n
g
i
n
e
e
r
i
n
g AB Engineering Manual
M
a
n
u
a
l

Allan Block Retaining Walls

®

Printed on
Paper with 30%
Recycled Fiber

© 2014, 2010, 2008-2006 Allan Block Corporation, Bloomington, MN Phone 952-835-5309 Fax 952-835-0013 DOC. #R0904-1114
allanblock.com
 REFERENCES

allanblock.com
allanblock.com
This manual presents the techniques used by Allan Block in our engineering practice to design retaining walls. It is not intended - Kliethermes, J., K. Buttry, E. McCullough, and R. Wetzel. "Modular Concrete Retaining Wall and Geogrid Performance
as a textbook of soil mechanics or geotechnical engineering. The methods we use are based on time tested soil mechanics and Laboratory Modeling." University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1990.
and the principles of dry stacked block which have existed for thousands of years. Manufactured segmental retaining walls
- Leshchinsky, D. and E.B. Perry. "A Design Procedure for Geotextile Reinforced Walls." Geotechnical Fabrics Report. St.
have evolved over the course of over twenty years and continue to evolve as our knowledge and experience grows.
Paul: July/August, 1987.
The intended users of this manual are practicing engineers. When writing it, we assumed that the reader would already be
- McKittrick, D.P. "Reinforced Earth: Application of Theory and Research to Practice." Reinforced Earth Technical Services,
familiar with the basic principles of statics and soil mechanics. We encourage others to contact a qualified engineer for help
Report 79-1. Arlington, VA: The Reinforced Earth Company, 1978.
with the design of geogrid reinforced retaining walls. Design calculations alone cannot ensure that designs will yield a safe
and properly functioning structure. We recommend that the designer refer to the “Best Practices for SRW Design” for design - Minnesota Department of Transportation. "Walls." Section 9-4.0 in Road Design Manual -- Part II. St. Paul: 1985.
details and standards that have been proven to meld design theory with field experience. Please take note of the chapter - Peck, Ralph. "Earth Retaining Structures and Slopes." Chapter 13 in Soil Science, edited by T.W. Lambe and R.V.
on Internal Compound Stability as a substantially better analytic protocol. When ICS is incorporated into a design review you Whitman. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1969.
will more accurately define the minimum required grid lengths and maximum grid spacing. Internal and External Calculations - Sowers, G.B., and G.F. Sowers. "Problems in Earth Pressure." Chapter 8 in Introductory Soil mechanics and Foundations.
by themselves may not accurately evaluate potential failure modes which run through the retained soil, reinforced soil mass New York: The Macmillan Company, 1970.
and block facing.
- R. F. Craig, Chapman & Hall, “Soil Mechanics” Fifth Edition, 1992
The example problems in this manual are based on walls constructed - Braja M. Das “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering” Third Edition, Chapter 10, 1994
with Allan Block Retaining Wall System’s AB Stones. The AB Stones
provide a nominal setback of twelve degrees from vertical. We - Columbia University in Cooperation with Allan Block Corporation and Huesker Geosynthetics. “Executive Summary -
believe that a twelve degree setback maximizes the leverage Seismic Testing - Geogrid Reinforced Soil Structures Faced with Segmental Retaining Wall Block”, 2003
achieved by a battered wall, while providing a finished retaining - Ling, H, etal: “Large Scale Shaking Table Tests on Modular-Block Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls”, Journal of the
wall that fulfills the goal of more useable flat land. Allan Block also Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering ASCE, April 2005
has developed products with three and six degree nominal - Robert Shukha, Rafael Baker and Dov Leshchinsky, “Engineering Implications of the Relation between Static and
setbacks. The equations that follow can be used for each product
Pseudo-Static Slope Stability Analysis”, EJGE Paper 2005-616
by selecting the appropriate ␤ angle (␤ = 90 - Wall Batter).
- Victor Elias, PE, Barry Christopher, PhD, Ryan Berg PE, “Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes
Design and Construction Guide Lines”, FHWA NHI-00-043, March 2001
- American Institute of Steel Construction Inc., “Manual of Steel Construction - Load and Resistance Factor Design”,
First Edition, 3rd Printing, March 1990
- Erickson Engineering Consulting Engineers - Joseph Arsenault and Brian Waters, PE
- Hoe I. Ling, et.al. Large-Scale Shaking Table tests on Modular-Block Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls; Tsukuba, Japan 2005
- Soil Strength and Slope Stability, J. Michael Duncan and Stephen G. Wright, Wiley Publications, 2005
- Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods, second edition, Lee W. Abramson, Thomas S. Lee, Sunil Sharma, Glenn M.
Boyce, Wiley Publications, 2002
- Commercial Installation Manual for Allan Block Retaining Walls, 2010
- AB Spec Book, A Comprehensive Guide and Design Details for Segmental Retaining Walls, 2009

Refer to the Best Practices for SRW Design and the AB Spec Book for details
when applying the engineering principles outlined in this manual. Best Practices
and the AB Spec Book addresses many common issues that should be detailed
in the final approved design.

allanblock.com 87
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

allanblock.com

Chapter One - Concepts & Definitions

• Soil Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
• Retaining Wall Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Sliding Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Overturning Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Effects of Water on Wall Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
• Types of Retaining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Simple Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Tieback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Coherent Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Forces Acting on Retaining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Soil States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Active and Passive Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
• Pressure Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
• Active Force on the Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
• Two-Dimensional Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Calculating the Effective Unit Weight of the Wall Facing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Safety Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Chapter Two - Basic Wall Design Techniques
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
• Simple Gravity Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Sliding Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Overturning Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Tieback Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Earth Anchors as a Tieback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
• Coherent Gravity Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Length of Geogrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
External Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Bearing Pressure on the Underlying Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Internal Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Attachment of the Geogrid to the Wall Facing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Mechanical Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Geogrid Pullout from the Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Chapter Three - Surcharges
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
• Surcharges on Simple Gravity Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
• Surcharges on Coherent Gravity Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
External Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Internal Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
• Terraced Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Chapter Four - Sloped Backfill
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• Simple Gravity Walls with Sloped Backfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• Coherent Gravity Walls with Sloped Backfill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
External Stability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Internal Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
allanblock.com
Chapter Four - Sloped Backfill - Continued
• Coherent Gravity Walls with Broken Back Slopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Chapter Five - Seismic Analysis
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
• Pressure Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
• Dynamic Earth Force on the Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
• Safety Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• Simple Gravity Wall with Seismic Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• Sliding Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
• Overturning Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
• Coherent Gravity Wall with Seismic Influence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Factor of Safety Against Sliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Factor of Safety Against Overturning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Factor of Safety Against Sliding Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Factor of Safety Against Overturning Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Factor of Safety Geogrid Tensile Overstress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Geogrid / Block Connection Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Geogrid Pullout from the Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Localized Stability, Top of the Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
• Maximum Allowable Slopes in Seismic Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
• Trial Wedge Method of Determining Active Earth Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chapter Six - Internal Compound Stability
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
• Design Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
• Safety Factor of ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
• Soil Sliding and Resisting Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Sliding Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Sliding Resisting Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
• Modeling Multiple Soil Layers Behind Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
• Surcharge and Seismic Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
• Geogrid Contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
• Wall Facing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Facing Stability from Geogrid Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Facing Stability from Block Shear Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Contribution from the Wall Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Safety Factors and Design Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Chapter Seven - Complex Composite Structures
• Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
• Conducting an External Stability Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
• External Stability where the Upper Structure extends beyond the Lower Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
• Internal Analysis Performed using an Internal Compound Stability (ICS) Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
• Overview of Design Methods and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
• Examples of Complex Composite Structure configurations in AB Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Gravity Wall on Top of Geogrid Wall or No-Fines Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Geogrid Wall Above or Below. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
No-Fines on Top or Bottom of a Geogrid Wall Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
No-Fines on Top or Bottom with Varied Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
• AB Walls Design Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

allanblock.com
 LIST OF FIGURES

allanblock.com

Chapter One - Concepts & Definitions

Figure 1-1 Forces Acting on Retaining Walls......................................................................................4
Figure 1-2 Relative Pressures for the Three Soil States.....................................................................4
Figure 1-3 Theoretical Failure Surface ...............................................................................................5
Figure 1-4 Definition for Active Force for Coulomb’s Equation ...........................................................5
Figure 1-5 Effect of Wall Friction on Active Force ...............................................................................6
Figure 1-6 Active Pressure Distribution on a Retaining Wall ..............................................................6
Chapter Two - Basic Wall Design
Figure 2-1 Schematic Diagram of Simple Gravity Retaining Wall.......................................................11
Figure 2-2 Diagram of Retaining Wall for Tieback Analysis ................................................................12
Figure 2-3 Freebody Diagram of Retaining Wall for Tieback Analysis................................................12
Figure 2-4 Grouted Connection ..........................................................................................................15
Figure 2-5 Typical Coherent Gravity Wall ..........................................................................................16
Figure 2-6 Coherent Gravity Wall for Example 2-3 .............................................................................16
Figure 2-7 Typical Geogrid Reinforcement Layout .............................................................................16
Figure 2-8 Freebody Diagram of a Coherent Gravity Wall..................................................................18
Figure 2-9 Freebody Diagram for Bearing Pressure Analysis.............................................................19
Figure 2-10 Load Distribution of Specific Grid Layers ..........................................................................22
Figure 2-11 Line of Maximum Tension in a  Coherent Gravity Wall ......................................................27
Chapter Three - Surcharges
Figure 3-1 Simple Gravity Retaining Wall with Surcharge ..................................................................30
Figure 3-2 Freebody Diagram of a Simple Gravity Retaining Wall with Surcharge ............................31
Figure 3-3 Locations of Surcharge on Coherent Gravity Walls...........................................................32
Figure 3-4 Coherent Gravity Wall with Surcharge ..............................................................................36
Figure 3-5 Pressure Distributions Due to the Soil Weight and Surcharge ..........................................36
Figure 3-6 Retaining Wall with Three Tiers .........................................................................................37
Figure 3-7 Average Bearing Stress of Top Wall Applied as Surcharge to Second Wall......................37
Chapter Four - Sloped Backfill
Figure 4-1 Coherent Gravity Wall with Sloped Backfill .......................................................................39
Figure 4-2 Line of Maximum Tension in a Coherent Gravity Wall .......................................................41
Figure 4-3 Effect of Sloped Backfill on Spacing of Geogrid Layers ....................................................41
Figure 4-4 Effective Slope for Internal Calculations............................................................................42
Figure 4-5 Effective Slope for External Calculations...........................................................................42
Figure 4-6 Effective Slope for Short Broken Back Slopes ..................................................................42
Chapter Five - Seismic Analysis
Figure 5-1 Dynamic and Static Active Pressure Distritubion...............................................................46
Figure 5-2 Free Body Diagram of Simple Gravity Wall Under Seismic Influence ...............................47
Figure 5-3 Free Body Diagram of Coherent Gravity Wall Under Seismic Influence ...........................51
Figure 5-4 Trapezoidal Method...........................................................................................................55
Figure 5-5 Active Wedge Method .......................................................................................................55
Figure 5-6 Pullout of Soil (Seismic).....................................................................................................55
Figure 5-7 Trial Wedge Method ..........................................................................................................57
Figure 5-8 Active Earth Pressure........................................................................................................58

allanblock.com
Chapter Six - Internal Compound Stability
Figure 6-1 Internal Compound Analysis..............................................................................................59
Figure 6-2 Internal Compound Stability Design Envelope ..................................................................59
Figure 6-3 Internal Compound Stability Diagram................................................................................60
Figure 6-4 Lost Soil Weight.................................................................................................................60
Figure 6-5 Wedge Force Diagram ......................................................................................................60
Figure 6-6 Wedge Weight ...................................................................................................................61
Figure 6-7 Multiple Soil Layers ...........................................................................................................62
Figure 6-8 Effects of Surcharge Loading ............................................................................................63
Figure 6-9 Geogrid Contribution at the Slip Arc ..................................................................................64
Figure 6-10 Grid Force..........................................................................................................................64
Figure 6-11 Geogrid Contribution to the Wall Face Case A..................................................................65
Figure 6-12 Geogrid Contribution to the Wall Face Case B..................................................................65
Figure 6-13 Geogrid Contribution to the Wall Face Case C .................................................................65
Figure 6-14 Facing Instability................................................................................................................66
Figure 6-15 Facing Stability ..................................................................................................................66
Figure 6-16 ICS Force Summary ..........................................................................................................67
Chapter Seven - Complex Composite Structures
Figure 7.1 Complex Composite Structure (CCS)................................................................................68
Figure 7.2 ICS Design Envelope Diagram..........................................................................................68
Figure 7.3 Secondary Reinforcement Layers .....................................................................................69
Figure 7.4 Modified Bishops Method ..................................................................................................69
Figure 7.5 Grid Above Grid CCS ........................................................................................................69
Figure 7.6 Grid Above No Fines CCS.................................................................................................69
Figure 7.7 Upper Structure Force Diagram ........................................................................................69
Figure 7.8 Top of Wall Stability Diagram.............................................................................................69
Figure 7.9 Lower Structure Force Diagram ........................................................................................70
Figure 7.10 Lower Structure Force Diagram (Shallow Base) ...............................................................70
Figure 7.11 Bearing Behind Lower Structure........................................................................................71
Figure 7.12 ICS Design Envelope and Forces .....................................................................................72
Figure 7.13 ICS Pressure Map Diagram...............................................................................................72
Figure 7.14 Standard Above Wall Configuration...................................................................................72
Figure 7.15 Long Anchoring Unit Above ...............................................................................................72
Figure 7.16 Irregular Configuration Above............................................................................................72
Figure 7.17 Example Section - Loads...................................................................................................75
Figure 7.18 Example Section - Moment Arms ......................................................................................77
Figure 7.19 Example Section - Pressure Map ......................................................................................78
Figure 7.20 Bearing Capacity Diagram.................................................................................................78
Appendix
A - AB Engineering Manual Variables...............................................................................................................80
B - Allan Block Connection Test and Sheet Testing..........................................................................................82
C - Designing Balance into your Retaining Wall Project ..................................................................................85
D - Sample Calculations...................................................................................................................................87
E - Limited States Design Analysis ..................................................................................................................96
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

allanblock.com
 CHAPTER ONE
Concepts & Definitions
allanblock.com

Soil Characteristics
Soil can be described in many different ways. One way to describe it is by the average size of the particles that make up a soil
sample. Sandy soil consists of relatively large particles, while clay soil consists mainly of smaller particles. Another way to describe
soil is by the tendency of the particles to stick together -- a property called cohesion. Sand, such as is found at the beach, has very
low cohesion. Even when it is wet, you can pick up a handful of sand and it will pour out of your hand as individual particles. Clay,
on the other hand, is much more cohesive than sand. A wet clay soil can be molded into a ball or rolled into a thread that resists
being pulled apart.
Still another way to describe a soil is by its natural tendency to resist movement. This
property can be expressed by a number known as the effective friction angle, or
SAND CLAY
Large, spherical, Small, flat, smooth
angular surfaces surfaces simply, the friction angle (). It should be noted that the design methodology outlined
in this manual uses the effective friction angle without the addition of cohesion to
increase the design strength of the soil. At the discretion of the engineer of record,
cohesion may be used when calculating the ultimate bearing capacity even though it
is typically ignored.
If you take a dry soil sample and pour it out onto a flat surface, it will form a cone-shaped pile. The angle formed by the base of the
cone and its sides is known as the angle of repose. The angle of repose of a soil is always smaller than the friction angle for the same
soil. However, the difference between the two angles is small and for the design of retaining walls the angle of repose can be used to
approximate the friction angle. The larger the friction angle the steeper the stable slope that can be formed using that soil.
Soil that consists mainly of sand has a larger friction angle than soil composed mainly of clay. This is due to the fact that sand
particles are roughly spherical with irregular surfaces, while clay particles are flat and smooth. When subjected to external pressure,
the clay particles tend to slide past one another. The surface irregularities of the sand particles tend to interlock and resist movement.
Clay soil has some characteristics that make it undesirable for use as backfill for a retaining
wall. First of all, clay soil is not readily permeable and retains the water that filters into it. The
added weight of the retained water increases the force on the retaining wall. Secondly, once
the clay becomes saturated, its cohesion decreases almost to zero. The shear strength of
the soil is the sum of the frictional resistance to movement and the cohesion of the soil. Once
the cohesion is lost due to soil saturation, the full force of the weight of water and most of the
weight of the soil is applied to the wall. For these reasons, clay soil is not a good choice for
retaining wall backfill.
The preferred soil for backfill behind retaining walls is soil that contains a high percentage of sand and gravel. Such a soil is referred
to as a granular soil and has a friction angle of approximately 32° to 36°, depending on the degree of compaction of the soil. The
main reason for preferring a granular soil for backfill is that it allows water to pass through it more readily than a nongranular, or
clayey soil does. Also, the shear strength of a granular soil doesn't vary with moisture content and therefore its shear strength is
more predictable.
Infill material shall be site excavated soils when approved by the on-site soils engineer unless otherwise specified in the drawings. Un-
suitable soils for backfill (heavy clays or organic soils) shall not be used in the reinforced soil mass. Fine grained cohesive soils (<31)
may be used in wall construction, but additional backfilling,
compaction and water management efforts are required. Typical Soil Properties
Poorly graded sands, expansive clays and/or soils with a
plasticity index (PI) >20 or a liquid limit (LL) >40 should
Soil Groups Cohesion Cohesion Soil

not be used in wall construction.

Compacted Saturated Friction Angle

While cohesionless free draining materials (less than 10% Clean Gravel-Sand Mix 0 0 36°
fines and/or plasticity index less than 6 and liquid limit less 1050 PSF 300 PSF
than 30) are preferred, soils with low plasticity fines (ie: CL, Sand-Silt Clay Mix 32°
(50 KPA) (14 KPA)
ML. SM, SC, with PI less than 20 and LL less than 40) may 1800 PSF 270 PSF
be used for SRW construction under certain conditions. Inorganic Clays (86 KPA) (13 KPA) 27°

allanblock.com 1
 Retaining Wall Failure
There are two primary modes of retaining wall failure. The wall can fail by sliding too far forward and encroaching on the space it
was designed to protect. It can also fail by overturning -- by rotating forward onto its face.

Sliding Failure
Sliding failure is evident when the wall moves
forward, and occurs when the horizontal
forces tending to cause sliding are greater
than the horizontal forces resisting sliding.
Generally, this will occur when either the
driving force is underestimated or the
resisting force is overestimated.
Underestimating the driving force is the most
common mistake and usually results from: 1)
neglecting surcharge forces from other walls,
2) designing for level backfill when the
Sliding backfill is in fact sloped, 3) using cohesive Overturning
soils for backfill.
Overturning Failure
Overturning failure is evident when the wall rotates about its bottom front edge (also called the toe of the wall). This occurs when
the sum of the moments tending to cause overturning is greater than the sum of the moments resisting overturning. As with sliding
failures, overturning failures usually result from underestimating the driving forces.
Effects of Water on Wall Stability
Perhaps the single most important factor in wall failure is water. Water contributes to wall failure in several different ways. If the soil
used for backfill is not a free-draining granular soil, it will retain most of the water that filters into it. The force on a wall due to water
can be greater than the force due to soil. Walls with greater setbacks have a larger
natural resistance to overturning.
As the moisture content of the soil increases, the unit weight of the soil increases
also, resulting in greater force on the wall. When the soil becomes saturated, the
unit weight of the soil is reduced because of the buoyant force of the water on the
soil particles. However, the water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the wall.
Therefore, the total force on the wall is greater than it is for unsaturated soil,
because the force on the wall is
the sum of the force exerted by
the soil and the force exerted
by the water. The problem is
even greater if the soil contains Chimney Drain
a high percentage of clay.
Saturated, high-clay-content
soil loses its cohesion and the
force on the wall increases.
Good drainage is essential for
proper wall design.

Drainage

Concrete Swale

2 allanblock.com
Some clay soils exhibit the characteristic of expanding when wet. This expansion,
coupled with contraction when the soil dries, can work to weaken the soil mass and
cause failure.
Another way in which water contributes to wall failure is by the action of the freeze-thaw cycle.
Water trapped in the soil expands when it freezes causing increased pressure on the wall.
Water in contact with the wall itself can also cause failure of the concrete within the block.
Several things can be done to reduce the likelihood of wall failure due to water. First, use
a free-draining granular material for the backfill. Second, create a drain
field in and around the block cores and 12 inches (300 mm) deep
behind the wall using a material with large individual particles, such as
gravel. Third, install a drain pipe at the bottom rear of the base and
provide outlets as needed. Finally, direct water away from the top and
bottom of the wall using swales as required. All these measures will
ensure that excess water is removed from behind the wall before it can
build up or freeze and cause damage.

AB Simple Gravity Wall AB Tieback AB Coherent Gravity Wall

Typical Section Typical Section Typical Section

Types of Retaining Walls

• Simple Gravity
A wall that relies solely on its weight to prevent failure is called a gravity wall. For a gravity wall, the primary factor affecting the
wall's resistance to overturning is the horizontal distance from the toe of the wall to the center of gravity of the wall. The greater
this distance is, the less likely it is that the wall will overturn. For example, a wall four feet high and two feet thick will have a lower
resistance to overturning than a wall two feet high and four feet thick, even if the weights are equal. Battering the retaining wall
also enhances stability by moving the center of gravity back from the toe of the wall and reducing the load applied to the
wall from the soil.
• Tieback
Anchor reinforced walls rely on mechanical devices embedded in the backfill to provide the force necessary to resist sliding and
overturning. Battering an anchor reinforced wall will shift its center of gravity and enhance its stability. Examples of
tieback walls will include: earth anchors and soil nails.
• Coherent Gravity
Coherent gravity walls, also known as Geogrid reinforced walls, combine the mass of the wall facing with the mass of the soil behind
into one coherent mass that together resists sliding and overturning. Coherent gravity walls use a flexible synthetic mesh (geogrid)
to stabilize the soil. Studies have shown that retaining walls reinforced with several layers of geogrid act as giant gravity walls.
“Geogrid reinforced soil masses create the same effect as having an extremely thick wall with the center of gravity located
well back from the toe of the wall.” For this reason, reinforced soil walls are more likely to fail by sliding than by overturning.

allanblock.com 3
 Forces Acting on Retaining Walls
The forces that act on a retaining wall can be divided into two groups:
• Those forces that tend to cause the wall to move
• Those forces that oppose movement of the wall (see Figure 1-1)
Included in the first group are the weight of the soil behind the retaining
wall and any surcharge on the backfill. Typical surcharges include
driveways, roads, buildings, and other retaining walls. Forces that
oppose movement of the wall include the frictional resistance to sliding
due to the weight of the wall, the passive resistance of the soil in front
of the wall, and the force provided by mechanical restraining devices.
When the forces that tend to cause the wall to move become greater
than the forces resisting movement, the wall will not be stable.

Figure 1-1. Forces Acting on the Retaining Walls

Soil States
The soil behind a retaining wall exists in one of three states:
1) the active state, 2) the passive state, 3) the at-rest state.
When a wall is built and soil is placed behind it and compacted, the soil is in the at-rest state. If the pressure on the wall due to the
soil is too great, the wall will move forward. As the wall moves forward, the soil settles into a new equilibrium condition called the
active state. The pressure on the wall due to the soil is lower in the active state than it is in the at-rest state (see Figure 1-2).
The passive state is achieved when a wall is pushed back into the soil. This could occur by building the retaining wall, placing and
compacting the soil, and then somehow forcing the retaining wall to move into the backfill. Usually, the passive state occurs at the
toe of the wall when the wall moves forward. The movement of the wall
causes a horizontal pressure on the soil in front of the wall. This passive
resistance of the soil in front of the wall helps keep the wall from sliding.
However, the magnitude of the passive resistance at the toe of the wall is so
low that it is usually neglected in determining the stability of the wall.
The occurrence of the passive state behind a retaining wall is extremely rare
and it will most likely never be encountered behind an Allan Block wall. The
at-rest condition occurs whenever a retaining wall is built. Some designers
may prefer to take a conservative approach and design for the higher at-rest
pressure rather than the active pressure. However, this is not necessary
since the amount of wall movement required to cause the pressure to
decrease from the at-rest level to the active level is very small. Studies of
soil pressure on retaining walls have shown that the top of a retaining wall
needs to move only 0.001 times the height of the wall in order for the
pressure to drop to the active value.
There are some applications where the wall cannot be allowed to move.
These include bridge abutments and walls that are rigidly connected to
buildings. In cases such as these, the design should be based on the higher
Figure 1-2. Relative Pressures for the at-rest pressure; otherwise, the lower active pressure can be used.
Three Soil States Designing on the basis of the active pressure will reduce the cost of the wall
and give a more accurate model of the actual behavior of most retaining walls.

4 allanblock.com
Active and Passive Zones
When the wall moves forward, a certain portion of the soil behind the wall moves forward
also. The area containing the soil that moves with the wall is referred to as the active
zone. The area behind the active zone is called the passive zone. The line that divides
the two zones is called Theoretical Failure Surface or the Line of Maximum Tension. This
can be estimated by drawing a line that begins at the bottom rear edge of the wall and
extends into the backfill at an angle of 45° plus one-half the friction angle of the soil (45°
+ /2) and intersects a vertical line 0.3 times the height of the wall (H x 0.3), Figure 1-3.
The active zone for a geogrid reinforced soil mass includes the entire reinforcement zone
and the area included in the theoretical failure surface. The origin of the theoretical
failure surface is located at the back bottom of the reinforced zone.

Pressure Coefficients Figure 1-3. Theoretical Failure

The horizontal stress (h) on a retaining wall due to the retained soil is directly
Surface

proportional to the vertical stress (v) on the soil at the same depth. The ratio of the two
stresses is a constant called the pressure coefficient:
(h)
=
(v)
K

The pressure coefficient for the at-rest state can be calculated using the
formula:

Ko = 1  sin ()
The active pressure coefficient can be calculated using an equation that was
derived by Coulomb in 1776. This equation takes into account the slope of
the backfill, the batter of the retaining wall, and the effects of friction between
the retained soil and the surface of the retaining wall. Figure 1-4 illustrates
the various terms of Coulomb's equation.
where:

 = the friction angle of the soil.

Fa = the active force on the retaining wall; it is the resultant force

of the active pressure on the retaining wall
H = distance from the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall
= unit weight of the soil
Figure 1-4. Definition for Active Force for
 Coulomb’s Equation

= angle between the horizontal and the sloped back face of the wall
i = back slope at the top of the retaining wall
w = angle between a line perpendicular to the wall face and the line of action of the active force
Ka = the active pressure coefficient

Ka =
[ csc (
) sin (
 )

sin (
+ w) +
sin ( + w) sin (  i)
sin (
 i) ]
allanblock.com 5
 As the wall moves forward slightly, the soil enters the active state by
moving forward and downward. At the interface of the soil and the wall,
this downward movement of the wall is resisted by the friction between
the soil and the wall. Figure 1-5 shows the resultant active force on a
retaining wall and the effect of wall friction on the direction of the force.
The magnitude of w varies depending on the compaction level of the
backfill. For a loose backfill, w is approximately equal to . For a
dense back-fill, however, w < . Since retaining wall backfill is
thoroughly compacted, the design method in this manual assumes that
w = (0.66) .

Figure 1-5. Effect of Wall Friction on Active Force

Active Force on the Wall

Once the active pressure coefficient has been determined, the active force on the wall can be determined. Figure 1-6 shows the
active pressure distribution on a retaining wall. The active pressure distribution is triangular, which reflects the fact that soil pressure
increases linearly with soil depth. The vertical pressure at any depth is given by:

Pv = () (H)

Where:
 = the unit weight of the soil
H = the depth from the top of the retained soil mass.
As discussed previously, the horizontal pressure (Ph) is related to the vertical
pressure (Pv) by the active pressure coefficient:
(Ph)
=
(Pv)
Ka Figure 1-6. Active Pressure Distribution on a
Retaining Wall

Since Ka and  are constants, the horizontal pressure increases linearly as the depth increases and the resulting pressure
distribution is triangular. The magnitude of the resultant force of a triangular pressure distribution is equal to the area of the triangle.
The pressure at the base of the triangle is given by:

Ph = (Ka) () (H)
The magnitude of the active force is:

Fa = (area of the triangle)

= (0.5) (base) (height)
= (0.5) (Phb) (H)
= (0.5) () (Ka) (H) (H)
= (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2
Therefore, the equation for the active force on a retaining wall is:

Fa = (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2

The resultant force acts at a point above the base equal to one-third of the height of the triangle. Adding a surcharge or slope above
the wall has the effect of adding a rectangular pressure distribution. The resultant force of a rectangular pressure distribution acts
at a point above the base equal to one-half of the height of the rectangle.

6 allanblock.com
Two-Dimensional Analysis
A retaining wall is a three-dimensional object. It has height, length, and depth. In order to simplify the analysis, the length
of the wall is taken to be one foot (or one meter) and the wall is analyzed as a two-dimensional system. Because of this,
the units for forces will always be pounds per foot (lb/ft) (newtons per meter (N/m)), and the units for moments will be foot-
pounds per foot (ft-lb/ft) (newton-meters per meter (N-m/m)).

Calculating the Effective Unit Weight of the Wall Facing

The effective unit weight of the wall facing is often needed for wall design. Allan Block’s unit weight is the sum of the blocks plus
the wall rock material and is calculated below. Concrete usually weighs more than soil. A typical unit weight for concrete is 135
lb/ft3 (2,163 kg/m3) while a typical unit weight for soil is 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3). Depending on the size of the wall, this difference
may be significant, and the design engineer should know how to calculate the weight of the wall facing.
The weight of a AB Stone unit is approximately 72 lbs (33 kg). The unit weight of the concrete is 135 lb/ft3 (2,163 kg/m3). The block
dimensions used are: Length (l) = 1.5 ft (0.46 m), Height (h) = 0.635 ft (0.19 m) and Depth (t) = 0.97 ft (0.3 m). From these values,
the volume of concrete for each Allan Block unit can be calculated:

(72 lb)
= = 0.53 ft3
(135 lb/ft3)
Vc

(33 kg)
= = 0.015 m3
(2,163 kg/m3)
The total volume occupied by each standard Allan Block unit, including the voids, is:
Vtot = (1.5 ft) (0.635 ft) (0.97 ft)
= 0.92 ft3
= (0.46 m) (0.19 m) (0.3 m)
= 0.026 m3

Therefore, the volume of the voids is:

Vv = Vtot  Vc
= 0.92 ft3  0.53 ft3
= 0.39 ft3
= 0.026 m3  0.015 m3
= 0.011 m3
Total Unit Weight

The unit weight of the wall facing can now be calculated. Assuming that the voids are filled with wall rock with a unit weight of
120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3), the unit weight of the wall facing is:

= (weight of concrete) + (weight of wall rock)

(volume of block)
wall

= (weight of concrete) + (weight of wall rock)

(Vtot)
= (0.53 ft ) (135 lb/ft ) + (0.39 ft ) (120 lb/ft ) = 129 lb/ft3
3 3 3 3

(0.92 ft )
3

(0.015 m3) (2,163 kg/m3) + (0.011 m3) (1,923 kg/m3) = 2,061 kg/m3
=
0.026 m3

allanblock.com 7
 Once the unit weight of the wall facing is known, it is a simple matter to calculate the weight per linear foot of wall:

Wf = (unit weight of wall) (volume of wall)

= (unit weight of wall) (wall height) (facing depth)
= (wall)(Vw)
= (wall)(H)(t)

For a wall 5.72 feet (1.74 m) tall with a facing depth of 0.97 foot (0.3 m), the weight of the facing would be:

Wf = (129 lb/ft3) (5.72 ft) (0.97 ft) = (2,061 kg/m3) (1.74 m) (0.3 m)
= 716 lb/ft = 1,076 kg/m

In general, the weight of the facing is:

Wf = (125 lb/ft2) (wall height) = (610 kg/m2) (wall height)

Safety Factors
The safety factors used in this design manual conform to the guidelines of the Federal Highway Administration, Mechanically
Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes - Design and Construction Guidelines. They recommend using the following
safety factors:

Sliding > 1.5 Bearing Capacity > 2.0

Overturning > 2.0 Grid Overstress > 1.5
Internal Compound Stability > 1.3 Pullout of Soil > 1.5
Global Stability > 1.3 Pullout of Block > 1.5

These are the same values recommended by most governmental agencies and organizations (AASHTO, NCMA). However, you
should check your state and local building codes to make sure these safety factors are sufficient.

8 allanblock.com
 CHAPTER TWO
Basic Wall Design Techniques
allanblock.com

Gravity Wall Tieback Wall Coherent Gravity Wall

Introduction
One way to classify retaining walls is by the type of reinforcement the walls require. If a wall is stable without reinforcement, it is
referred to as a simple gravity wall. When the forces behind a wall are greater than a simple gravity system can provide, a tieback
wall can often be built using anchors to tie the wall to the soil or a coherent gravity wall can be built by using two or more layers of
geogrid to stabilize the soil mass.

Simple Gravity Walls

Simple gravity walls rely on the weight of the wall to counteract the force of the retained soil.
Figure 2-1 is a diagram showing the forces acting on a simple gravity wall. Two modes of
failure must be analyzed, sliding and overturning.

Sliding Failure
A simple gravity wall will not fail in sliding if the force resisting sliding, Fr, is greater than or
equal to the force causing sliding, Fh. The force resisting sliding is the frictional resistance
at the wall base. The minimum safety factor for sliding failure is 1.5. Therefore, Fr, must be
greater than or equal to (1.5) Fh. The following example illustrates the procedure for
analyzing stability in sliding.
Free body Ex. 2-1

Example 2-1A: (6 course wall)

Given:
 = 30° H = 3.81 ft (1.16 m)
i = 0°  = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)

= 78° w = (0.666) () = 20°
Ka = 0.2197 wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)

Find: The safety factor against sliding, SFS.

The first step is to determine the total active force exerted by the soil on the wall:
Fa = (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2
= (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (3.81 ft)2 = 191 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (9.81m/sec2) (0.2197) (1.16m)2 = 2,788 N/m
Sliding

allanblock.com 9
 As explained in Chapter One, because of the effects of friction between the soil and the wall, the active force acts at an angle to a
line perpendicular to the face of the wall. The active force can be resolved into a component perpendicular to the wall and a
component parallel to the wall.
The degree of the angle between the active force and a line perpendicular to the face of the wall is w. w varies according to the
compaction level of the soil. For very loose soil, w approaches ; for compacted soil, w can be as low as (0.666) . Since our
wall designs involve compacting the backfill soil, we use the more conservative value of w = (0.666) . Thus, the horizontal com-
ponent of the active force is:

Fh = (Fa) cos (w)
= (Fa) cos [(0.666) ()]
= (191 lb/ft) cos (20°) = (2,788 N/m) cos (20°)
= 179 lb/ft = 2,620 N/m
Similarly, the vertical component of the active force is:
Fv = (Fa) sin (w)
= (Fa) sin [(0.666) ()]
= (191 lb/ft) sin (20°) = (2,788 N/m) sin (20°)
= 65 lb/ft = 954 N/m Free body Ex. 2-1
The weight of the wall facing must be determined before the frictional
resistance to sliding can be calculated:

Wf = (wall) (H) (t)

= (130 lb/ft3) (3.81 ft) (0.97 ft) = (2061 kg/m3) (1.16 m) (0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec3)
= 480 lb/ft = 7,036 N/m
The maximum frictional resistance to sliding, Fr is calculated by multiplying the total vertical force, Vt , by the coefficient of friction.
The total vertical force is the sum of the weight of the wall and the vertical component of the active force. The coefficient of
friction, Cf , is assumed to be equal to tan (). Thus, the maximum frictional resistance is:

Fr = (Vt) (Cf)
= (Vt) tan ()
= (Wf + Fv) tan ()
= (480 lb/ft + 65 lb/ft) tan (30°) = (7,036 N/m + 954 N/m) tan (30°)
= 315 lb/ft = 4,613 N/m

Finally, the safety factor against sliding can be calculated:

(Force resisting sliding) Fr

= (Force causing sliding) = F
h
SFS
(315 lb/ft) (4,613 N/m)
= (179 lb/ft) = 1.8 > 1.5 OK =
(2,620 N/m)
= 1.8 > 1.5 OK

The safety factor against sliding is greater than 1.5. Therefore, the wall is stable and doesn't require reinforcement to prevent sliding
failure. However, the wall must still be analyzed for overturning failure.

10 allanblock.com
Overturning Failure
Overturning failure occurs when the forces acting on the wall cause it to rotate
about the bottom front corner of the wall (Point A in Figure 2-1). For stability,
the moments resisting overturning, Mr, must be greater than or equal to the
moments causing overturning, Mo. The minimum safety factor for overturning
is 2.0. Therefore, Mr must be greater than or equal to (2.0) Mo.
Example 2-1B:
Find the safety factor against overturning, SFO, for Example 2-1.
Two forces contribute to the moment resisting overturning of the wall. These
are the weight of the wall and the vertical component of the active force on Figure 2-1. Schematic Diagram of Simple Gravity
the wall. Summing these moments about Point A: Retaining Wall

Mr = (Wf) [(t/2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)] + (Fv) [(t) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
= (480 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (3.81 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (65 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (3.81 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 510 ft-lb/ft
= (7,036 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (1.16 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (954 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.333) (1.16 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 2,280 N-m/m
(NOTE: The quantities (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
) and (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
) account for
the distance added to the moment arms because the wall is not vertical.)
The horizontal component of the active force is the only force that contributes to the
overturning moment. The active force is the resultant of the active pressure distribution,
which is triangular. For triangular pressure distributions, the vertical centroid is located at
one-third the height of the triangle. Therefore, the horizontal component of the active
force acts on the wall (0.333) H from the bottom of the wall, where y1 = 1/3H. The Free body Ex. 2-1
moment causing overturning is given by:

Mo = (Fh) (y1 ) = (Fh) (0.333) (H)

= (179 lb/ft) (0.333) (3.81 ft) = 227 ft-lb/ft
= (2,620 N/m) (0.333) (1.16 m) = 1,012 N-m/m
The safety factor against overturning is:

= (Moment resisting overturning) = Mr

(Moment causing overturning) Mo
SFO

= (510 ft-lb/ft) = 2.2 > 2.0 OK

(227 ft-lb/ft)
(2,280 N-m/m)
= = 2.2 > 2.0 OK
(1,012 N-m/m)

The safety factor against overturning is greater than 2.0. Therefore, the wall is stable and
doesn't require geogrid reinforcement to prevent overturning. As calculated previously, the
safety factor against sliding is also greater than 1.5 for this wall. This wall is adequate in
both sliding and overturning and no geogrid reinforcement is required.

Overturning

allanblock.com 11
 Tieback Walls
A simple gravity wall may be analyzed and found to be unstable in either sliding or overturning. When this occurs, one possible
solution is to analyze the wall with soil nails or earth anchors behind it. The soil nail or earth anchor is treated as a restraining device
or anchor. The force on the wall due to the weight of the retained soil is calculated exactly as it was in the simple gravity wall analysis.
However, the forces resisting failure in this instance are the frictional resistance due to the weight of the wall plus the friction force
due to the weight of the soil on the grid or restraining force of the anchor. Figure 2-2 is a schematic diagram of a tieback wall.

Example 2-2: (9 course wall)

Given:
 = 30° w = 20°
Ka = 0.2197 H = 5.72 ft (1.74 m)

= 78°  = 120 lb/ft (1,923 kg/m3)
3

i = 0° wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)

Find: The safety factors against sliding, SFS, and overturning, SFO.
Figure 2-2. Diagram of Retaining Wall for
The first step is to analyze this wall without grid:
Tieback Analysis

Wf = (5.72 ft) (0.97 ft) (130 lb/ft3) = 721 lb/ft

= (1.74 m) (0.3 m) (2,061 kg/m3) (9.81 m/sec2) = 10,554 N/m
Next, the active force of the soil on the wall is calculated:
Fa = (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (5.72 ft)2 = 431 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.2197) (1.74 m)2 (9.81 m/sec2) = 6,074 N/m
The horizontal and vertical components of the active force are:
Fh = (431 lb/ft) cos (20°) = 405 lb/ft
= (6,274 N/m) cos (20°) = 5,896 N/m
Fv = (431 lb/ft) sin (20°) = 147 lb/ft
= (6,274 N/m) sin (20°) = 2,146 N/m

The total vertical force due to the weight of the wall and the vertical component
of the active force is:
Vt = Wf + Fv
= 721 lb/ft + 147 lb/ft
= 868 lb/ft Figure 2-3. Freebody Diagram of Retaining

= 10,554 N/m + 2,146 N/m

Wall for Tieback Analysis

= 12,700 N/m

12 allanblock.com
The force that resists sliding of the wall because of friction between the wall and the soil is:

Fr = (Vt) (Cf)
= (868 lb/ft) tan (30°)
= 501 lb/ft
= (12,700 N/m) tan (30°)
= 7,332 N/m
The safety factor against sliding is:
Fr (501 lb/ft)
= = = 1.24 < 1.5
Fh (405 lb/ft)
SFS

Fr (7,332 N/m)
= = = 1.24 < 1.5
Fh (5,896 N/m)
The safety factor against overturning is:
Mr = (Wf) [(t/2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)] + (Fv) [(t) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
= (721 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (5.72 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (147 lb/ ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (5.72 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 994 ft-lb/ft
= (10,554 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (1.74 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (2,146 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.333) (1.74 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 4,432 N-m/m
Mo = (Fh) (y1)
= (405 lb/ft) (0.333) (5.72 ft)
= 771 ft-lb/ft
= (5,896 N/m) (0.333) (1.74 m)
= 3,416 N-m/m
Mr (994 ft-lb/ft)
= = = 1.29 < 2.0
Mo (771 ft-lb/ft)
SFO
Mr (4,432 N-m/m)
= = = 1.29 < 2.0
Mo (3,416 N-m/m)

Without reinforcement, this wall is not

adequate with respect to either
sliding failure or overturning failure.
Therefore, a tieback wall will be required.
A good rule of thumb is to place the rein-
forcement as close as possible to halfway
between the top and bottom of the wall.

allanblock.com 13
 Earth Anchors as a Tieback
A single row of earth anchors can be utilized to provide the additional tieback resistance. The earth anchors extend beyond the line
of maximum tension and provide additional resistance to overturning and sliding. This additional force can be utilized in our calcula-
tions as follows:
Fe = 10,500 lbs. = (4,763 kg)
where:

Fe = Preloaded value of installed earth anchor.

For design purposes, we will use a weighted value of 0.67 Fe for anchor capacity. For this example, we will specify spacing of an-
chors on 8 foot (2.44 m) centers and a block pullout capacity (Fpa)* shown below (Diagram Ex.2-2). Therefore, the additional
force resisting sliding is:
Fr = (Wf + Fv) tan (30°)
= (721 lb/ft + 147 lb/ft) tan (30°) = 501 lb/ft = (10,554 N/m + 2,146 N/m) tan (30°) = 7,332 N/m

Fwe = (0.67) Fe ÷ 8 ft = 879 lb/ft = (0.67) Fe ÷ (2.44 m) = 12,830 N/m

Fgr = LTADS = 1,322 lb/ft = (19,300 N/m)

Fpa* = 1,313 lb/ft + tan (8°) x N

= 1,313 lb/ft + [0.141 x 1.9 ft (0.97 ft)(130 lb/ft3)] = 1,347 lb/ft
= 19,160 N/m + tan (8°) x N
= 19,160 N/m + [0.141 x 0.58 m (0.3m)(2,082 N/m3)] = 19,211 N/m
Fh = 405 lb/ft = (5,896 N/m)

where:
Fr = The maximum frictional resistance to sliding.
Fwe = Weighted design value of anchor.
Fgr = Restraining strength of the geogrid = LTADS.
N = Weight of facing above geogrid location.
Fga = The least of Fwe, Fgr, or Fpa.
Fpa* = Pullout grid capacity generic value.
(See Table B-1, page 84 for actual capacity results)

The resulting factor of safety with one row of earth anchors is:

F + Fga (501 lb/ft + 879 lb/ft)

= r =
Fh 405 lb/ft
SFS
= 3.41 > 1.5 OK
(7,332 N/m + 12,830 N/m)
=
5,896 N/m Diagram Ex. 2-2
= 3.41 > 1.5 OK

* Fpa is an example of a connection capacity equation determined using ASTM D6638 where 1313 lb/ft (19,160 N/m)
represents the y-intercept, tan (8°) represents the slope of the curve and N represents the normal load above the ge-
ogrid connection location.
14 allanblock.com
The safety factor against overturning is:

Mr = (Wf) [(t/2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)] + (Fv) [(t) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)] + Fga (H/2)
= (721 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (5.72 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (147 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (5.72 ft) tan (90°  78°)] + (879 lb/ft) (2.86 ft)
= 3,507 ft-lb/ft
= (10,554 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (1.72 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (2,146 N/m) [(0.296 m) + (0.333) (1.72 m) tan (90°  78°)] + (12,830 N/m) (0.86 m)
= 15,432 N-m/m

= Mr = (3,507 ft-lb/ft) = 4.5 > 2.0 OK

Mo (771 ft-lb/ft)
SFO

= (15,432 N-m/m) = 4.5 > 2.0 OK

(3,416 N-m/m)

The anchor length requires a 3 ft (0.9 m) embedment into the passive zone. (Past the line of maximum tension)

Lt = La + 3 ft
= (5.72 ft  2.5 ft) [tan (30°)  tan (12°)] + 3.0 ft = 4.2 ft
= (1.74 m  0.8 m) [ tan (30°)  tan (12°)] + 0.9 m = 1.24 m
Where:
La = length of geogrid in the active zone
See page 27 for further discussion.

Check to determine if the Fwe or the grid pullout from the block or rupture is the determining factor.

NOTE: The pullout from the block can be eliminated as the governing
factor by bonding the block to grid interface with a grouted
connection. However, the geogrid type will need to be specified to
resist the high alkaline content of the concrete grout.
See page 23 for further discussion of grid to block connection.

Figure 2-4. Grouted Connection

allanblock.com 15
 Coherent Gravity Walls
The theory behind coherent gravity walls is that two or more layers of geogrid make
the reinforced soil mass behave as a single unit. The wall facing and reinforced soil
mass are then treated as a unit and analyzed as a large simple gravity wall. The
wall must be analyzed for stability in sliding and overturning. In addition, the
number of layers of geogrid required, and their spacing, must be determined.
Finally, the bearing pressure of such a large gravity wall must be checked to ensure
that it doesn't exceed the allowable bearing capacity of the soil.

Example 2-3:

Figure 2-6 is a schematic diagram of a coherent gravity wall with seven layers of
geogrid. Figure 2-8 is a freebody diagram of the same wall. The subscripts r and i
Figure 2-5. Typical Coherent Gravity Wall

refer to the retained soil and the infill soil, respectively. The values shown
in Figure 2-6 will be used to analyze the stability of the wall. For this
example use 6 ft (1.83 m) geogrid lengths (Lg).
Given: (15 course wall)
i = 0° (Slope above wall)
wi = 20° r = 27°
i = 30°
= 78°
Kai = 0.2197 Kar = 0.2561
H = 9.52 ft (2.9 m) r = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)
wr = 18° i = 125 lb/ft3 (2,002 kg/m3)
Ls = Equivalent lip thickness of 12° AB Unit
Lt = Lg + Ls
Lt = 6.0 + 0.13 = 6.13 ft (1.87 m) Figure 2-6. Coherent Gravity Wall for Example 2-3

Find: The safety factors against sliding, SFS, and overturning, SFO.

Length of Geogrid
Typically, the first step in analyzing the stability of the wall is to estimate the length of geogrid
required. A rule of thumb is that the minimum reinforcement length is 60% of the wall height.
This 60% value is a common industry standard.

Figure 2-7. Typical Geogrid

Reinforcement Layout

16 allanblock.com
External Stability
Once the length of the geogrid is known, the weight of the coherent gravity wall can be calculated. The weight of the structure is
the sum of the weights of the wall facing and the reinforced soil mass. The weight of the wall facing is equal to the unit weight of
the wall facing times the height times the depth:
Wf = (130 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (0.97 ft) = 1,200 lb/ft
= (2,061 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 17,590 N/m
The weight of the reinforced soil mass is equal to the unit weight of the backfill soil, times the height of the reinforced soil mass, times
the depth (measured from back face of wall to the end of the geogrid):
Ws = (125 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (6.0 ft  0.84 ft) = 6,140 lb/ft
= (2,002 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (1.83 m  0.256 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 89,647 N/m
The total weight of the coherent gravity wall is:
Ww = Wf + Ws
= (1,200 lb/ft) + (6,140 lb/ft) = 7,340 lb/ft = (17,590 N/m) + (89,647 N/m) = 107,237 N/m
The next step is to calculate the active force on the gravity wall. The properties of the retained soil are used to calculated the active
force since it acts at the back of the reinforced soil zone. The active force is given by the equation:
Fa = (0.5) (r) (Kar) (H)2
= (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.2561) (9.52 ft)2
= 1,393 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.2561) (2.9 m)2 (9.81 m/sec2)
= 20,315 N/m
The horizontal and vertical components of the active force are:
Fh = (Fa) cos (wr)
= (1,393 lb/ft) cos (18°) = (20,315 N/m) cos (18°)
= 1,325 lb/ft = 19,321 N/m
Fv = (Fa) sin (wr)
= (1,393 lb/ft) sin (18°) = (20,315 N/m) sin (18°)
= 430 lb/ft = 6,278 N/m
Next, the total vertical force is calculated:

= Ww + Fv
Diagram Ex. 2-3
Vt
= (7,340 lb/ft) + (430 lb/ft) = 7,770 lb/ft = (107,237 N/m) + (6,278 N/m) = 113,515 N/m
The force resisting sliding is calculated by multiplying the total vertical force by the coefficient of friction between the reinforced
soil mass and the underlying soil:

Fr = (Vt) (Cf)
= (7,770 lb/ft) tan (30°) = 4,486 lb/ft = (113,515 N/m) tan (30°) = 65,538 N/m

allanblock.com 17
 The safety factor against sliding is:
Fr (4,486 lb/ft) Fr (65,538 N/m)
= = = 3.45 > 1.5 OK = = = 3.4 > 1.5 OK
Fh (1,325 lb/ft) Fh (19,321 N/m)
SFS

The safety factor against overturning is:

(NOTE: All moments are taken about Point A in Figure 2-8.)

= (Wf) [(0.5) (t) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Ws) [(0.5) (Lt  t) + (t) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Fv) [(Lt) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 

)]
= (1,200 lb/ft) [(0.5) (0.97 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (6,140 lb/ft) [(0.5) (6.13 ft  0.97 ft) + (0.97 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (430 lb/ft) [(6.13 ft) + (0.333) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 32,731 ft-lb/ft
= (17,590 N/m) [(0.5) (0.3 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (89,647 N/m) [(0.5) (1.87 m  0.3 m) + (0.3 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (6,278 N/m) [(1.87 m) + (0.333) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 145,985 N-m/m
Mo = (Fh) (0.333) (H)
= (1,325 lb/ft) (0.333) (9.52 ft)
= 4,200 ft-lb/ft
= (19,321 N/m) (0.333) (2.9 m)
= 18,658 N-m/m
Mr (32,731 ft-lb/ft)
= = = 7.8 > 2.0 OK
Mo (4,200 ft-lb/ft)
SFO

Mr (145,985 N-m/m)

= = = 7.8 > 2.0 OK
Mo (18,658 N-m/m)

The minimum recommended safety factors for geogrid reinforced

retaining walls are 1.5 for sliding failure and 2.0 for overturning
failure. Since both safety factors for this wall exceed the minimum
values, the wall is adequate with respect to sliding and
overturning. In cases where either of the safety factors is lower
than required, the length of geogrid is increased and the analysis
is repeated. The process ends when both safety factors exceed
Figure 2-8. Freebody Diagram of a Coherent Wall

the minimum recommended values.

18 allanblock.com
Bearing Pressure on the Underlying Soil
Another consideration in the design of a coherent gravity wall is the ability of the
underlying soil to support the weight of a giant gravity wall. Most undisturbed
soils can withstand pressures between 2,500 (120 kPa) and 4,000 (192 kPa)
pounds per square foot.
Figure 2-9 is a freebody diagram of the coherent gravity wall in Example 2-3. It
shows the forces acting on the wall. With this information, the maximum bearing
pressure can be calculated and compared to the allowable bearing pressure.
The first step is to calculate the resultant vertical resisting force, Fvb, exerted
on the gravity wall by the soil:

Fvb = Fy = Ww + Fv
= (7,340 lb/ft + 430 lb/ft) = 107,237 N/m + 6,278 N/m
= 7,770 lb/ft = 113,515 N/m
The next step is to locate the point of application of the resultant force. This
is done by summing moments around Point A, setting the result equal to zero,
Figure 2-9. Freebody Diagram for Bearing

and solving for X.

Pressure Analysis

MA = (Fvb) (X) + (Fh) (1/3 H) - Ww (4.04 ft - Fv [6.13 ft + H/3 tan (90° - 78°)]
= (7,770 lb/ft) (X) + (1,325 lb/ft) (3.17 ft)
 (7,340 lb/ft) (4.04 ft)  (430 lb/ft) (6.80 ft)
X = (29,654 ft-lb/ft) + (2,924 ft-lb/ft)  (4,200 ft-lb/ft) = 3.65 ft
(7,770 lb/ft)
= (113,515 N/m) (X) + (19,321 N/m) (0.966 m)
 (107,237 N/m) (1.23 m)  (6,278 N/m) [1.87 m + H/3 tan (90°  78°)]
= (131,902 N-m/m) + (13,028 N-m/m)  (18,664 N-m/m) = 1.11 m
(113,515 N/m)
The eccentricity, e, of the resultant vertical force, is the distance from the centerline of bearing of the
gravity wall to the point of application of the resultant force, Fvb. In this case:

e = (0.5) (Lt)  X
= (0.5) (6.13 ft)  X = (0.5) (1.87 m)  X
= (0.5) (6.13 ft)  3.65 ft = 0.59 ft = (0.5) (1.87 m)  1.11 m = 0.165 m
In this case the eccentricity is negative. A negative eccentricity means that the wall mass is rolling backwards, thus causing a
decrease in bearing pressure at the toe. Since this is not practical, “e” shall always be conservatively taken as greater than or equal
to zero.

e = 0 ft = 0m

Assuming a linear bearing pressure distribution, the average bearing pressure occurs at the centerline
of the wall. Its magnitude is:

= Fvb = (7,770 lb/ft) = 1,268 lb/sq ft =

Fvb
=
113,515 N/m
= 61 kPa
Lt (6.13 ft) Lt 1.87 m (1000)
avg

allanblock.com 19
 Next, the bearing pressure due to the moment about the centerline of bearing is calculated. This is done by finding the moment
due to the resultant vertical force about the centerline of bearing (Point B) and dividing it by the section modulus of a horizontal
section through gravity wall. The moment due to the eccentricity of the resultant vertical force is:

MB = (Fvb) (e)
= (7,770 lb/ft) (0 ft) = (113,515 N/m) (0 m)
= 0 ft-lb/ft = 0 N-m/m
The section modulus of a 1-foot or 1-meter wide section of the wall is given by:

(l) (Lt)2
=
6
S
Where:

l = the width of the section = 1.0 ft or 1 m

Lt = the depth of the section = Lt = 6.13 ft (1.87 m)
(1 ft) (6.13 ft)2 (1.0 m) (1.87 m)2
= =
6 (1 ft) 6 (1 m)
S

ft3 m3
= 6.26 ft = 0.583 m

The difference in stress due to the eccentricity is:

MB
mom =
S
= (0 ft-lb/ft)(ft) = (0 N-m/m)(m)
(6.26 ft3) (0.583 m3) (1000)
= 0 lb/ft2 = 0 kPa
Finally, the maximum and minimum bearing pressures are calculated:
 = avg  mom
= avg + mom
= (1,268 lb/sq ft) + (0 lb/sq ft)
max
= (61 kPa) + (0 kPa)
= 1,268 lb/sq ft = 61 kPa = 6,100 kg/m2
= avg  mom
= (1,268 lb/sq ft)  (0 lb/sq ft)
min
= (61 kPa)  (0 kPa)
= 1,268 lb/sq ft = 61 kPa = 6,100 kg/m2
If the maximum bearing pressure was greater than the allowable bearing pressure of 2,500 lb/sq ft (120 kPa), the wall would
be unstable with respect to the allowable bearing capacity of the underlying soil.

The procedure outlined above can be simplified by rearranging the equations as follows:
 = avg  mom
Fvb Mb Fvb (6)Mb Fvb (6) (Fvb) (e)
= L  S = L  L2 = L  Lt2
t t t t


When the maximum bearing pressure is greater than the allowable bearing pressure the underlying soil is not stable. Stabilizing
the soil under the wall is accomplished by spreading the forces of the wall over a larger area. Engineers use this concept in
designing spread footings.

20 allanblock.com
Once the max is determined, compare it to ultimate bearing capacity (qf) as defined by Terzaghi:
qf = (½) (f) (Bb) (N) + (c) (Nc) + (f) (D) (Nq)
(Craig, p. 303, Soil Mechanics, Fifth Edition)
Where:
Nq = Contribution due to entire pressure (Terzaghi’s value)
Nc = Contribution due to constant component of shear strength (Terzaghi’s value)
N = Contribution from self weight of the soil (Meyerhof’s value)
Nq = exp ( tan  f ) tan2 (45 +  f /2)
Nc = (Nq  1) cot  f
N = (Nq  1) tan (1.4 f )

f = Unit weight of foundation soils Typical Base Size Minimum:

D = Depth of wall embedment
= Buried block + footing thickness (db).
c = Cohesion of foundation soils
Bb = Width of the foundation
f = Friction angle of foundation soils
Increase Size as Needed:
NOTE: The Terzaghi values do not take into account the rectangular
footing and eccentric loads. Using the Meyerhof equations
to modify these parameters will include these affects.

The ultimate bearing (qf) should be designed to a factor of safety of 2.0

If SFB = qf < 2.0, then increase the size of the base until factor of
max safety if achieved. Increase Width by:

The material in the base will usually be a select gravel, B = 36°. However,
the foundation soil below the base material is native soil and assume for this
example to be f = 30°. Assume a 0.5 ft (0.15 m) increase in base depth. The
base width will increase by twice the following:

tan (45 + /2) = 0.5 ft/W tan (45 + /2) = 0.15 m/W
W = 0.5 ft / tan (45  30°/2)
Increased Base Dimensions:
W = 0.15 m / tan (45  30°/2)
W = 0.29 ft use 0.33 ft W = 0.08 m use 0.1 m
Therefore, the incremental base size is:

Depth (di) = db + 0.5 ft = d b + 0.15 m

Width (Bi) = Bb + (2) (W)

Base Footing Location:

= Bb + (2) (0.33 ft) = Bb + (2) (0.1 m)

Typical installation would center wall facing units on base width.

allanblock.com 21
 Internal Stability
Allan Block recommends no more than 2-course spacing -16 in. (406 mm) - between each layer of geogrid reinforcement for any
Allan Block system to ensure that the wall acts as a coherent mass.

The load on each layer of geogrid is equal to the average pressure on the wall section, Pavg, multiplied by the height of the section,
dh, (Figure 2-10). The pressure at any depth is given by:

Pv = (i) (depth) (Kai) cos (wi)

Internal Stability
Internal stability is the ability of the reinforcement combined with the internal strength of the soil to hold the soil mass together
and work as a single unit.

Grid Rupture Pullout Bulging

Rupture occurs when excessive forces Pullout results when grid layers are not Bulging occurs when horizontal forces
from the retained soil mass exceed the embedded a sufficient distance beyond between the geogrid layers causes
ultimate tensile strength of the geogrid. the line of maximum tension. localized rotation of the wall. Refer to
Chapter Six for detailed analysis.
Increase grid strength Increase embedment length Increase number of grid layers

The load on each layer of grid is given by:

Fg = (Pavg) (dh)
where:
Pavg = (0.5) (Pbase + Ptop)
= (0.5) [(i) (d1) (Kai) cos (wi)
+ (i) (d2) (Kai) cos (wi)]
= (0.5) (i) (Kai) cos (wi) (d1 + d2)

dh = d1  d2
= distance from the top of the backfill to the bottom of the
Figure 2-10. Load Distribution on Specific
d1 Grid Layers
zone supported by the layer of geogrid.

d2 = distance from the top of the backfill to the top of the

zone supported by the layer of geogrid.

Geogrid can only be placed between the blocks forming the wall
facing. That means that the geogrid can only be placed at heights
evenly divisible by the block height, this example is 7.62 inches or
0.635 ft (194 mm).

22 allanblock.com
Attachment of the Geogrid to the Wall Facing
A logical question to ask is: What keeps the geogrid from slipping out from between the courses of Allan Block? The answer is that
the weight of the Allan Blocks sitting on top of the geogrid creates friction between the blocks and the geogrid. In addition, some
of the material used to fill the voids in the Allan Blocks becomes wedged in the apertures of the geogrid. This is called Rock-Lock
and results in additional resistance to sliding.
Allan Block’s original pullout tests were conducted in 1989 at the University of
Wisconsin-Platteville by Kliethermes, et al. Two sets of tests were run. In the
first set, the voids of the Allan Blocks were filled with gravel. In the second set,
the voids were left empty.
When the voids were filled with gravel, there was an apparent coefficient of
friction (ACF) of about 3.0 between the geogrid and the Allan Blocks. When the
voids were left empty, the ACF was about 0.88. The surprising magnitude of the
ACF for gravel is due to a significant amount of interlocking between the gravel
and the geogrid.
The hollow core, pinless design of Allan Block raises questions on how the geogrid is attached to the wall facing. Allan Block’s
gravel filled hollow core provides a multi-point interlock with the grid. As wall heights increase, our exclusive "rock lock" connection,
combined with the weight of the Allan Block units, provides a more uniform block-to-grid interlock than any system on the market.
Allan Block had additional pullout tests conducted at the University of Washington in 1993-1994. A total of ten geogrids and two
geofabrics were tested. Each product was tested three times under four loading conditions; 500 lbs. (226.8 kg), 1000 lbs. (453.6
kg), 1500 lbs. (680.4 kg), and 2000 lbs. (907.18 kg) vertical load per lineal foot of wall. The data compiled was consistent. From
a total of 144 pullout tests, the results exhibited a uniform behavior based on grid strengths and normal loads applied. The test
values increased with added vertical loads. A typical pullout equation for service and ultimate loads takes the form X + Y * N. The
variables X and Y are constant values as determined by testing. The normal (vertical) load N, is load applied to the block. The
location of the block to grid connection will be the determining factor for the amount of normal (vertical) load applied. Appendix B
has a thorough discussion on the current ASTM connection methodology and a complete table of current tested connection values
with a large variety of geogrids.
The maximum force in the geogrid occurs at the Line of Maximum Tension - the boundary between the active and passive zones
of the retained soil. The force on the geogrid decreases as the horizontal distance from the failure plane increases. At the back of
the wall, the force on the geogrid is reduced to about two-thirds of the maximum force (McKittrick, 1979). As a result there is a
0.667 reduction factor for the load at the face (RFLF).

The static geogrid/block connection capacity factor of safety is determined by comparing the peak connection strength, which is a
function of the normal load, to the applied load on each layer of geogrid. Find the factors of safety for the static geogrid/block con-
nection capacity:
Fcs
SFconn = 1.5
(FgTopLayer) (RFLF)


The peak connection strength (Fcs) is an equation of a line generated by comparing the maximum pullout force under various nor-
mal loads. The numbers in this example are generic that show approximated values. Actual geogrid testing properties can be
found in Table B-1 on page 84. The resulting equation for Fcs is:

Fcs = 1,313 lb/ft + tan(8°)(N) = 19,204 N/m + tan(8°)(N)

Where the normal load (N) is:
N = (H  grid elev) (wall) (t)
= (9.52 ft  6.35 ft) (130 lb/ft3) (0.97 ft) = (2.9 m  1.94 m) (2,061 kg/m3) (0.30 m) (9.81)
= 400 lb/ft = (5,822 N/m)
Therefore, the peak connection strength (Fcs) is:
Fcs = 1,313 lb/ft + tan(8°) (400 lb/ft)
= 1,313 lb/ft + 0.140 (85 lb/ft) = 1,369 lb/ft = 19,204 N/m + 0.140 (5,822 N/m) = 20,019 N/m

SFconn = 1,369 lb/ft = 5.7  1.5 = 20,019 N/m = 5.7 1.5

360 lb/ft (0.667) 5,822 N/m


allanblock.com 23
 Example 2-5a
Let's analyze the wall of Example 2-3 for geogrid pullout from blocks. Diagram Ex. 2-5a shows the wall and some of the dimensions
that will be needed in the calculations. Calculate the horizontal force on the bottom layer of geogrid:

Ph1 = (i) (Kai) (d1) (cos wi)

= (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (9.52 ft) (0.940) = (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (2.9 m) (0.940)
= 246 lb/ft2 = 1,200 kg/m2
Ph2 = (i) (Kai) (d2) (cos wi)
= (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (8.25 ft) (0.940) = (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (2.51 m) (0.940)
= 213 lb/ft2 = 1,038 kg/m2
Pavg = (0.5) (246 lb/ft2 + 213 lb/ft2) = (0.5) (1,200 kg/m2 + 1,038 kg/m2)
= 230 lb/ft2 = 1,119 kg/m2
F1 = Pavg (dh)
= (230 lb/ft2) (1.27 ft)
= 292 lb/ft
= (1,119 kg/m2) (0.39 m) (9.81 m/sec2)
= 4,281 N/m

The force on the geogrid at the back face of the wall will be
approximately two-thirds of F1:
= (0.667) (F1) = (0.667) (292 lb/ft)
Diagram Ex. 2-5a
Fw
= 195 lb/ft
= (0.667) (F1) = (0.667) (4,281 N/m)
= 2,854 N/m

The normal load is:

N1 = (130 lb/ft3) (0.97 ft) (8.89 ft) = 1,121 lb/ft

= (2,082 kg/m3) (0.3 m) (2.71 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 16,605 N/m

Connection capacity equation:

Fcs = 1,313 lb/ft + tan (8°) (1,121 lb/ft)

= 1,313 lb/ft + 0.140 (1,121 lb/ft) = 19,204 N/m + 0.140 (16,605 N/m)
= 1,470 lb/ft = 21,529 N/m
The safety factor against pullout of block for the bottom layer of geogrid is:
Fcs (1,470 lb/ft) (21,529 N/m)
SFconn = = = 7.5  1.5 = = 7.5  1.5
Fw 195 lb/ft) (2,854 N/m)

24 allanblock.com
Example 2-5b
The horizontal force on the top layer of geogrid is:
Ph7 = () (Ka) (d7) (cos wi) = (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (1.91 ft) (0.940) = 49 lb/ft2
= () (Ka) (d7) (cos wi) = (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (0.58 m) (0.940) = 240 kg/m2
Ph8 = () (Ka) (d8) (cos wi) = (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (0 ft) (0.940) = 0 lb/ft2
= () (Ka) (d8) (cos wi) = (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (0 m) (0.940) = 0 kg/m2
Pavg = (0.5) (49 lb/ft2 + 0 lb/ft2) = 25 lb/ft2 = (0.5) (240 kg/m2 + 0 kg/m2) = 120 kg/m2
F7 = (Pavg) (dh) = (25 lb/ft2) (1.91 ft) = 47 lb/ft
= (Pavg) (dh) = (120 kg/m2) (0.58 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 683 N/m
The force on the geogrid at the back face of the wall will be approximately two-thirds of F7:

Fw = (0.667) (F7) = (0.667) (47 lb/ft) = 31 lb/ft = (0.667) (F7) = (0.667) (683 N/m) = 455 N/m

The force resisting pullout, caused by the weight of the aggregate filled blocks above the top geogrid layer, is:

N7 = (130 lb/ft3) (0.97 ft) (1.27 ft) = 160 lb/ft = (2,082 kg/m3) (0.3 m) (0.39 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 2,390 N/m
Fcs = 1,313 lb/ft + 0.140 (160 lb/ft) = 1,335 lb/ft = 19,204 N/m + 0.140 (2,390 N/m) = 19,539 N/m
The safety factor against pullout of block for the top layer of geogrid is:

Fcs (1,335 lb/ft)

SFconn = = = 43.0  1.5
Fw (31 lb/ft) d

= (19,539 N/m) = 43.0  1.5

(455 N/m)
At a certain depth, the force holding the geogrid between the blocks will be
equal to or greater than the long-term allowable design load of the geogrid. Any
layer of geogrid located below this depth may be controlled by tensile overstress
and not connection. The depth will be different for each wall depending on the
type of soil, the slope of the backfill, and the presence of surcharges, if any.
Diagram Ex. 2-5b
Mechanical Connection
A grouted / mechanical connection may be desirable in special circumstances such as for geogrid layers under high seismic loading
or when barriers are attached. The hollow cores of the Allan Block provide for a cell to encapsulate the geogrid placed between block
courses. When a grouted connection is specified, a minimum of 3 inches (7.6 cm) of grout above and below the grid layers is
required. Factors of safety for this connection are determined by comparing the long-term allowable design strength (LTADS) of
the geogrid to the applied load at the face. Please note that designers using a grouted connection should verify with the geogrid
manufacturer that their grids are allowed in areas of high alkaline content.

SFmech = LTADS
(Applied Load) (RFLF)
Example 2-4: (15 course wall)

Given:
H = 9.52 ft (2.9 m) LTADS = 1322 lb/ft (19,300 N/m)
 = 30° Lt = 6.13 ft (1.87 m)
 = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3) Geogrid Courses = 3, 6, 9, 12
wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3) wi = 20°

From Example 2-3: Fis = FgTopLayer = Pavg (dh) for this example FgTopLayer = 360 lb/ft (5,256 N/m).

allanblock.com 25
 Geogrid Pullout from the Soil
Geogrid extends into the backfill soil and the frictional resistance due to the weight of the soil on top of the geogrid provides the
restraining force. The relationship can be expressed as follows:

Fgr = (Unit weight of soil) x (Depth to grid)

x (2) x (Length of the grid in the passive zone)
x (Coefficient of friction)
The following equation can be used to calculate the maximum potential restraining force:

Fgr = (2) (dg) (i) (Le) (Ci) tan ()

where:

dg = the depth from the top of the infill to the layer of geogrid.
i = the unit weight of the infill soil.
Le = the length of geogrid embedded in the passive zone of the soil.
Ci = the coefficient of interaction between the soil and the geogrid, a
measure of the ability of the soil to hold the geogrid when a force is
applied to it. Typical values of Ci are 0.9 for gravelly soil, 0.85 for
sand or silty sands, and 0.75 for silts and clays.
tan() = the coefficient of friction (shear strength) between adjacent layers
of soil.
Diagram Ex. 2-5c
The factor 2 is used because both the top and the bottom of the geogrid interact
with the soil.

NOTE: Typically a designer will use a grid length of 60% of wall height, run the Safety Factor for Pullout of Soil calculations, and
lengthen the grid if necessary. The following steps can be taken as a check to find the minimum grid lengths required to meet the
pullout of soil requirements.

First, the depth to the geogrid, dg, must be specified. To complete Example 2-5a, let dg = 8.89 ft (2.71 m). Another important
assumption is that the geogrid will extend far enough into the passive zone to develop the full allowable design strength of the
geogrid. In this case an average strength geogrid will be used, the full long-term allowable load is 1,322 lb/ft (19,300 N/m). A safety
factor of 1.5 is applied to this value. The embedment length required to generate that force can be calculated as follows:

= LTADS
(Fgr) (SFpulloutsoil)
Le

Fgr = (2) (dg) (i) (Le) (Ci) tan ()

= LTADS
(2) (dg) (i) (Le) (Ci) tan () (SFpulloutsoil )
Le

(1,322 lb/ft) = 0.92 ft

=
(2) (8.89 ft) (120 lb/ft ) (0.85) tan (30°) (1.5)
3

= (19,300 N/m) = 0.28 m

(2) (2.71 m) (1,923 kg/m3) (9.81 m/sec2) (0.85) tan (30°) (1.5)

26 allanblock.com
The total length of geogrid required per linear foot of wall is:

Lt = Lw + La + Le
where:

Lw = length of geogrid inside the Allan Block unit = 0.84 ft (0.26 m)

= Block thickness - Equivalent lip thickness
La = length of geogrid in the active zone

= (H  dg) [ tan (45°  /2)  tan (90° 

) ] = 0.23 ft (0.07 m)

Le = length of geogrid embedded in the passive zone.

The estimated total length of geogrid required for the wall in Example 2-5 is:

Lt = 0.84 ft + 0.23 ft + 0.84 ft = 0.26 m + 0.07 m + 0.26 m

= 1.91 ft = 0.59 m
Standard practice for design is to use a minimum geogrid length of 60% of the wall height. For this example, Lt = 6.0 ft (1.83 m).
With a total geogrid length of 6.0 ft (1.83 m) the actual embedment length is:

Le = Lt  Lw  La
= 6.0 ft  0.84 ft  0.23 ft
= 4.93 ft
= 1.83 m  0.26 m  0.07 m
= 1.5 m
The maximum potential restraining force on the geogrid for an embedment length of 4.93 feet (1.50 m) is:
Fgr = (2) (8.89 ft) (120 lb/ft3) (4.93 ft) (0.85) tan (30°) = 5,162 lb/ft
= (2) (2.71 m) (1,923 kg/m ) (1.50 m) (0.85) tan (30°) (9.81 m/sec2)
3 = 75,266 N/m
However, the long-term allowable design load (LTADS) of the grid specified is only 1,322 lb/ft (19,300 N/m). The maximum
restraining force must be less than or equal to the LTADS. Therefore, Fgr is limited to LTADS.

Studies have shown that the line of maximum tension for the soil inside
the reinforced soil mass is not well represented by a straight line at an
angle of 45° + /2 to the horizontal. Instead, the line of maximum
tension looks more like the one depicted in Figure 2-11. It begins at the
bottom rear edge of the wall facing and extends upward at an angle of
45° + /2 to the horizontal. The failure surface continues upward at
that angle until it intersects a vertical line located behind the wall facing
a distance equal to 0.3 the height of the wall.
When analyzing the loads on an individual layer of geogrid, the effective
depth (dg) of grid is measured from the grid layer up to the geometric
vertical center of the slope above. The geometric vertical center is
easily calculated for both continuous and broken back slopes above the
wall. If there is no slope above, it is measured to the top of the wall.

Figure 2-11. Line of Maximum Tension in a

Coherent Gravity Wall

allanblock.com 27
 Chapter Three
Surcharges
allanblock.com

Introduction
A surcharge (q) is an external load applied to the retained
soil. Typical surcharges include: sidewalks, driveways,
roads, buildings, and other retaining walls. Retaining walls
as surcharges will be dealt with in a separate section
entitled "Terraced Walls." In this chapter, we will show how
to apply the force due to surcharges on simple gravity walls
and coherent gravity walls.
The effect a surcharge has on a wall depends on the
magnitude of the surcharge and the location of the
surcharge relative to the wall. A surcharge located directly
behind a wall will have a much greater effect than one
located ten or twenty feet behind the wall. Generally, in
good soil if the distance from the back of the wall to the
surcharge is greater than twice the height of the wall, the
effect of the surcharge will be insignificant. Keep in mind
that the back of a coherent gravity wall is located at the end
of the geogrid furthest from the wall facing.
In order to properly determine the effects of a surcharge load, it is necessary to determine how the stress within the soil varies with
vertical and horizontal distance from the surcharge. There are several theories about how to calculate the stress at some point
within the soil and they range from relatively simple to extremely complex. The one that we have chosen to use is illustrated in
Figure 3-1. We assume that the force due to a surcharge load on the retained soil is transmitted downward through the soil at an
angle of 45° + /2 to the horizontal. ( is the friction angle of the soil.) The plane of influence can be approximated by drawing a
line up from the bottom rear edge of the wall at an angle of 45° + /2 until it intersects the top of the backfill. Any surcharge located
between the front of the wall and the point of intersection will have a measurable effect on the wall. Surcharges located beyond the
point of intersection will have a minimal effect on the wall and will be neglected.
The nature of a surcharge can be defined as a live load or a dead load. Essentially, a live load is that which is transient in its
influence on the wall structure and a dead load is that which is taken as a permanent influence on the wall structure. In our
calculations for stability, a conservative approach is followed that does not include the presence of the vertical live load weight and
vertical forces on the resistance side of the equation.
The location of the live or dead load surcharge, be it the retained soil or the infill soil, affects individual forces on the wall resulting
in increased or decreased stability factors of safety. For example, a coherent gravity wall with a live load surcharge on the infill soil
will act to decrease FOS overstress and also decrease FOS for sliding and overturning. If the live load surcharge is acting on the
retained soil, we see decreases in FOS for sliding and overturning. As for a coherent gravity wall with a dead load surcharge on
the infill soils, we see a decrease in FOS for overstress and an increase in FOS for sliding and overturning. If the dead load is on
the retained soil, we see an increase in FOS for sliding and overturning.
Another assumption we make in analyzing a surcharge load is that the stress within the soil due to the surcharge is constant with depth.
This assumption is fairly accurate for surcharges covering a large area and will result in an error on the conservative side while greatly
simplifying the analysis. More exact methods of analysis are available and can be used if desired.

allanblock.com
28
Assumptions:
1. Stress in Soil Due to Surcharge Does Not Vary with Depth.
2. Wall Friction is Neglected in this example.

where:
XL =
=
the distance from the front of the top AB Unit to the surcharge.
LPI
=
the distance from the front of the top AB Unit to the plane of influence.
Pq
=
the pressure due to the surcharge
q
=
the surcharge
Hq height of wall effected by the surcharge

Table 3-1. Effect of Uniform Surcharge on a Retaining Wall

CASE 1
XL = 0

Pq = (q) (Ka)
Sliding Force:
Fs = (Pq) (H) COS (w)
Overturning Moment:
Mq = (0.5) (H) (Fs)

CASE 2
0 < XL < LPI

Pq = (q) (Ka)
Sliding Force:
Fs = (Pq) (Hq) COS (w)
Overturning Moment:
Mq = (0.5) (Hq) (Fs)

CASE 3
XL > LPI

Pq = 0
Sliding Force:
Fs = 0
Overturning Moment:
Mq = 0

allanblock.com 29
 Surcharges on Simple Gravity Walls
Example 3-1:
Figure 3-1 shows the simple gravity wall of Example 2-1 with a uniform dead load surcharge (q) of 120 lb/ft2 (6 kPa) behind it. The
surcharge is 4 feet wide (1.22 m) and is located right next to the back of the wall. The first step in the analysis is to calculate the
pressure on the retaining wall due to the surcharge:

Pq = (q) (Ka)
= (120 lb/ft2) (0.2197) = (6 kPa) (0.2197)
= 26 lb/ft2 = 1.32 kPa
Again, because of the effects of friction between the wall and the soil, the pressure due to the surcharge has both a horizontal
component and a vertical component. Therefore, the next step in the analysis is to calculate the horizontal and vertical components
of the pressure:

Pqh = (Pq) cos (w)

= (26 lb/ft2) cos (20°) = (1.32 kPa) cos (20°)
= 24 lb/ft2 = 1.24 kPa
Pqv = (Pq ) sin (w)
= (26 lb/ft2) sin (20°) = (1.32 kPa) sin (20°)
= 9 lb/ft2 = 0.45 kPa
Finally, the total surcharge forces on the wall are calculated:
Fqh = (Pqh) (H)
= (24 lb/ft2) (3.81 ft) = (1.24 kPa) (1.16 m)
= 91 lb/ft = 1.44 kN/m Figure 3-1. Simple Gravity Retaining Wall
= (Pqv) (H)
with Surcharge
Fqv
= (9 lb/ft2) (3.81 ft) = (0.45 kPa) (1.16 m)
= 34 lb/ft = 0.52 kN/m

30 allanblock.com
Figure 3-2 is a freebody diagram showing the active forces on the wall. Now that the
force and pressure distribution due to the surcharge are known, the wall can be an-
alyzed as described in Chapter Two. (The rest of the forces have already been cal-
culated in Example 2-1.) For a simple gravity wall, the horizontal force due to the
surcharge is a force that tends to cause both sliding and overturning. Therefore, it
must be added to those forces when the safety factors are calculated.

The safety factor against sliding is:

Fr + (Fqv) (Cf)
=
Fh + Fqh
SFS

= (315 lb/ft) + (34 lb/ft) tan (30°) = 1.23

(179 lb/ft) + (91 lb/ft)
(4,613 N/m) + (520 N/m) tan (30°) = 1.23
=
(2,620 N/m) + (1,440 N/m)

(NOTE: Fr and Fh were calculated in Example 2-1).

Figure 3-2. Freebody Diagram of a Simple
The safety factor against overturning is: Gravity Wall with Surcharge

= (Wf) [(t/2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Fv) [(t) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Fqv) [(t) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
= (480 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (3.81 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (65 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (3.81 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (34 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.5) (3.81 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 557 ft-lb/ft
= (7,036 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (1.16 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (984 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.333) (1.16 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (520 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.5) (1.16 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 2,512 N-m/m
Mo = (Fh) (0.333) (H) + (Fqh) (0.5) (H)
= (179 lb/ft) (0.333) (3.81 ft) + (91 lb/ft) (0.5) (3.81 ft)
= 400 ft-lb/ft
= (2,620 N/m) (0.333) (1.16 m) + (1,440 N/m) (0.5) (1.16 m)
= 1,847 N-m/m

= Mr = (557 ft-lb/ft) = 1.4

Mo (400 ft-lb/ft)
SFO

(2,512 N-m/m)
=
(1,847 N-m/m)

Notice that with the surcharge on the backfill the safety factors are much lower than the recommended minimum values of 1.5 for
sliding and 2.0 for overturning. This illustrates that a surcharge can make the difference between a stable wall and an unstable one.

allanblock.com 31
 Surcharges on Coherent Gravity Walls
Analyzing the effects of a surcharge on a coherent gravity wall
is a two-part problem. First, the effect on the entire reinforced
soil mass (external stability) must be analyzed. The surcharge
will have an effect on both sliding failure and overturning
failure. Second, the effect of the surcharge on the individual
layers of geogrid (internal stability) must be analyzed. The
surcharge will affect the stress in each layer of geogrid and will
influence the spacing of the layers.

External Stability
The effect of a surcharge on the external stability of a coherent gravity retaining wall is nearly identical to the effect on a simple
gravity wall and depends on the location of the surcharge. Recall that the back of a coherent gravity wall is located at the end of the
geogrid farthest from the wall facing.

Figure 3-3 shows three possible locations of a dead load surcharge. The surcharge in Location A contributes to the forces resisting
both sliding and overturning. Surcharges at location B contribute to the forces causing sliding and overturning. In Location C, the
surcharge contributes partly to the forces causing sliding and partly to the forces resisting sliding. In the same manner, it also
contributes both to the forces causing overturning and the forces resisting overturning.

Figure 3-3. Locations of Surcharge on Coherent Gravity Walls

Example 3-3:
Consider the coherent gravity wall analyzed in Example 2-3, but with a three-foot-wide dead load surcharge of 120 lb/ft2 (6 kPa).
Analyze the external stability of the wall with the surcharge in the three locations shown in Figure 3-3.
Location A:
The surcharge can be resolved into an equivalent vertical force, Q, of 360 lb/ft (5,256 N/m) that is located 2.5 ft (0.762 m) from the
front face of the wall and acts at the center of the uniform surcharge. This force can be added to the forces
resisting sliding when calculating Fr:
Fr = (Ww + Fv + Q) (Cf)
= [(7,340 lb/ft) + (430 lb/ft) + (360 lb/ft)] tan (30) = 4,694 lb/ft
= [(107,237 N/m) + (6,278 N/m) + (5,256 N/m)] tan (30°) = 68,572 N/m

32 allanblock.com
The new safety factor against sliding is:

Fr (4,694 lb/ft) (68,572 N/m)

= = = 3.54 = = 3.54
Fh (1,325 lb/ft) (19,321 N/m)
SFS

Q can also be added to the moments of the forces resisting overturning:

where:
X1 = distance to the center line of the reinforced mass
X2 = distance to the back of the reinforced mass
X3 = distance to the center line of the surcharge

= (Ww) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Fv) [(X2) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Q) [(X3) + (H) tan (90° 

)]
= (7,340 lb/ft) [(3.0 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (430 lb/ft) [(6. 13 ft) + (0. 333) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (360 lb/ft) [(2.5 ft) + (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 34,000 ft-lb/ft
Diagram Ex. 3-3

= (107,237 N/m) [(0.91 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]

+ (6,278 N/m) [(1.87 m) + (0. 333) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (5,256 N/m) [(0.762 m) + (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 150,912 N-m/m
= (Fh) (0.333) (H)
= (1,325 lb/ft) (0.333) (9.52 ft) = 4,200 ft-lb/ft
Mo
= (19,321 N/m) (0.333) (2.9 m) = 18,658 N-m/m
The new safety factor against overturning is:

(34,000 ft-lb/ft) (150,912 N-m/m)

= = = 8.09
Mr
= = 8.09
(4,200 ft-lb/ft) (18,658 N-m/m)
SFO
Mo
Thus, the effect of a surcharge in Location A is to make the wall slightly more stable with respect to sliding and overturning. However, such a
surcharge can have a detrimental effect on the internal stability of the wall. Also, the added force due to the surcharge must be taken into
account when calculating the bearing pressure on the underlying soil.
Location B:
A surcharge in this location has the same effect on the external stability of a coherent gravity wall as on a simple gravity wall. In
this case, the surcharge results in a horizontal force with its point of application located at H/2 on the back of the reinforced soil
mass. The magnitude of the force is:

Fq = (q) (Ka) (H)

= (120 lb/ft2) (0.2561) (9.52 ft) = 293 lb/ft = (5,748 Pa) (0.2561) (2.9 m) = 4,269 N/m
The horizontal and vertical components of the force on the reinforced soil mass due to the surcharge are:

Fqh = (Fq ) cos (wr)

= (293 lb/ft) cos (18°) = 279 lb/ft = (4,269 N/m) cos (18°) = 4,060 N/m

Fqv = (Fq ) sin (wr)

= (293 lb/ft) sin (18°) = 91 lb/ft = (4,269 N/m) sin (18°) = 1,319 N/m

Notice that the pressure coefficient for the onsite soil is used. This is because the surcharge is located entirely outside the
reinforced soil zone and the surcharge force is transmitted through the onsite soil.

allanblock.com 33
 For Location B, the safety factors against sliding and overturning are:

Fr + (Fqv) (Cf)
=
Fh + Fqh
SFS

4,486 lb/ft + 91 lb/ft tan 27° = 2.83 65,538 N/m + 1,319 N/m tan 27°
= = = 2.83
1,325 lb/ft + 279 lb/ft 19,321 N/m + 4,060 N/m

Mr + (Fqv) [(X2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
=
Mo + (Fqh) (0.5) (H)
SFO

34,000 ft-lb/ft + 91 lb/ft [6.13 ft + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
=
4,200 ft-lb/ft + (279 lb/ft) (0.5) (9.52 ft)
= 6.27
150,912 N-m/m + 1,319 N/m [(1.87 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 18,658 N-m/m + (4,060 N/m) (0.5) (2.9 m)
= 6.27

Location C:

With the surcharge at Location C, half of the surcharge is over the reinforced soil zone and half is not. Therefore, the effects on the
coherent gravity wall are a combination of the effects of a surcharge at Location A and a surcharge at Location B. The part of the
surcharge over the geogrid will contribute to the stability of the wall with respect to sliding and overturning. The horizontal and vertical
components of the force on the reinforced soil mass due to the surcharge are:

Fq = (q) (H) (Ka)

= (120 lb/ft2) (9.52 ft) (0.2561) = 293 lb/ft = (5,748 Pa) (2.9 m) (0.2561) = 4,269 N/m

Fqh = (Fq ) cos (wr)

= (293 lb/ft) cos (18) = 279 lb/ft = (4,269 N/m) cos (18°) = 4,060 N/m

Fqv = (Fq ) sin (wr)

= (293 lb/ft) sin (18) = 91 lb/ft = (4,269 N/m) sin (18°) = 1,319 N/m
The force resisting sliding is:

Fr = [Ww + Fv + 0.5 (Q) + Fqv] (Cf)

= [ 7,340 lb/ft + 430 lb/ft + 180 lb/ft + 91 lb/ft] tan 30 = 4,642 lb/ft
= [107,237 N/m + 6,278 N/m + 2,628 N/m + 1,319 N/m] tan 30° = 67,817 N/m
The force causing sliding is:

Fs = Fh + Fqh
= 1,325 lb/ft + 279 lb/ft = 1,604 lb/ft = 19,321 N/m + 4,060 N/m = 23,381 N/m

34 allanblock.com
The safety factor against sliding is:

= (4,642 lb/ft) = 2.9

(1,604 lb/ft)
SFS

(67,817 N/m) = 2.9

=
(23,381 N/m)
The sum of the moments resisting overturning is:

= (Ww) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Fv) [(X2) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Fqv) [(X2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (0.5) (Q) [(X3) + (H) tan (90° 
)]
= (7,340 lb/ft) [(3.0 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (430 lb/ft) [(6.13 ft) + (0.333) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (91 lb/ft) [(6.13 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (0.5) (360 lb/ft) [(5.38 ft) + (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 34,354 ft-lb/ft
= (107,237 N/m) [(0.91 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (6,278 N/m) [(1.87 m) + (0.333) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (1,319 N/m) [(1.87 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (0.5) (5,256 N/m) [(1.64 m) + (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 152,469 N-m/m
The sum of the moments causing overturning is:

Mo = (Fh) (0.333) (H) + (Fqh) (0.5) (H)

= (1,325 lb/ft) (0.333) (9.52 ft) + (279 lb/ft) (0.5) (9.52 ft)
= 5,529 ft-lb/ft
= (19,321 N/m) (0.333) (2.9 m) + (4,060 N/m) (0.5) (2.9 m)
= 24,545 N-m/m
The safety factor against overturning is:

= (34,354 ft-lb/ft) = 6.21 = (152,469 N-m/m) = 6.21

(5,529 ft-lb/ft) (24,545 N-m/m)
SFO

If the surcharge was considered as a live load

(ie: traffic), only the component of the
surcharge force driving failure would be
included.

allanblock.com 35
 Internal Stability
In addition to its effects on sliding and overturning failure, a surcharge can
also have an impact on the spacing of the geogrid layers. It does so by
putting an additional load on some or all of the layers of geogrid.
The first step in analyzing the effects of a surcharge on internal stability is to
determine the horizontal soil stress within the reinforced soil zone. Once again,
we will use the wall of Example 2-3 with a surcharge of 120 lb/sq ft (5,747 Pa),
located as shown in Figure 3-4. The surcharge is 2 ft (0.61 m) wide.
Notice the diagonal lines connected to the beginning and end of the
surcharge pressure diagram. These lines are drawn at an angle of 45° +
/2 to the horizontal and mark the limits of the zone of influence of the
surcharge within the soil. The horizontal stress due to the surcharge will act
only on the portion of the retaining wall located in the area labeled “ZONE
OF INFLUENCE.”
The magnitude of the horizontal surcharge stress is:

Pqh = (q) (Kai) cos (wi) Figure 3-4. Coherent Gravity Wall with Surcharge

= (120 lb/ft2) (0.2197) cos (20°)

= 25 lb/ft2
= (5,747 Pa) (0.2197) cos (20°)
= 1,186 Pa
Figure 3-5 shows the wall facing with the two pressure distributions that
affect it - one due to the soil weight and one due to the surcharge. The
rectangular pressure distribution represents the effect of the surcharge on
the wall facing.

Example 3-4:
Given the wall shown in Figure 3-4 and using the data of Example 2-3,
determine the force acting on the first layer of grid.

Fg = (Pavg) (dh)
Where: Figure 3-5. Pressure Distributions Due to the

= (0.5) (i) (Kai) cos (wi) (d1 + d2)

Weight and Surcharge
Pavg
dh = (d1 - d2)
Since the pressure from the surcharge remains constant, add Pqh to Pavg.
So:

Fg = [(0.5) (i) (Kai) cos (wi) (d1 + d2) + (q) (Kai) cos (wi)] (d1 - d2)
For the first layer of grid:

d1 = 9.53 ft (2.93 m)
d2 = 8.26 ft (2.5 m)
Fg1 = [(0.5) (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) cos (20°) (9.53 ft + 8.26 ft) + (120 lb/ft2) (0.2197) cos (20°)] (9.53 ft - 8.26 ft)]
= 291.5 lb/ft
= [(0.5) (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) cos (20°) (2.9 m + 2.5 m) + (5,800 N/m2) (0.2197) cos (20°)] (2.9 m - 2.5 m)
= 4.256 kN/m

36 allanblock.com
Terraced Walls
Sometimes it is desirable to build two or more smaller walls at different elevations rather than one very tall wall. Such an
arrangement is called a terraced wall and an example is pictured in Figure 3-6. The analysis of terraced walls can become very
complicated. We have decided upon a design method that we feel comfortable with and will briefly describe it below. However, you
as an engineer must use your own engineering judgement. If you are not comfortable with this design method, use your best
engineering judgement or seek advice from a local expert.
You should also be aware that, as the number and walls increase, the threat of global instability increases. A terraced wall
consisting of three 5 ft (1.52 m) walls can have as great an impact on the underlying soil as a single 15 ft (4.6 m) wall. You
should do a global stability analysis or have someone do one for you for terraced wall applications.
The first step in designing a terraced wall is to decide what the total height of all the walls will be, how many tiers there will be
and the height of each tier. Each wall should be designed using a minimum grid length based on the total height of all the walls.
Please note that the design grid lengths for the lower wall are often longer than the calculated minimum due to global stability
requirements. Then, using the design procedures presented earlier, design the top retaining wall. Next, find the average
bearing stress of the top wall on the underlying soil. This average bearing stress is then applied as a uniform surcharge to the
retained soil mass of the second wall from the top. (See Figure 3-7) The second wall is then analyzed using the procedures
described earlier in this chapter.
The process is repeated until all of the tiers have been analyzed. As a final step, check the maximum soil bearing pressure of the
bottom wall to make sure it doesn't exceed the allowable bearing pressure of the onsite soil. The need for a full global analysis
should be conducted with terraced wall applications.

Figure 3-7. Average Bearing Stress of Top Wall Applied as

Figure 3-6. Retaining Wall with Three Terraced Surcharge to Second Wall

allanblock.com 37
 CHAPTER FOUR
Sloped Backfill
allanblock.com

Introduction
Sometimes it is not feasible or desirable to build a retaining wall that is tall enough to allow for a
flat backfill. In that case, the backfill must be sloped. Sloped backfill is one of the most significant
factors contributing to the active force on the wall. The slope of the backfill must be taken into
account when designing a geogrid-reinforced retaining wall. Also, it should be noted that the
slope of the backfill cannot exceed the friction angle of the soil. (This is not true if the cohesion
of the soil is taken into account. However, the design procedures in this manual are based on
the assumption that cohesion is not used in the methods outlined.)

Simple Gravity Walls With Sloped Backfill

As discussed in Chapter One, Coulomb's equation for the active force on the wall includes a term
that changes the magnitude of the pressure coefficient as the slope of the backfill changes. The
active pressure coefficient of Coulomb's equation is given by:
where: i = the slope of the backfill.
2

Ka =
[ csc (
) sin (
 )

sin (
+ w) +
sin ( + w) sin (  i)
sin (
 i) ]
Let's look at the wall in Example 2-1 and see what effect changing the backfill slope has on the active force.

Example 4-1:

Given:
w = 20°
= 78°
= 30° H = 3.81 ft (1.16 m)
= 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)


= 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)


wall

The table below shows the effect increasing the backfill slope has on the active pressure coefficient and the active force.

i Ka Fa
(degrees) 1 lb/ft (1 N/m)

0 0.2197 191 (2,788)

18 0.2847 248 (3,613)
26 0.3662 319 (4,648)

Changing the slope of the backfill from 0° to 26° increased the active force by 67%. The wall in Example 2-1 would not be stable
if the back-fill had a slope of 26°. For simple gravity walls, the effect of the sloping backfill is automatically taken into account by
using Coulomb's equation to calculate the active force.

allanblock.com
38
Coherent Gravity Walls With Sloped Backfill
One effect of a sloped backfill on a coherent gravity wall is to increase the weight
of the wall and consequently, the resistance to sliding. The increased weight is
due to the backfill soil that is located above the wall facing and over the reinforced
soil mass. In Figure 4-1, the area designated Wi contains the soil that contributes
the extra weight. The total weight of the wall can be calculated by adding the
weight of the rectangular section, Wr to the weight of the triangular section, Wi:

Wr = (130 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (0.97 ft)

+ (125 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (6.0 ft  0.97 ft)
= 7,186 lb/ft
= (2,061 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (0.3 m)
+ (2,002 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (1.83 m  0.3 m)
= 104,731 N/m
Wi = (0.5) (6.0 ft) [(6.0 ft) tan (18°)] (125 lb/ft3)
= 731 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1.83 m) [(1.83 m) tan (18°)] (2,002 kg/m3)
Figure 4-1. Coherent Gravity

= 10,685 N/m
Wall with Sloped Backfill

Ww = (Wr) + (Wi)
= (7,186 lb/ft) + (731 lb/ft) = 7,917 lb/ft = (104,731 N/m) + (10,685 N/m) = 115,416 N/m

External Stability
The external stability of the wall can be calculated as it was in Example 2-3, with three differences. First, the weight of the wall is
greater, as shown above. Second, the height of the retaining wall is taken to be the height at the back of the reinforced soil mass,
He. Third, the active force on the retained soil mass is greater because of the sloping backfill. The increase in the active force is
automatically accounted for by using Coulomb's equation to calculate the active force. Calculate the safety factors for sliding and
overturning of the wall in Figure 4-1. Compare these values to the safety factors in Example 2-3.

Example 4-3:

Given:
= 30 i = 18 H = 9.52 ft (2.9 m)
= 20 = 78 = 120 lb/ft (1,923 kg/m3)
i
wi
r 3

r = 27 Kar = 0.3440 i = 125 lb/ft3 (2,002 kg/m3)

wr = 18 Kai = 0.2847
The first step is to calculate the effective height, He at the rear of the coherent gravity wall:
He = (H) + (Lg) tan (i)
= (9.52 ft) + (6.0 ft) tan (18) = 11.47 ft = (2.9 m) + (1.83 m) tan (18°) = 3.49 m

Next, the active force on the coherent gravity wall is calculated:

Fa = (0.5) (r) (Kar) (He)2
= (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.344) (11.47 ft)2 = 2,636 lb/ft = (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.3440) (3.49 m)2 = 38,372 N/m

The horizontal component of the active force is:

Fh = (Fa ) cos (wr)
= (2,636 lb/ft) cos (18°) = 2,507 lb/ft = (38,372 N/m) cos (18°) = 36,494 N/m

allanblock.com 39
 The vertical component of the active force is:
Fv = (Fa) sin (wr)
= (2,636 lb/ft) sin (18°) = 815 lb/ft = (38,372 N/m) sin (18°) = 11,858 N/m

The force resisting sliding is:

Fr = (Ww + Fv) (Cf)
= (7,917 lb/ft + 815 lb/ft) tan (30) = 5,041 lb/ft = (115,416 N/m + 11,858 N/m) tan (30°) = 73,482 N/m

The safety factor against sliding is:

Fr (5,041 lb/ft) (73,482 N/m)
= = = 2.01 = = 2.01
Fh (2,507 lb/ft) (36,494 N/m)
SFS

The moment resisting overturning is:

where:
X1 = distance to the center line AB block
X2 = distance to the center line of the reinforced mass
X3 = distance to the centroid of the backslope
X4 = distance to the back of the reinforced mass

= (Wf) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)] + (Wr) [(X2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
+ (Wi) [(X3) + (H) tan (90° 
)] + (Fv) [(X4) + (0.333) (He) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

= (1,142 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (7,186 lb/ft) [(3.47 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (731 lb/ft) [(4.08 ft) + (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (815 lb/ft) [(6.13 ft) + (0.333) (11.47 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 43,876 ft-lb/ft
= (16,673 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (104,731 N/m) [(1.05 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (10,685 N/m) [(1.21 m) + (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (11,858 N/m) [(1.82 m) + (0.333) (3.49 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 193,895 N-m/m
The moment causing overturning is:
Mo = (Fh) (0.333) (He)
= (2,507 lb/ft) (0.333) (11.47 ft) = 9,576 ft-lb/ft = (36,494 N/m) (0.333) (3.49 m) = 42,412 N-m/m
The safety factor against overturning is:
Mr (43,876 ft-lb/ft) (193,895 N-m/m)
= = = 4.58
Mr
= = = 4.58
(9,576 ft-lb/ft) (42,412 N-m/m)
SFO
Mo Mo

As calculated in Example 2-3, the same wall with a flat backfill had a safety factor against sliding of 3.4 and a safety factor against over-
turning of 7.8. Sloping the backfill cut the safety factors by 41% for sliding and 42% for overturning.

40 allanblock.com
Internal Stability
Let's examine the effect of sloping backfill on the bottom layer of geogrid in the wall shown in Figure 4-3. The load on a layer of
geogrid is given by:

Fg = (Pavg) (dh)
Suppose the wall in Figure 4-3 had a flat backfill, the load on the bottom layer of geogrid would be:

F1 = (Pavg) (dh)
= (0.5) (P1 + P2) (d1  d2)
= (0.5) [(i) (Kai) (d1) cos (wi) + (i) (Kai) (d2) cos (wi)] (d1  d2)
= (0.5) [(125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (9.52 ft) cos (20°)
+ (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (8.25 ft) cos (20°)] (9.52 ft  8.25 ft) = 291 lb/ft
= (0.5) [(2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (2.9 m) cos (20°)
+ (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (2.51 m) cos (20°)] (2.9 m  2.51 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 4,237 N/m

Figure 4-2. Line of Maximum Tension in a Figure 4-3. Effect of Sloped Backfill on Spacing of
Coherent Gravity Wall Geogrid Layers.

For the wall in Figure 4-3 with a backfill slope of 26°, Kai = 0.3662 and the load on the bottom layer of geogrid is:
F1 = (Pavg) (dh)
= (0.5) (P3 + P4) (d3  d4)
= (0.5) [(i) (Kai) (d3) cos (wi) + (i) (Kai) (d4) cos (wi)] (d3  d4)
= (0.5) [(125 lb/ft3) (0.3662) (10.48 ft) cos (20)
+ (125 lb/ft3) (0.3662) (9.21ft) cos (20)] (10.48 ft  9.21 ft)
= 538 lb/ft
= (0.5) [(2,002 kg/m3) (0.3662) (3.2 m) cos (20°)
+ (2,002 kg/m3) (0.3662) (2.8 m) cos (20°)] (3.2 m  2.8 m) (9.81 m/sec2)
= 8,110 N/m

Increasing the slope of the backfill from 0° to 26° increased the load on the bottom layer of geogrid by nearly 100%. If the calculated
load at any given layer exceeded the allowable design load of the grid, the strength of the grid or additional layers of grid would
need to be considered.
When designing a wall with a sloping backfill, start from the bottom of the wall and calculate the maximum dh as in Example 2-3.
But this time, use the depth from the geometric vertical center of the slope above the reinforced soil mass rather than the depth
from the top of the wall facing.
allanblock.com 41
 Coherent Gravity Walls with Broken Back Slopes
Broken back slopes are very simply non-continuous slopes.
They are modeled to more accurately describe a specific
site condition. Broken back slopes provide much less force
to a wall design than does a full continuous slope because
of the greatly reduced soil mass above the wall. Figure 4-4
shows the effective slope above for internal calculations
(i_int) based on a distribution distance of 2*H. Figure 4-5
shows the effective slope above for external calculations Figure 4-4. Effective Slope for Internal Calculations
(i_ext) based on the distribution distance of He. In each,
the effective slope will continue to rise as the broken back
slope rises. Once the broken back slope rises above the
relative distribution length the effective slope (i_ext or
i_int) will match the actual slope above (i). Figure 4-6
shows the effective slopes for broken back slopes that
crest over the reinforced mass. Note that the effective
slope for internal calculations (i_int) is still distributed over
a distance of 2H but because the slope above the mass Figure 4-5. Effective Slope for External Calculations
exits the back of the mass in a horizontal plane, the
effective slope for external calculations (i_ext) will be zero
degrees. These broken back distribution lengths are
taken directly from the NCMA Design Manual of
Segmental Retaining Walls.

Figure 4-6. Effective Slope for Short Broken Back Slopes

42 allanblock.com
 CHAPTER FIVE
Seismic Analysis
allanblock.com

Introduction
In seismic design we take a dynamic force and analyze it as a temporary static load. The forces from seismic activity yield both a vertical
and a horizontal acceleration. For our calculations, the vertical acceleration is assumed to be zero (Bathurst, 1998, NCMA Segmental
Retaining Walls - Seismic Design Manual, 1998). Due to the temporary nature of the loading, the minimum recommended factors of
safety for design in seismic conditions are 75% of the values recommended for static design.
The wall performance during the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles, California and the Kobe earthquake in Japan proves that
a soil mass reinforced with geogrid, which is flexible in nature, performs better than rigid structures in real life seismic situations
(Columbia University in Cooperation with Allan Block Corporation and Huesker Geosynthetics. “Executive Summary - Seismic
Testing - Geogrid Reinforced Soil Structures Faced with Segmental Retaining Wall Block”, Sandri, Dean, 1994, "Retaining Walls
Stand Up to the Northridge Earthquake").
The following design uses the earth pressure coefficient method derived by Mononobe-Okabe (M-O) to quantify the loads placed
on the reinforced mass and the internal components of the structure. Since the nature of segmental retaining walls is flexible, an
allowable deflection can be accepted resulting in a more efficient design while remaining within accepted factors of safety.

Pressure Coefficients
The calculation of the dynamic earth pressure coefficient is similar to the static earth pressure coefficient derived by Coulomb, with
the addition by Mononobe-Okabe of a seismic inertia angle ().

Kae =
[ cos2 ( +   )
cos () cos2 () cos (w   + ) ]
2

[ 1+
sin ( + w) sin (  i  )
cos (w   + ) cos ( + i) ]
Where:

= peak soil friction angle i = back slope angle

= block setback  = seismic inertia angle


= angle between the horizontal and the sloped back face of the wall

w

The seismic inertia angle () is a function of the vertical and horizontal acceleration coefficients:

Kh
 = atan
( )1 + Kv

Where:

Kv = vertical acceleration coefficient

Kh = horizontal acceleration coefficient

allanblock.com 43
 The vertical acceleration coefficient (Kv) is taken to be zero
based on the assumption that a vertical and horizontal peak ac-
celeration will not occur simultaneously during a seismic event
(Bathurst et al.). The horizontal acceleration coefficient (Kh) is
based on the specified horizontal peak ground acceleration
(Ao) and the allowable deflection (d) of the wall system. (See
equations below) The acceleration coefficient (Ao) typically
varies from 0 to 0.4 in our calculations and is defined as the
fraction of the gravitational constant g experienced during a
seismic event. AASHTO provides recommendations for the ac-
celeration coefficient based on the seismic zone that the re-
taining wall is being designed for. The allowable deflection (d)
represents the lateral deflection that the retaining wall can be
designed to withstand during a seismic event. The amount of
deflection allowed in the design is based on engineering judge-
ment. An approximation of the allowable deflection is 10 (Ao)
in inches or 254 (Ao) for millimeters. However, the typical al-
lowable deflection (d) is approximately 3 in. (76 mm). The
equation used to determine the horizontal acceleration coeffi-
cient (Kh) varies depending on the amount of deflection allowed
and whether it is calculated for the infill soils or the retained soils.

For Infill soils:

If d = 0, then
Kh = (1.45  Ao) Ao
This equation, proposed by Segrestin and Bastic, is used in AASHTO / FHWA guidelines. It is assumed to be constant at all loca-
tions in the wall.

> 0, then
(Ao) (1 in)
If d
Kh = 0.74 Ao
d( ) 0.25

Kh = 0.74 Ao
(Ao) (25.4 mm)
( d )
0.25

This is a standard equation for the horizontal acceleration coefficient based on the Mononobe-Okabe methodology (Mononobe,
1929; Okabe, 1926).

For Retained soils if:

1, then
A
If d
= o
2
Kh

> 1, then
(Ao) (1 in)
If d
Kh = 0.74 A o (Ao) (25.4 mm)
0.25
Kh = 0.74 Ao
( d ) ( d ) 0.25

The following example illustrates the calculation of the dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the infill and retained soils with a
typical allowable deflection of 3 in. (76 mm).

44 allanblock.com
Example 5-1
Given:
i = 34° r = 28°
wi = 2/3(34°) = 23° wr = 2/3(28°) = 19°
d = 3 in (76 mm)  = 12°
i = 0° Ao = 0.4
Find:
The dynamic earth pressure coefficients (Kaei, Kaer) for the infill and retained soils.

Kaei =
[ cos2 ( +   )
cos () cos2 () cos (w   + ) ]
sin ( + w) sin (  i  )
[ ]
2
1+ cos (w   + ) cos ( + i)

The first step is to calculate the acceleration coefficients.

Kv = 0, based on the assumption that a vertical and horizontal peak acceleration will not occur simultaneously during a seismic event.

To determine Kh, we must look at the allowable deflection (d). Since the allowable deflection is greater than zero, the following equa-
tion is used:

(Ao)(1 in)
0.25
Kh = 0.74 Ao
( ) d
Kh = 0.74 Ao (Ao)(25.4 mm)
( d ) 0.25

(0.4)(1 in) Kh = 0.74 (0.4) (0.4)(25.4 mm)

0.25
Kh = 0.74 (0.4)
( ) 3 in
= 0.179
( 76 mm )0.25
= 0.179

The seismic inertia angle () is:

Kh 0.179
 = atan
( ) 1 + Kv
= atan
( )1+0
= 10.1°

Finally, the dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the infill is:

=
[ cos2 (34 + 12  10.1)
cos (10.1) cos2 (12) cos (23  12 + 10.1) ] = 0.289

[ ]
2
Kaei
sin (34 + 23) sin (34  0  10.1)
1+
cos (23  12 + 10.1) cos (12 + 0)

allanblock.com 45
 The same process is followed in determining the dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the retained soil. Here again, the vertical
acceleration coefficient (Kv) is equal to zero. With the allowable deflection greater than 1 inch (25 mm), the horizontal acceleration
coefficient is the following:

(Ao) (1 in) 0.25

(Ao) (25.4 mm)
Kh = 0.74 Ao ( d ) Kh = 0.74 A o
( d )
0.25

= 0.74 (0.4) (0.4) (1 in) (0.4) (25.4 mm)

0.25

( )
0.25
Kh
3 in
= 0.179 Kh = 0.74 (0.4)
( 76 mm ) = 0.179

Next, the seismic inertia angle () can be calculated:

Kh 0.179
 = atan
( )
1 + Kv
= atan
( )1+0
= 10.1°

The dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the retained soil is:

=
[ cos2 (28 + 12  10.1)
cos (10.1) cos2 (12) cos (19  12 + 10.1) ] = 0.377
2

[ ]
Kaer
sin (28 + 19) sin (28  0  10.1)
cos (19  12 + 10.1) cos (12 + 0)
1+

Dynamic Earth Force of the Wall

The dynamic earth force is based on a pseudo-static approach using the Mononobe-Okabe (M-O) method. Figures 5-1 and 5-2
illustrate the pressure distributions for the active force, dynamic earth force increment, and the dynamic earth force. The magnitude
of the dynamic earth force is:

DFdyn = Fae  Fa
Where:
Fa = (0.5) (Ka) () (H) 2
Fae = (0.5) (1 + K v ) (Kae) () (H) 2

The magnitude of the resultant force (Fa) acts at 1/3 of the

height of the wall. Based on full scale seismic testing DFdyn
has been found to act at 1/2 the height of the wall. Based
on a rectangular pressure distribution.

Figure 5-1. Dynamic and Static Active Pressure Distribution

46 allanblock.com
Safety Factors
The minimum accepted factors of safety for seismic design are taken to be 75% of
the values recommended for static design.
Sliding > 1.1
Overturning > 1.5
NOTE: The values 1.1 and 1.5 are based on 75% of the recommended minimum fac-
tors of safety for design of conventional segmental retaining walls. (Mechanically
Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes Design and Construction Guide
Lines, FHWA NHI-00-043).

Figure 5-2. Free Body Diagram of Simple

Gravity Wall Under Seismic
Influence
Simple Gravity Wall with Seismic Influence
In seismic analysis, the weight of a simple gravity wall must counteract the static and temporary dynamic forces of the retained soil.
Figure 5-2 illustrates the forces on a simple gravity wall during a seismic event. In the following example, the same equilibrium prin-
ciples apply as in a static gravity wall analysis with additional consideration for the seismic earth force and the allowed reductions in
required factors of safety for sliding and overturning.
Example 5-2:
Given:
i = r = 30° = 78°
= (90 
) = 12° = 0°

i
= 0.4 = 2 in. (51 mm)

Ao d
Kai = 0.2197 H = 2.54 ft (0.77 m)
Kar = 0.2197 = wi = wr = 2/3() = 20°
= 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3) = i = r = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)

wall 
Kaei = 0.362 Kaer = 0.362

Find:
The safety factor against sliding (SFS) and overturning (SFO).

NOTE: The dynamic earth pressure coefficients Kaei and Kaer were determined by following the allowable deflection
criteria established at the beginning of the section.

allanblock.com 47
 The first step is to determine the driving forces exerted by the soil on the wall:
Active earth force:

Fa = (0.5) (Ka) () (H)2

= (0.5) (0.2197) (120 lb/ft3) (2.54 ft)2 = 85 lb/ft
= (0.5) (0.2197) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.67 m)2
= (95 kg/m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 1,229 N/m

Dynamic earth force:

Fae = (0.5) (1 + Kv) (Kae) () (H)2

= (0.5) (1 + 0) (0.362) (120 lb/ft3) (2.54)2 = 140 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1 + 0) (0.362) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.77)2 = 2,024.5 N/m

Dynamic earth force increment:

DFdyn = Fae  Fa
= 140 lb/ft  85 lb/ft = 55 lb/ft = 2,024.5 N/m  1,229 N/m = 795.5 N/m

Resolving the active earth force and the dynamic earth force increment into horizontal and vertical components:

Fah = (Fa) cos (w)

= (85 lb/ft) cos (20°) = 80 lb/ft = (1,229 N/m) cos (20°) = 1,155 N/m

Fav = (Fa) sin (w)

= (85 lb/ft) sin (20°) = 29 lb/ft = (1,229 N/m) sin (20°) = 420 N/m

DFdynh = (DFdyn) cos (w)

= (55 lb/ft) cos (20°) = 51.7 lb/ft = (795.5 N/m) cos (20°) = 747.5 N/m

DFdynv = (DFdyn) sin (w)

= (55 lb/ft) sin (20°) = 18.8 lb/ft = (795.5 N/m) sin (20°) = 272.1 N/m

The next step is to determine the resisting forces:

Sliding Analysis
Weight of the wall facing:

Wf = (wall)(H)(d)
= (130 lb/ft3) (2.54 ft) (0.97 ft) = 320 lb/ft = (2,061 kg/m3) (0.77 m) (0.296m) = 4,608 N/m
Maximum frictional resistance to sliding:

Fr = (Wf + Fav + DFdynv) tan ()

= (320 lb/ft + 29 lb/ft + 18.8 lb/ft) tan (30°) = 212.3 lb/ft = (4,608 N/m + 420 N/m + 272.1 N/m) tan (30°) = 3,060 N/m

48 allanblock.com
Safety factor against sliding (SFS):

(Force resisting sliding) Fr

= =
(Force driving sliding) Fah + DFdynh
SFSseismic

(212.3 lb/ft)
= = 1.61 1.1 ok
(80 lb/ft + 51.7 lb/ft)


= (3,060 N/m) = 1.61 1.1 ok

(1,155 N/m + 747.5 N/m)


The factor of safety of 1.21 shows that an AB gravity wall during an earthquake in a seismic zone 4 is stable and does not require
reinforcement to prevent sliding. As a comparison, the factor of safety in a static condition is the following:

= (Force resisting sliding) = Fr = (W f + Fav) tan 

(Force driving sliding) Fah Fah
SFSstatic

= (320 lb/ft + 29 lb/ft) tan (30) = 2.52  1.5 ok

(80 lb/ft)
= (4,608 N/m + 420 N/m) tan (30) = 2.52  1.5 ok
(1,155 N/m)

Overturning Failure Analysis

In seismic analysis, the moments resisting overturning (Mr) must be greater than or equal to 75% of the static requirement for
overturning times the moments causing overturning (Mo).

The moments resisting overturning (Mr):

The weight of the wall, the vertical component of the active force, and the vertical component of the dynamic earth increment force
contribute to the moment resisting overturning failure of the wall.

Mr = (Wf ) (Wfarm) + (Fav) (Faarmv) + (DFdynv) (DFdynarmv)

= (Wf ) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan ()] + Fav [(L + s) + (0.333) (H) tan ()]
+ DFdynv [(L + s) + (0.5) (H) tan ()]
= (320 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (2.54) tan (12)] + (29 lb/ft) [(0) + (0.171 ft)
+ (0.333) (2.54) tan (12°)] + (18.8 lb/ft) [(0) + (0.171 ft) + (0.5) (2.54) tan (12°)]
= 261.5 ft-lb/ft
= (4,608 N/m) [(0.149 m) +(0.5) (0.77 m) tan (12°)] + (420 N/m) [(0) + (0.053 m)
+ (0.333) (0.77 m) tan (12°)] + (272.1 N/m) [(0) + (0.053 m) + (0.5) (0.77 m) tan (12°)]
= 1,147.7 N-m/m

NOTE: (s = setback per block, L = length of geogrid, X1 = half the block depth)

allanblock.com 49
 The moments causing overturning (Mo ):
The horizontal components of the active and dynamic forces contribute to the
moment causing overturning failure of the wall.

Mo = (Fh) (Faarmh) + (DFdynh) (DFdynarmh)

= (Fh) (0.333)(H) + (DFdynh) (0.5)(H)
= (80 lb/ft) (0.333) (2.54 ft) + (51.7 lb/ft) (0.5) (2.54 ft)
= 133.3 ft-lb/ft
= (1,155 N/m) (0.333) (0.77 m) + (747.5 N/m) (0.5) (0.77 m)
= 584.2 N-m/m

Safety Factor Against Overturning (SFO):

(Moments resisting overturning) Mr

= = 1.5
(Moments driving overturning) Mo
SFSseismic 

= (261.5 ft-lb/ft) = 1.96 > 1.5, ok

(133.3 ft-lb/ft)
= (1,147.7 N-m/m) = 1.96 > 1.5, ok
(584.2 N-m/m)

This shows that the gravity wall is adequate with respect to overturning failure. However, if the safety factors were not met, geogrid
reinforcement for this wall would be needed to achieve proper factor of safety. Evaluating the wall under static conditions we see that
the required factors of safety are also met.

Mr = (Wf) (Wfarm) + (Fav) (Faarmv)

= (Wf) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan ()] + (Fv) [(L + s + (0.333) (H) tan ()]
= (320 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (2.54) tan (12°)] + (29 lb/ft) [(0) + (0.171 ft)
+ (0.333) (2.54) tan (12°)]
= 253 ft-lb/ft
= (4,608 N/m) [(0.149 m) + (0.5) (0.77 m) tan (12°)] + (420 N/m) [(0) + (0.053 m)
+ (0.333) (0.77 m) tan (12°)]
= 1,108 N-m/m
Mo = (Fh) (Faarmh)
= (Fh) (0.333) (H)
= (80 lb/ft) (0.333) (2.54 ft) = (1,155 N/m) (0.333) (0.77 m)
= 68 ft-lb/ft = 296 N-m/m

(Moments resisting overturning)

=
(Moments driving overturning)
SFOstatic

Mr
= 2.0
Mo


(253 ft-lb/ft) (1,108 N-m/m)

= =
(68 ft-lb/ft) (296 N-m/m)
= 3.72  2.0 ok = 3.72  2.0 ok

50 allanblock.com
COHERENT GRAVITY WALL WITH SEISMIC INFLUENCE
Seismic inertial force (Pir)
In the external stability analysis of a geogrid reinforced retaining wall during a seismic event, a seismic inertial force
(Pir) is introduced. The seismic inertial force is the sum of the weight components that exert a horizontal inertial force
within a reinforced soil mass during a seismic event. The three components exerting this inertial force are the block fac-
ing, the reinforced soil mass, and the backslope.

Pir = Khr (Wf + Ws + Wi)

This force along with the dynamic earth increment force com-
bine with the static earth forces from the retained soil and the
weight forces from the wall structure to create the conditions dur-
ing an earthquake.

Factor of Safety against Sliding

Calculating the Factor of Safety against Sliding for a coherent
gravity wall follows the same stability criteria as a simple gravity
wall. The principle being that the forces resisting sliding must be
1.1 times the forces causing sliding (75% of static Factor of
Safety). As can be seen below, the formula for calculating the
Factor of Safety against Sliding is the same as the gravity wall
analysis with the addition of the seismic inertial force (Pir) and
the weight of the reinforced soil (Ws). Figure 5-3. Free Body Diagram of a Coherent Gravity Wall
Under Seismic Influence

Frseismic
=  1.1
Fah + DFdynh + Pir
SFSseismic

Where:
Frseismic = (Fav + DFdynv + Wf + Ws) tan (i)

Factor of Safety against Overturning

The Factor of Safety against Overturning is computed in the same way as a simple gravity wall with the addition of the seismic iner-
tial force (Pir) and the weight of the reinforced soil (Ws). The minimum SFOseismic can be defined as 75% of SFOstatic.

Mr (Wf) (Wfarm) + (Ws) (Wsarm) + (Fav) (Faarmv) + (DFdynv) (DFdynarmv)

= =  1.5
Mo (Fah) (Faarmh) + (DFdynh) (DFdynarmh) + (Pir) (Hir)
SFOseismic

allanblock.com 51
 Example 5-3:
Given:
i = r = 30°
= 78° Fa = 1,362 lb/ft (19,884 N/m)
Wi = 0 lb/ft  = (90 
) = 12° DFdyn = 879 lb/ft (12,850 N/m)
i = 0° Kai = 0.2197 Wf = 1,243 lb/ft (18,147 N/m)
d = 2 in (51 mm) Kar = 0.2197 Ws = 6,345 lb/ft (92,632 N/m)
Ao = 0.4 Kaei = 0.362 Ws’ = 5,219 lb/ft (76,269 N/m)
H = 10.16 ft (3.10 m) Kaer = 0.362 = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)
= wi = wr = 2/3() = 20° Grid Lengths = 6 ft (1.82 m) Hir = 5.08 ft
wall
w (1.548 m)
 = i = r = 120 lb/ft (1,923 kg/m3)
3

Find:
The safety factor against sliding and overturning.

Factor of Safety Against Sliding Analysis

Based on the given information, we must first determine the frictional resistance to sliding (Fr).

Fr = (Fav + DFdynv + Wf + Ws) tan ()

= [(1,362 lb/ft) sin (20°) + (879 lb/ft) sin (20°) + 1,243 lb/ft + 6,345 lb/ft ] tan (30°)
= 4,823 lb/ft
= [(19,884 N/m) sin (20°) + (12,850 N/m) sin (20°) + 18,147 N/m + 92,632 N/m ] tan (30°)
= 70,437 N/m
Next, the seismic inertial force is calculated:

Pir = Khr (Wf + Ws’ + Wi)

Since,

d = 2 in (51 mm)
(Ao) (1 in)
( )
0.25

= (0.74) (Ao) (Ao) (25.4 mm)

( )
0.25
= (0.74) (Ao) d d
Khr

(0.4) (1 in) = (0.74) (0.4) (0.4) (25.4 mm)

( )
0.25

( )
0.25
= (0.74) (0.4)
2 in 51 mm

= 0.198 = 0.198

Pir = 0.198 (1,243 lb/ft + 5,219 lb/ft + 0) = 0.198 (18,147 N/m + 76,269 N/m + 0)
= 1,279 lb/ft = 18,694 N/m
Finally, the safety factor against sliding can be calculated:

(Forces resisting sliding) Fr

SFSseismic = (Forces driving sliding) = Fah + DFdynh + Pir  1.1

(4,823 lb/ft)
= = 1.42 1.1 ok
(1,362 lb/ft) cos 20° + (879 lb/ft) cos 20° + 1,279 lb/ft


(70,437 N/m)
= = 1.42 1.1 ok
(19,884 N/m) cos 20° + (12,850 N/m) cos 20° + 18,694 N/m


allanblock.com
52
Comparing the seismic SFS to the static SFS below, we again see much higher safety values for static.

(Forces resisting sliding) Fr Fr - (DFdynv) tan 

= = =
(Forces driving sliding) Fah (Fa) cos (w)
SFSstatic

= (4,823 lb/ft) - (173.6 lb/ft) = 3.63 1.5 ok

(1,362 lb/ft) cos 20°


= (70,437 N/m) - (2,537 N/m) = 3.63 1.5 ok

(19,889 N/m) cos 20°


Factor of Safety Against Overturning Analysis

The safety factor against overturning is equal to the moments resisting overturning divided by
the moments driving overturning (Mr / Mo) and must be greater than or equal to 1.5 (75% of SFOstatic ).

The moments resisting overturning (Mr):

Mr = (Wt) (Wtarm) + (Fav) (Faarmv) + (DFdynv) (DFdynarmv)

Where: Wt = Ws + Wf
= (Wt) [0.5 (L + s) + (0.5) (H) tan ()] + Fav [(L + s) + (0.333) (H) tan ()]
+ DFdynv [(L + s) + (0.5) (H) tan ()]
= (7,588 lb/ft) [0.5 (6.0 ft + 0.171 ft) + (0.5) (10.16 ft) tan (12°)]
+ [(1,362 lb/ft) sin 20°] [6.0 ft + 0.171 ft + (0.333) (10.16 ft) tan (12°)]
+ [(879 lb/ft) sin (20°)] [6.0 ft + 0.171 ft + (0.5) (10.16 ft) tan (12°)]
= 37,002 ft-lb/ft
= (110,778 N/m) [0.5 (1.82 m + 0.053 m) + (0.5) (3.10 m) tan (12°)]
+ [(19,884 N/m) sin 20°] [1.82 m + 0.053 m + (0.333) (3.10 m) tan (12°)]
+ [(12,850 N/m) sin (20°)] [1.82 m + 0.053 m + (0.5) (3.10 m) tan (12°)]
= 164,788 N-m/m
The moments driving overturning (Mo):
Mo = (Fah) (Faarmh) + (DFdynh) (DFdynarmh) + (Pir) (Hir)
= (Fah) (0.333) (H) + (DFdynh) (0.5)(H) + (Pir) (5.08 ft)
= [(1,362 lb/ft) cos (20°)] (0.333) (10.16 ft) + [(879 lb/ft) cos (20°)] (0.5) (10.16 ft) + 1,279 lb/ft (5.08 ft)
= 15,023 ft-lb/ft
= [(19,884 N/m) cos (20°)] (0.333) (3.10 m) + [(12,850 N/m) cos (20°)] (0.5) (3.10 m) + 18,694 N/m (1.548 m)
= 66,943 N-m/m

Safety Factor Against Overturning (SFO):

(Moments resisting overturning) Mr

SFOseismic = = 1.5
(Moments driving overturning) Mo


(37,002 ft-lb /ft)

= = 2.46 1.5 ok
(15,023 ft-lb/ft)


(164,788 N-m/m)
= = 2.46 1.5 ok
(66,943 N-m/m)


allanblock.com 53
 Comparing the seismic (SFO) to the below static (SFO):
Mr = (Wt) (Wtarm) + (Fav)(Faarmv)
Where: Wt = Ws + Wf
= (Wt) [0.5 (L + s) + (0.5) (H) tan ()] + (Fav) [(L + s) + (0.333) (H) tan ()]
= (7,588 lb/ft) [0.5 (6.0 ft + 0.171 ft) + (0.5) (10.16 ft) tan (12°)]
+ [(1,362 lb/ft) sin 20°] [(6.0 ft + 0.171 ft) + (0.333) (10.16 ft) tan (12°)]
= 34,821 ft-lb/ft
= (110,778 N/m) [0.5 (1.82 m + 0.053 m) + (0.5) (3.10 m) tan (12°)]
+ [(19,884 N/m) sin 20°] [(1.82 m + 0.053 m) + (0.333) (3.10 m) tan (12°)]
= 145,909 N-m/m
Mo = (Fah) (Faarmh)
= (Fah) (0.333) (H)
= [(1,362 lb/ft) cos (20°)] (0.333) (10.16 ft) = [(19,884 N/m) cos (20°)] (0.333) (3.10 m)
= 4,334 ft-lb/ft = 18,161 N-m/m
(Moments resisting overturning) Mr
= =
(Moments driving overturning) Mo
SFOstatic

(34,821 ft-lb /ft) (145,909 N-m/m)

= = 8.0  2.0 ok = = 8.0  2.0 ok
(4,334 ft-lb/ft) (18,161 N-m/m)

Internal Stability
The factor of safety checks for the internal stability of a geogrid reinforced retaining wall under seismic conditions include the geogrid
overstress, geogrid / block connection strength, geogrid pullout from the soil, and localized or top of the wall stability. These calcu-
lations are identical to those for a static stability analysis with the exception of the seismic forces introduced which affect the tensile
loading on the geogrid.

Factor of Safety Geogrid Tensile Overstress

In order to calculate the Factor of Safety for Geogrid Tensile Overstress, the tensile force on each grid must first be determined. In a
seismic event, the sum of the active force (Fa), the dynamic earth force increment (DFdyni), and the seismic inertial force (Pir)
represent the tensile force on each layer of geogrid.

Fid = Fa + DFdyni + Pir

i i i
Where:

Fa = (Ka) cos (w) () (Aci ) (0.5)

i

DFdyni = (0.5)(Hei)(Kae - Ka) cos (w) () (Aci )

NOTE: This equation comes directly from the NCMA SRW Design
AASHTO or FHWA projects often use the active
Manual (3rd Edition) and can be referred to as the trapezoidal method.
wedge method to determine DFdyn.
Aci
Aci

and
= The tributary influence area on each grid layer. DFdyni = (Kh) (WA) ( )He
AB Walls 10 allows the user to choose either method
Pir i = (Kh) () (Aci ) but is defaulted to use the greater of the two.

54 allanblock.com
We have used full scale seismic testing to determine that the internal seismic pressure closely matches a rectangle shape where the
load is evenly distributed between the grid layers relative to their tributary area. This gives values that are not only more accurate,
but are easier to design with. This load value is determined by the soil weight based on either the trapezoidal method shown in Fig-
ure 5-4 or by the active wedge method shown in Figure 5-5.
The angle of inclination (␣i) of the Coulomb failure surface for the active wedge method:

␣i
[
= atan ⫺ tan (␾i - i) + [tan (␾i ⫺ i) (tan (␾i ⫺ i) + cot (␾i + ␻)) (1 + tan (␾w ⫺ ␻) cot (␾i + ␻))]
1 + tan (␾w - ␻) (tan (␾i - i) + cot (␾i + ␻)) ] + ␾i

Determine the Factor of Safety against Tensile Overstress:

(LTADS)(RFcr)
FSoverstress =
Fid
In the calculation of the Factor of Safety Geogrid Tensile Overstress for a seismic
event, we do not take a reduction of the geogrid ultimate strength for long-term
creep. This is due to the short-term loading during a seismic event.

Geogrid / Block Connection Capacity

The Factor of Safety for Connection Strength is equal to the peak connection
strength divided by the tensile force on that layer of grid multiplied by 0.666. We
take the reduction on the tensile force due to the reality that some of the tensile
force is absorbed by the soil in the influence area.
Fcs
FSconn = ⱖ 1.1
Figure 5-4. Trapezoidal Method

Fid (0.667)

Geogrid Pullout from the Soil

The Factor of Safety for Geogrid Pullout from the Soil is:
Fgr
= ⱖ 1.1
Fid
FSpullout

where,
Fgr = 2 (dg) (␥) (Le_d) (Ci) tan (␾)

The above pullout capacity equation takes into account the geogrid interaction co-
efficient (Ci) and is calculated based on the length of geogrid embedded
Figure 5-5. Active Wedge Method
beyond the Coulomb failure surface (Le_d).

Localized Stability, Top of the Wall

To determine local or top of the wall stability (SFS and SFO), the wall parameters
and soils forces in the unreinforced portion of the retaining wall are focused on.
The unreinforced height of the wall (Ht) is simply the total height of the wall minus
the elevation at which the last grid layer is placed. The local weight of the facing
is:
Wf = (Ht) (t) (␥wall)

Figure 5-6. Pullout of Soil (Seismic)

allanblock.com 55
 The local sliding resistance (Fr) is an equation based on the Allan Block shear
strength, which was developed through empirical test data and is a function of
the normal load acting at that point and is the following:

Fr = 2,671 lb/ft + (Wf) tan (38°)

= 38,900 N/m + (Wf) tan (38°)

The soil and surcharge forces are as follows:

Active Force: Fa = (0.5) (Ka) (␥) (H t )2

Dynamic Force: Fae = (0.5) (1 + Kv) (Kae) (␥) (H t )2
Dynamic Earth Force Infrement: DFdyn = Fae ⫺ Fa
Seismic Inertial Force: Pir = (Kh) (Wf)
Finally, the safety factor equations are:

= Fr ⱖ 1.5
(Fa) cos (␾w)
SFSlocalstatic

Fr
= 1.1
(Fa + DFdyn + Pir) cos (␾w)
SFSlocalseismic ⱖ

W f [(H t /2) tan ␻ + t/2] + (Fa) sin (␾w) [(Ht/3) tan ␻ + t]

= 2.0
(Fa) cos (␾w) (H t /3)
SFOlocalstatic ⱖ

W f [(H t /2) tan ␻ + t/2] + (Fa) sin (␾w) [(H t /3) tan ␻ + t] + (DFdyn) sin (␾w) (0.5 H t + t)
=
(Fa) cos (␾w) (H t /3) + (DFdyn) cos (␾w) (0.5 H t ) + Pir (H t /2)
SFOlocalseismic

ⱖ 1.5
NOTE: Verify local requirements for static and seismic Factors of Safety.

Maximum Allowable Slopes in Seismic Conditions

When designing a wall subject to seismic or static loading the designer should understand that there are limitations to the steepness
of unreinforced slopes that can be designed and built above any wall.
Maximum
In static designs, the maximum unreinforced slope above any wall is limited to the inter- PHI Ao Allowable
nal friction angle of the soil. For seismic designs, the Mononobe-Okabe (M_O) soil me- Slope
chanics theory gives designers the seismic earth pressure coefficient (Kae) to apply to 34 0.2 30.1
their retaining wall by combining the effects of soil strength (␾r), slopes above the wall (i),
34 0.4 24.7
wall setback (␻), and seismic inertia angle (␪r). This equation becomes limited by its
mathematics when low strength soils, steep slopes, and high seismic accelerations are 32 0.2 28.1
combined. This may be translated to say that for specific combinations of slope angles, 32 0.4 22.7
soil strength and seismic acceleration the project changes from a segmental retaining
30 0.2 26.1
wall design to a slope stability problem. With a closer look at these three limiting variables
the maximum allowable slope in seismic conditions is: 30 0.4 20.7
28 0.2 24.1
imax = ␾r - ␪r 28 0.4 18.7
Where: ␾ r = Soil Friction Angle
␪ r = Seismic Inertial Angle Table 5-1 Maximum Allowable Slopes

The seismic inertial angle is calculated using both the horizontal and vertical acceleration coefficients as discussed on page 46.

56 allanblock.com
When a designer needs to design walls with slopes above steeper than the maximum allowed, they have the option of using the
Coulomb Trial Wedge method. This method will provide the active earth force and pressure coefficient to allow the designer to com-
plete the wall design. However, the maximum unreinforced slope described above still holds true. Therefore, if the geometry of the
slope exceeds this maximum, they must strongly consider reinforcing the slope above using layers of geogrid and they must review
the slope using a global stability program such as ReSSA from ADAMA Engineering (reslope.com), to determine the appropriate
length, strength and spacing of the geogrid used to reinforce the slope above.

Trial Wedge Method of Determining Active Earth Pressure

The typical seismic design methodology described in this chapter adopts a pseudo-static approach and is generally based on the
Mononobe - Okabe (M-O) method to calculate dynamic earth pressures. As described above in the maximum slope above calcula-
tion, there is a very distinct limitation to the M-O method. When the designer inputs a slope above the wall that has an incline angle
above that exceeds the internal friction angle of the soil minus the seismic inertial angle, the M-O equation for Kae becomes imagi-
nary due to the denominator outputting a negative value. Therefore, the maximum unreinforced stable slope above is relative to the
magnitude of the seismic coefficient and the strength of soil used in the slope.

The Coulomb Trial Wedge method dates back to 1776 when Coulomb first presented his theory on active earth pressures and then
again in 1875, when Culmann developed a graphical solution to Coulomb’s theory. The Trial Wedge Method has similarities to global
stability modeling in that you determine the weight above an inclined wedge behind the wall. By determining the worst case combi-
nation of weight and slope angle, the active earth forces for static and seismic conditions can be determined.

Figure 5-7. Trial Wedge Method

allanblock.com 57
 The Trial Wedge method however, does not have limitation due to slope steepness, soil strength or the magnitude of the seismic co-
efficient. The trial wedge calculations will provide lateral earth pressure forces no matter the geometry. With this in mind, when using
the trial wedge method for walls that exceed the M-O maximum slope, it is mandatory that the user analyze the stability of the slope
above the wall in a global stability modeling program. It is strongly recommended that the slope above be reinforced with layers of
geogrid similar to those in the reinforced mass, with similar spacing and lengths.

The design process is straightforward

using a computer program that allows
rapid iterations of calculations to deter-
mine the maximum pressure, Pa (static)
or Pae (seismic). Similar to a global sta-
bility analysis, determining the area of the
wedges is the first step. The weight of
each wedge is determined and applied
downward onto the associated inclined
wedge plane to determine the forward
pressure. As the wedge weights in-
crease and the inclined plane angle con-
tinues to rotate, the combination of
weight and angle will combine to find a
maximum forward force. Figure 5-8. Trial Wedge Active Earth Pressure

For external sliding, overturning and bearing safety factor equations, the forces determined by Trial Wedge will replace those calcu-
lated by the standard Coulomb and M-O methods. Please note that the calculated Seismic Inertial Force (Pir) is calculated inde-
pendently of the force method used. This means that Pir is additive to both M-O and Trial Wedge pressure results.

As in the standard Coulomb and M-O methods, the Trial Wedge pressures are applied to the back of the reinforced mass as shown
in Figure 5-7 and divided into their horizontal and vertical components. Each are then applied at moment arm locations equal to
1/3*He for static and ½*He for seismic.

Mo (static) = Pa (cos) (wr) (1/3) (He)

Mo (seismic) = (Pae – Pa) (cos) (wr) (1/2) (He)

58 allanblock.com
 CHAPTER SIX
Internal Compound Stability
allanblock.com

Introduction
Wall designs have typically been limited to internal stability, external stability and
bearing analysis by the site civil engineer or the wall design engineer.
Additionally, the overall stability of the site is the responsibility of the owner and
should be addressed by the owner, by contracting with a geotechnical
engineering firm. The geotechnical engineering firm should provide a full global
analysis of the entire site including the effects of the segmental retaining walls.
As the design roles become more defined it has become more customary for an
Internal Compound Stability (ICS) analysis to be performed. ICS calculations
determine the factors of safety for potential slip surfaces which pass through the
unreinforced retained soil, the reinforced soil mass and the wall facing within the
wall design envelope.
Figure 6-1. Internal Compound Analysis

Internal compound stability calculations are limited to a wall design envelope above the base material and back no further than 2 (H) or
He + L, whichever is greater. This evaluation zone models the slip surface through the wall facing. The slip surface slices the affected
grid layers and shears or bulges the SRW facing units. The designers performing ICS calculations can now model the entire wall design
envelope in one comprehensive calculation. These calculations include the effects of the infill and retained soil strength, the individual
grid layer strengths and spacing and the shear and connection strength the SRW facing brings to the system.
The distinctions between an ICS analysis and a global stability analysis form a clear line of design responsibility. A site civil or wall
designer should review the ICS above the base material and through the wall facing within the design envelop for each wall designed
on a site. For the larger site stability design, the owner through their geotechnical engineer should be responsible for the global stability
of the entire site including the soils
below the base material of all
walls and structures designed on
the project site.

Design Methodology
The Simplified Bishop Method of
Slices (see References) is one of
the most common analysis
methods used in global stability
modeling of reinforced slopes.
In this method the volume, or Figure 6-2. Internal Compound Stability Design Envelope
weight, of the soil above a slip
surface is divided into vertical wedges. The weight of soil is used to calculate the forward sliding forces as well as the sliding
resistance due to the frictional interaction with the soil along the slip surface. In the ICS calculations we use the same process of
evaluating the soil interaction, but additionally, the ICS analysis combines the resisting forces developed by geogrid layers
intersecting the slip arc and the contribution from the SRW facing. Current slope stability modeling either ignores the facing or tries
to mimic it by exaggerating a thin semi-vertical soil layer. Internal compound stability calculations analyze both the facing shear
capacity and the facing connection capacities to formulate a reasonable facing contribution to the resistance side of the equation.
By combining these multiple sliding and resisting forces along the slip surface, a safety factor equation is formed by a ratio of
resisting forces to the sliding forces. The end result determines if there is an equilibrium of forces along a particular slip surface.

allanblock.com 59
 Safety Factor of ICS
The following equation calculates the Factor of Safety of Internal Compound Stability.

= ( Fr +  Facing +  Fgr) / ( Fs +  Fdyn)

Where:  Fr = sum of soil resisting forces

 Facing = sum of facing contribution
 Fgr = sum of geogrid contribution
 Fs = sum of sliding force
 Fdyn = sum of sliding forces due to seismic loading

Soil Sliding and Resisting Forces

As mentioned earlier, the Simplified Bishop Method
of Slices is used to determine first the weight of the
soil above the slip surface and then the sliding and
resisting forces due to that soil weight along the slip
surface. Figure 6-3 shows a typical section through
the evaluation zone for ICS calculations. The
vertical slices in the soil above the slip arc represent
the individual portions of soil analyzed using
Bishops theory. We will determine the weights and
forces relative to one soil slice or wedge as an
example. For a complete Simplified Bishop Method
of Slices the designer would follow the same
calculations for each individual soil wedge and at the
end, sum them all together.
In Bishop modeling the soil wedges can be calculated
as individual parts due mainly to Bishop's assumption
that the vertical frictional forces between soil wedges
Figure 6-3. Internal Compound Stability Diagram
are neglected, meaning that for design purposes there is no interaction between individual soil wedges. Therefore, the individual soil
wedge weight (W) is determined simply by multiplying the volume of soil in that wedge
by the unit weight of the soil. To determine the individual wedge volumes the designer
must determine the exact geometry of the wall section and the slip arc to be evaluated.
This is complex geometry that varies for every slip arc so it is a very difficult calculation
to perform by hand. Please note that the thinner the wedge slice is the less the loss of
weight is in the calculations. That is, the bottom of each wedge is considered a straight
chord, not an arc, for ease of calculations. The lost soil weight is the area below the
bottom chord and arc, and is negligible when the wedges are thinner.
Once the wedge weight is determined
Figure 6-4. Lost Soil Weight the forward sliding force (Fs) is
calculated by multiplying it by the sine
of the angle below the soil wedge ( ), where is defined as the angle between
horizontal and the bottom chord of each soil wedge; is different for each wedge due
to the relative location of each wedge along the slip surface.

Figure 6-5. Wedge Force Diagram

60 allanblock.com
Sliding Force:
Fs = (Weight Wedge) sin ( )
Compare for a moment two wedges, W1 = 1000 lb/ft (14.6 kN/m) and
W2 = 100 lb/ft (1.46 kN/m). The first (W1) is near the bottom of the slip arc
where the arc ends near the facing and is relatively flat and therefore the
angle is relatively small, say 10 degrees. The other (W2) is near the top of
the slip arc where the arc is steeper and therefore the angle is steeper,
say 60 degrees. The sine ( ) term acts as a percentage of forward
movement, i.e. the flatter the angle the smaller percentage:
Fs1 = (W1) sin (10 degrees) = 1000 lb/ft (0.174)
17.4% of (1000 lb/ft) = 174 lb/ft (2.54 kN/m) Figure 6-6. Wedge Weight

Fs2 = (W2) sin (60 degrees) = 100 lb/ft (0.866)

86.6% of (100 lb/ft) = 86.6 lb/ft (1.26 kN/m)
The sliding resisting force (Fr) is calculated by multiplying the wedge weight by tangent of the internal friction angle of soil, which is
commonly used for the soil frictional interaction coefficient. However, Bishop's method then divides this term by a geometric equa-
tion called m ; m is a relationship between the strength of the soil and the relative angle of slip ( ) for each wedge and is more clearly
defined in global stability text books or global stability modeling programs such as ReSSa.

Sliding Resisting Force (Fr):

Fr = (Weight Wedge) tan () / m
Where:
m = cos ( ) + [sin ( ) tan ()] / FSi
And FSi is the initial safety factor used to start the iteration process.
Generally, the Simplified Bishop procedure is more accurate than the Ordinary Method of Slices, but it does require an iterative, trial-
and-error solution for the safety factor. Therefore, the designer needs to approximate what the safety factor will be for the final re-
sulting slip surface. The closer the initial approximation is to the actual safety factor, the less iteration that will be required. This
iteration process is standard for a Bishops calculation and again stresses the point that it is difficult to do hand calculations.

allanblock.com 61
 Modeling Multiple Soil Layers Behind Wall
Generally, a single soil type is very standard with retaining wall designs. As walls increase in height, the potential for multiple soil
layers to be present behind the wall increases. Each of these soil layers may have a different friction angle (i_1, 2, 3 or r_1, 2, 3) and
unit weight (γ) that could change the sliding forces (i_1, 2, 3 or r_1, 2, 3) calculated earlier. It would not be uncommon for a wall de-
signer to require wall rock, gravel fill or No Fines Concrete for the lower half, and site soils for the upper half of the wall.
Figure 6-7 shows the 3 different soil layers in the infill soil as I_1, I_2, and I_3 as well as the retained layers which may not have the
same heights as the infill heights (R_1, R_2, and R_3). Looking at the different wedges in each soil layer, there can be a change in
the amount of force in the ICS calculation as the previous example had shown.
The weight of each soil layer multiplied by the area of each wedge within that particular soil type determines the weight above each
slip arc. Depending on the unit weight of each soil, this calculation could vary from the single soil layer in the previous example. The
force that acts on the slip arc can now be found as the previous example did.
Fs1 = (W1 + W2 + W3) sin (10 degrees) = 1100 lb/ft (0.174)
17.4% of (1100 lb/ft) = 191 lb/ft
= 16.07 kN/m (0.174)
= 17.4% of (16.07 kN/m) = 2.79 kN/m

Fs2 = (W4) sin (60 degrees) = 100 lb/ft (0.866)

86.6% of (100 lb/ft) = 86.6 lb/ft
= 1.46 kN/m (0.866)
= 86.6% of (1.46 kN/m) = 1.26 kN/m

While analyzing different soil layers within the wall en-

velope may have a minimal impact on most wall de-
signs, using this on a slope stability calculation can
remain very beneficial. Although AB Walls 10 does not
run a global stability analysis, the ability to use multi-
ple soil layers in the ICS portion of the program will
provide the designer greater flexibility. Currently, the
multiple soil layer option is only available in an ICS cal-
culation and will not influence external and internal cal-
culations. For external and internal calculations, the
AB Walls program will use the lowest of the three infill
and retained friction angles the user defines.

Figure 6-7. Multiple Soil Layers

62 allanblock.com
Surcharges and Seismic Forces
Surcharge and seismic forces are calculated very similarly in a Bishops model. Surcharges, whether live or dead are simply added
to the weights of the individual soil wedges. It should be noted that in an ICS calculations there is no distinction between live and
dead load. By handling it in this manner the wedge weight term is increased by the relative weight of the surcharge and is than car-
ried through the Sliding Force (Fs) and the Sliding Resisting Force (Fr) calculations. The designer should be careful to analyze
where the surcharges are applied so they add that weight to only the effected soil wedges.
Therefore, the Sliding Forces and Sliding Resisting Force equations are redefined as:

Sliding Force: Fs = (Weight Wedge + Weight Surcharge) sin ( )

Sliding Resisting Force: Fr = (Weight Wedge + Weight Surcharge) tan () / m
The Seismic Force (Fdyn) for a particular slip surface is additive to the Sliding Force (Fs) and is calculated by multiplying Fs by
the horizontal acceleration coefficient (k h ); k h is defined in Chapter 5, Seismic Analysis.

Fdyn = (Fs) (k h) or for all wedges:  Fdyn =  Fs (k h )

Figure 6-8. Effects of Surcharge Loading

allanblock.com 63
 Geogrid Contribution (Fgr):
It would stand to reason that if a layer of ge-
ogrid is passed though by a slip arc, that the
geogrid strength would increase the safety
factor or stability of that slip surface. There-
fore the relative geogrid interaction (Fgr) will
be directly added to the resisting side of the
equilibrium equation. The grid interaction in
this calculation is directly effected by the ge-
ogrid spacing. If grid layers are closer to-
gether there is a higher likelihood of grid
layers being passed through by the slip sur-
face, thus providing more geogrid interaction.
The greater the grid spacing the greater pos-
sibility of the slip surface falling between grid
layers and thus not increasing the slip sur-
Figure 6-9. Geogrid Contribution at the Slip Arc
faces stability.
The horizontal resistance forces due to geogrid layers that intersect the slip arc are determined by the lesser of either the pullout of
soil strength or the long term allowable load strength (LTADS) of the geogrid. Both are defined in the Internal Stability section of Chap-
ter 2. The pullout of soil is calculated by determining the embedment length (Le) on either side of the slip surface and combining it
with the confining pressure, or normal load, from the soil above.
The designer should consider that there are two sides of the slip arc
to consider when calculating the geogrid contribution. If the slip arc
breaks free from the soil resistance along the slip surface, it will en-
gage the affected geogrid layers. The grid layers can fail in three
ways. First the grid can be pulled out from the soil on the retained
side of the slip surface. Second, the geogrid layer can be pulled out
from the soil on the sliding side of the slip surface. But on this side,
the designer must take into account that the end of the grid is con-
nected to the facing. Therefore the total pullout strength on the slid-
ing wedge side is the connection strength plus the pullout of soil. This
is a very unlikely way for the grid to fail because this combination will
most always be greater than the rupture strength of the grid (limited to
the LTADS). Third, the grid can rupture if the pullout of soil strengths
exceeds the LTADS of any affected layer.
Calculations show that it is most likely that if a slip occurs some
layers will pullout from the retained side and at the same time some
layers will rupture.
The designer should analize each layer of effected geogrid for the three fail- Figure 6-10. Grid Force
ure modes to determine the lesser for each layer, and then the sum of these
lesser amounts becomes the  Fgr value.

64 allanblock.com
Wall Facing Contribution (Facing):
One element of the ICS calculations is the inclusion of facial stability to add to
the sliding resistance. The stability of the wall facing has typically been ignored
in global modeling due to the complexity of modeling a segmental retaining wall
into a slope stability computer program.
Wall facing stability is provided by the interlocking shear between block and by the
connection capacity between block and geogrid. Both are directly related to the
spacing of the geogrid layers and the amount of normal load above the area in
question. The closer together the reinforcement layers are, the more stable the
facing becomes in both shear and connection strength. The maximum spacing
between grid layers that can be found within the industry is around 32 in. (812
mm). However, past experience has shown that retaining walls that have ge-
ogrid layers spaced too far apart do not yield the best design for a wall. Problems
associated with excess settlement, deflection and bulging may be experienced.
Allan Block recommends a geogrid spacing of 16 in. (406 mm) or less. Closer
Figure 6-11. Geogrid Contribution to the

spacing of lower strength reinforcement is a more efficient way of distributing the

Wall Face Case A

loads throughout the mass, which creates a more coherent structure.

Please note that the designer must evaluate both the stability provided by the ge-
ogrid connection and the shear strength of the block units, but can only use the
lesser of the two in the ICS safety factor equation. Understanding that these
two stabilizing forces are interconnected is a benefit to the designer of reinforced
segmental retaining walls.

Facing Stability from Geogrid Connections

In the internal compound stability analysis, when the slip arc travels through the
wall face at a grid layer we can safely assume that the full connection capacity
is available to resist the sliding. However, the grid layers at the face that are
above and below the slip arc will also provide some resistance and increase sta-
bility. Using a maximum influence distance of 32 in. (812 mm) from the slip arc,
a percentage of the grid connection is used in calculating the contribution from Figure 6-12. Geogrid Contribution to the
block to grid connections when evaluating facial stability. Here are a few exam-
Wall Face Case B

ples showing different spacing and slip arc locations.

In Case A the slip arc is directly above a layer of geogrid and there are two lay-
ers that fall within the influence zone of 32 in. (812 mm) on either side of the slip
arc. Looking at how the percentages are distributed, 75% of Grid 2A and 25%
of Grid 3A connection strength capacities can be in the analysis of the wall fac-
ing. Assuming a full 8 in. (200 mm) tall unit.
Case B has three course spacing between grids and the slip arc intersecting the
wall face at a geogrid layer. Therefore 100% of Grid 3A and 25% of Grids 2A and
4A connection strength capacities can be included.
Case C illustrates the boundary layers. The slip arc is towards the bottom of the
wall, which means the bottom portion of the influence zone actually includes the
bottom of the wall. Grid connection strength capacities are easily identified at
25% of Grid 3A and 75% of Grids 1A and 2A. However, because the slip arc is
located towards the bottom of the wall we can also include 50% of the frictional
sliding resistance between the Allan Block unit and the gravel base.
Figure 6-13. Geogrid Contribution to the
Wall Face Case C

allanblock.com 65
 Facing Stability from Block Shear Strength
Shear interaction between units is easily calculated by understanding that the
greater the normal load above a particular joint, the greater the block-to-block shear
strength becomes. The tested shear strength equation comes from each SRW man-
ufacture in the form of an ASTM D6916 test (also known as SRW-2 and is included
in the appendices), which determines the block-grid-block shear resistance and
block-block shear resistance relative to the normal load above that joint.
The first thing a designer should do is determine if the slip surface in question
passes through the facing at a geogrid layer. If it does the assumption is made that
the facing is 100% stable due to the connection strength with the geogrid and thus
the designer can consider adding the tested block-grid-block shear strength of that
joint in the analysis of the wall facing.
Figure 6-14. Facing Instability

If the slip surface passes through the facing between grid layers a rotational moment
develops between grid layers, with the lower grid layer forming a pivot point for the po-
tential wall facing bulge. Summing the moments about this pivot point the designer
can determine if the normal load at that joint is substantial enough to resist the upward
rotational effect caused by the sliding forces. If there is sufficient normal load to re-
sist the rotational effect the block will not uplift and the designer can consider adding
the full block-block shear strength into the sliding resistance. However, if the normal
load is overcome by the rotational uplift, the wall facing will pivot forward and the shear
strength of the block cannot be added to the resistance.
Figure 6-15. Facing Stability
Ultimately, this forward rotation will engage the geogrid connection strength from
the grid layer above which will act to restrain the facing. If the wall continues to ro-
tate, more uplift will occur and a forward bulge will form between layers and even-
tually a localized wall failure will occur.

Contribution from the Wall Face

As mentioned earlier, the designer cannot take both the facing stability from the ge-
ogrid connection and block shear when totaling up the resisting force. Only one
will need to fail before instability of the wall face occurs. Therefore, the one with
the least resisting force is the controlling face contribution and is used in the ICS
safety factor calculation. The basis of this approach relies on a simple theory that
as reinforcement layers are placed closer together, the facing becomes more rigid.
The more rigid the facing is made by the connection contribution, the more likely
that the shear strength at the evaluated course will control. Likewise, as the ge-
ogrid spacing is increased, the connection contribution is lessened thus causing
the connection contribution to control.
The following is an example of evaluating ICS for a give set of site and soil con-
ditions. Please note that a full global stability review should be obtained by the
owner. These types of calculations require hundreds of thousands of iterations,
while evaluating tens of thousands of slip arcs.
Diagram Ex. 6-1

Example 6-1:
Looking at Diagram Ex. 6-1 and given the following:

= 78°  = 120 lb/ft3 (19 kN/m3)
i = 30° Ao = 0.25
r = 28°
Geogrid is spaced 2 courses apart and a minimum length of 12 ft (3.66 m). The LTADS for this example is approximately 1,008 lb/ft
(14.7 kN/m).

66 allanblock.com
Reviewing the full ICS analysis, it is determined that the minimum Factor of Safety for ICS occurs between the 2nd and 3rd course
of blocks.
The following summarizes the results for the slip arc with the minimum Factor of Safety for ICS:
 Fr = sum of soil resisting forces
= 18,156 lb/ft (265 kN/m)
 Facing= sum of facing contribution (either geogrid connection or shear)
 Vu = sum of block shear = 4,082 lb/ft (59.6 kN/m)
 Conn = sum of connection = 4,819 lb/ft (70.4 kN/m)
 Facing = 4,082 lb/ft (minimum of the shear and connection) (59.6 kN/m)
 Fgr = sum of geogrid contribution
= 2,791 lb/ft (40.7 kN/m)
 Fs = sum of sliding force
= 17,608 lb/ft (257 kN/m)
 Fdyn = sum of sliding forces due to seismic loading
= 1,585 lb/ft (23.1 kN/m)
Safety Factor of ICS
= ( Fr +  Facing +  Fgr) / ( Fs +  Fdyn)
(18,156 lb/ft + 4,082 lb/ft + 2,791 lb/ft)
=
(17,608 lb/ft + 1,585 lb/ft)
= 1.304 Figure 6-16. ICS Force Summary
(265 kN/m + 59.6 kN/m + 40.7 kN/m)
=
(257 kN/m + 23.1 kN/m)
= 1.304

Safety Factors and Design Approach

The minimum safety factor for Internal Compound Stability is 1.3 for static conditions and 1.1 for seismic. If after completing the analy-
sis the safety factors are below these standards, the wall design will need to be revised. Please note that to provide a conservative
expanded review for a geogrid reinforced retaining wall when analyzing ICS, cohesion is not considered in the methodology presented.
Most global stability computer programs provide for the engineer to include a value for cohesion, which would dramatically change the
final numbers. Additionally most global stability programs have not provided a detailed approach to contributions from the wall facing
and therefore the exact results will be difficult to duplicate when trying to run a comparative review with off the shelf GS software. The
following provides a few design options to increase factors of safety for Internal Compound Stability:
1. Use select backfill: It has been well documented that using select soils with higher internal strength as backfill in the infill area re-
sults in a better wall with increased stability and performance. This will also improve the internal compound stability as well and
should be one of the first recommendations.
2. Additional geogrid reinforcement layers: Decreasing the spacing between the geogrid reinforcement will force the slip surface to
intersect more geogrid layers which will increase the safety factor. The wall facing stability will also improve and will have a direct
enhancement in the internal compound stability analysis.
3. Lengthen the geogrid reinforcement: Lengthening the geogrid will, again, force the slip surface to intersect more layers of geogrid
and ultimately force the slip surface deeper into the evaluation zone. However, this will require additional excavation, and out of
the three design options will typically cost the most.
4. Addition of geogrid in the slope above the wall: For slopes above the wall, adding geogrid reinforcement within the slope may im-
prove Internal Compound Stability. The length and spacing of these grids will depend on the site conditions and should be done
in cooperation with the geotechnical engineer of record.

allanblock.com 67
 CHAPTER SEVEN
Complex Composite Structures
allanblock.com

Introduction
Complex Composite Structures will be defined as walls that the engineer
needs to evaluate as a single wall section with two distinctly different structures
positioned one on top of the other. Engineers are often faced with situations
that simply do not fit into the straight forward scenarios found in published
design methods for SRW projects. The following provides a path to analyze
more complicated applications that we will refer to as Complex Composite
Structures (CCS). These are identified as complex because they are
structures that are a combination of more than one uniform structure. They are
composite structures because they rely on multiple materials to resist driving
forces to create a safe and effective retaining wall solutions. Typical current
design approaches incorporate a similar method when they calculate the top
of wall stability for the gravity wall above the top layer of geogrid. This analysis
will be presented in a working stress design approach, but could easily be
adapted to a limit states approach. Currently we have found that lacking any Figure 7-1. Complex Composite Structure (CCS)
clear direction to evaluating these types of structures, engineers are faced with
having to use their best judgement to create a reasonable analysis for their unique application. This approach provides a more
refined method to ensure your design meets the performance standards expected.
Listed at the end of this chapter are the various wall configuration examples that can be analyzed in AB Walls Design Software as
Complex Composite Structures and a set of hand calculations explaining the design process. The design premise will be to design
the Upper Structure as a separate wall from the Lower Structure and the Lower Structure as a separate wall with the Upper Structure
applied as a surcharge. The complex structures will not be set up to calculate a terraced arrangement. In other words, the facing
will be continuously stacked from bottom to top.
The two separate wall calculations will focus on External Stability and to evaluate Internal Compound Stability (ICS) in place of
typical internal calculations. The ICS calculations provide a more refined analysis on the internal stresses and resisting forces at
multiple slip arc locations. In keeping with the NCMA approach, a design envelope equal to the greater of, twice the height of the
total wall structure (2H), or the effective height (as determined by the height intersecting the slope at the back of the reinforcement)
plus the length of the primary geogrid (He + L) will be used to define the limits of where the ICS will be conducted. The ICS

Figure 7-2. ICS Design Envelope Diagram

allanblock.com
68
calculations will be run on the total height of the Complex Composite Structure
and not specifically on the two elements that make up the CCS. Running ICS
for a CCS does not in any way replace the need to have a global analysis
conducted to ensure the overall site stability is achieved.
This also provides a future path to evaluating secondary reinforcement, as the
concept of secondary reinforcement for facial stability is developed by the
industry. Slip arcs used to evaluate internal loads and resisting forces will be
constructed using a Modified Bishops approach as used in typical
geotechnical slope stability analysis. Contribution from the facing will follow Figure 7-3. Secondary Reinforcement Layers
the methods outlined in the Allan Block Engineering Manual and the 3rd
Edition NCMA Design Manual which employs shear and connection to quantify
these resisting forces.
On any structure where more than one layer of reinforcement is shorter than
the lengths of the other reinforcement, at the top of the wall, the CCS method
will be utilized. For applications where obstructions occur at the bottom portion
of the wall structure we do not recommend shortening the grids at the bottom,
but we provide the engineer the ability to use no-fines concrete for the Lower
Structure. The CCS analysis will provide the engineer the ability to review the
suitability of the resisting forces of two different structures, as independent
masses, and working together to resist forces that are being applied from the Figure 7-4. Modified Bishops Method
same retained soil mass and all external forces.
The Upper Structure of the CCS will be examined
from an External Stability standpoint twice. First
the entire top wall will be analyzed by calculating
the driving forces, static and dynamic, and
comparing it to the resisting forces based on the
configuration of the Upper Structure’s mass.
Additionally, a gravity wall analysis will be run for
those unreinforced courses above either the top
layer of geogrid or above the no-fines mass when
used. For an expanded discussion on this topic
see the Top of Wall Stability section at the end of
this chapter. This will ensure that localized
toppling does not occur. Please remember that
the internal analysis is now being conducted using
ICS. This which will ensure that the elements that Figure 7-5. Grid Above Grid CCS Figure 7-6. Grid Above No-Fines CCS
the Upper or Lower Structures are comprised of
will hold together as a composite mass.

Figure 7-7. Upper Structure Force Diagram Figure 7-8. Top of Wall Stability Diagram

allanblock.com 69
 Conducting an External Stability Analysis WQpt
or Wq

There are many combinations for how the project

application may require various structural configurations to
be designed and assembled to create a CCS. On any
Wi

given structure there may be three separate External

Stability calculations: Lower Structure, Upper Structure,
and a gravity wall check above the last layer of
GRID
Ws

reinforcement or above the no-fines mass. The External

Wftop W s GRID

Stability of the top of wall section and the Upper Structure

Top Upper GRID
Structure

of a CCS will be calculated as a gravity wall using its own

GRID

height and depth variables (block, block plus no-fines, block

Dyn Qpt or
LOWER GRID q

plus geogrid). The Upper Structure can be a reinforced soil

STRUCTURE
GRID

structure with shorter geogrid lengths than the Lower

Fa

Structure, a no-fines concrete mass, a single or double

GRID
Wfbot Ws

block wall, or a short or long anchoring unit walls. Sliding

GRID

will be calculated as usual with the addition of the shear lip

GRID q

values at the intersection of the Upper and Lower Structure.

GRID

The shear capacity is determined though testing (ASTM

Top Lower
Structure GRID

D6916) and increases linearly based on normal load above

the tested course.
Figure 7-9. Lower Structure Force Diagram

The Lower Structure can be a geogrid reinforced mass (provided that the grid lengths of the Lower Structure are equal to at least
60 percent of the height of the total structure), or a no-fines concrete mass. The Lower Structure will be calculated with the Upper
Structure as an applied surcharge. For the overturning calculations, a set of moment arms will be developed to accurately define
each possible soil type and weight above as we develop a conservative approach to the more complicated CCS configuration. The
active earth pressure will be calculated for the full height of the structure.

External Stability where the Upper Structure extends beyond the Lower Structure
When the Upper Structure extends beyond the depth of the
Lower Structure an additional investigation of bearing
WQ pt

capacity will be performed on the soil mass behind the

or Wq

lower wall. A limiting ratio of top wall to bottom wall depth

of 70% has been implemented based on reviewing outputs
Wi

and establishing practical limits to a CCS. Therefore if the

Upper Structure is 10 ft (3 m) deep measured from the face
GRID

of the wall to the back limits of the mass, the Lower

GRID or
F

Structure can be no shorter than 7 ft (2.1 m). These

GRID
T

additional calculations are designed to eliminate buckling at

GRID

the intersection of the Upper and Lower Structure.

Wftop Ws
GRID

The active earth pressure for the Lower Structure will be

Dyn Qpt or
UPPER GRID Fa q

calculated based on the full height of the total structure, at

STRUCTURE
Top Upper GRID

the back of the deepest structure. To add a level of

Structure
GRID

conservativeness, the moment arms for the active earth GRID

pressure for the loading for the Lower Structure will be

Lower No-Fines
Structure

applied at the back of this shorter lower mass. Wfbot Wnf Fabot

Having the Lower Structure shorter in depth to the Upper

Top Lower
Structure

Structure raises questions about overall wall stability. As

mentioned above, the current version of AB Walls will
Translate active
earth pressure to
back of LOWER

consider soil bearing behind the lower mass. From a Figure 7-10. Lower Structure Force Diagram
STRUCTURE

bearing standpoint we will use our industry common

Meyerhof method, distributed over the bearing width of Lwidth = SDtop – SDbottom. By calculating all the applied weights and
forces we can use the typical Meyerhof equations, see sample calculations at the end of the chapter.
70 allanblock.com
Meyerhof bearing capacity equation: ult = (1/2) (f) (Lwidth) (N) + (cf) (Nc ) + (f) (Ldepth + D) (Nq)

Where:
Nq = exp ( tan  f ) tan2 (45 +  f /2)
Nc = (Nq  1) cot  f
N = (Nq  1) tan (1.4 f )
Therefore:
ult = (1/2) (f) (Lwidth) (N) + (cf) (Nc ) + (f) (Ldepth + D) (Nq)

Figure 7-11. Bearing Behind Lower Structure

In this equation, Ldepth is the depth of leveling pad which will be zero in this case since we are not providing one and D is the depth
of buried block. One can justify using Htop (the height of the top structure) as the depth of buried block, however, Meyerof’s
equation reacts very favorably to additional buried block therefore we will limit this term to be equal to ½ Htop to be conservative.

allanblock.com 71
 Internal Analysis Performed using an Internal Compound Stability (ICS) Analysis
ICS will be run for the total height structure with slip arcs defined
by entry nodes above the wall and exit nodes defined by each
block course. For a gravity wall, the first entry node is 2 ft behind
the face of the top block, whether it is a single or double wall or
an AB Fieldstone long or short anchoring unit wall. For a no-
fines or geogrid structure, the first entry node is directly up from
the back of the mass. The last entry node is always defined at
the back of the Design Envelope defined by the greater of 2H or
He + L, as discussed earlier. The number of entry points will
equal the number of courses of blocks and be divided evenly
between the first entry node and the back of the Design
Envelope. Please note that when a CCS analysis is triggered
the old method of Internal Stability Analysis will be disabled and
you will be required to run ICS. AB Walls Design Software and
the supporting Mathcad Hand Calculation file provides for the
ability to use multiple soil types in both the reinforced mass and
Figure 7-12. ICS Design Envelope & Forces
the retained soil. With the addition of the CCS analytics you are
also able to define a depth of structure with the appropriate
1.2 ft 10 ft

properties for these soil types. Being able to specify what type
6.5 ft

of fill material is being used and exactly where, provides for the
full utilization of Internal Compound Stability calculations and
allows the engineer to configure the elements of the structure to
handle the localized loading. AB Walls Design Software
50 ft

eg.
8 D
21.

contains a pressure mapping feature that provides a visual

illustration of where the lowest factors of safety are, and thereby
gives the engineer direct feedback on the critical aspects of their
design. These features provide the engineer with a host of
options to be able to develop a design, based on the specific
10 ft

challenges that are inherent to their project, that meets the

needs of their specific project, is cost effective, and provides the
owner with a safe structure. Running ICS for a CCS does not in
any way replace the need to have a global analysis conducted
Strata SG 200
Strata SG 350

to ensure the overall site stability is achieved.

Strata SG 500

Figure 7-13. ICS Pressure Map Diagram

Top of Wall Stability Analysis
The top of every structure needs to be investigated for overturning and sliding stability. This is the gravity portion of the wall that
extends above the top layer of geogrid or above the top of the no-fines mass. The depth of this upper gravity wall section can be
made up of standard wall units, double block units, or AB Fieldstone units using short or long anchoring units. AB Walls will run a
standard overturning and sliding calculations based on all applied forces and resistance based on the facing depth.
AB Walls will take a conservative approach to this overturning calculation. The user has freedom to use double blocks or long
anchoring units at any course they choose. Because of this, if the user has not input the same deep block for the entire height of

Figure 7-14. Standard Above Wall Config. Figure 7-15. Long Anchoring Unit Above Figure 7-16. Irregular Config. Above

72 allanblock.com
this top portion of their structure, the resisting forces will be based on the single block depth, even if only one block is left short.
It should also be noted that seismic testing conducted in conjunction with Columbia University, (Ling, Lecshinsky et al. 2002),
clearly indicated that extending the top layer or layers of reinforcement to 90% of the wall height prevented cracking during high
seismic events at the back of the reinforced mass. Based on this testing, and performance in seismically active regions, it is our
recommendation that in regions where high pseudo static loading is applied (horizontal acceleration coefficients in excess of 0.20g)
that the Upper Structure should not be constructed with a mass depth that is less than 60% of the total wall height and whenever
possible, at least one of the top layers of grid should be extended to 90% of the total wall height.
Overview of Design Methods and Tools
The design methods employed utilize the approach and equations contained in other chapters of the Allan Block Engineering
Manual and focus them in a manner that is straight forward and consistent with what has been develop over the lifetime of the SRW
Industry. In addition to AB Walls, a comprehensive design software for all aspects of technical analysis and creation of construction
drawings, the accompanying Mathcad file provides the engineer with the ability to provide hand calculations and, if need be, alter
any of the equations to fit their professional judgement for any given project. Contact the Allan Block Engineering Department for
assistance or a phone tutorial that also will provide Continuing Education Units (CEU), accredited by IACET, for material covered.

Examples of Complex Composite Structure configuration in AB Walls

Gravity Wall on Top of Geogrid Wall or No-fines Wall

Standard gravity wall Double block or AB Fieldstone Standard gravity wall above
above geogrid wall long anchoring unit wall above no-fine concrete wall
geogrid wall

Geogrid Wall Above or Below No-Fines on Top or Bottom of a Geogrid Wall Structure

0.6 H

Geogrid lengths in the Upper Geogrid lengths in the No-fines concrete in the Upper Lower no-fines structure
Structure cannot be less than Lower Structure are Structure cannot be less than depth cannot be less than
the standard minimum of 4 ft recommended to be not the standard minimum of 2 ft 70% of the depth of the
(120 cm) or 60% of the less than 60% of the total (60 cm) and is commonly Upper Structure
Upper Structure height wall height designed to be 40% of the
Upper Structure height

allanblock.com 73
 No-Fines on Top and Bottom with Varied Depth
Although an unlikely scenario, AB Walls allows for varied no-fines depth in CCS structures.

No-fines concrete in the Lower no-fines structure

Upper Structure cannot be depth cannot be less than
less than the standard 70% of the depth of the
minimum of 2 ft (60 cm) or Upper Structure
and is commonly designed to
be 40% of the Upper
Structure height

AB Walls Design Software

AB Walls provides a tool to allow the engineer to analyze a Complex Composite Structure with limitations that we have stated in our
description of our approach to analyzing this type of configuration. The following provides a review of some limitations that we
believe to be judicious when designing a CCS. Some of these apply directly to a Complex Composite Structures, others are what
we have found to be Best Practice for all SRW designs.
• We recommend the first layer of grid be placed on top of the first course of block, provide for some flexibility as a result of
corners and step ups that may require placement on the second course, but flag designs that have the first course of grid being
placed higher than 16 inches (40 cm) from the base.
• We recommend grid spacing a 16 inches (40 cm) maximum but flag designs with more than 24 inches (60 cm) spacing
• For commercial walls we recommend the minimum length for primary reinforcements to be 4 ft (1.2m). The software does not
allow you to reduce this length, but as the engineer you can use the included Mathcad file to adjust as you see fit based on your
engineering judgement.
• Although structures have been routinely constructed in a manner similar to what we have covered in this chapter, analysis has
not been easily performed. For the purpose of our discussion we have limited the ratio between the Upper and Lower Structures
to a ratio of 70% depth of the structure.
• Based on field experience and the advent of a more refined Internal Compound Stability Analysis industry recommendation are
that the length of primary reinforcement should not be less than 60% of the total wall height as measured from the face of the
block. The CCS approach allows the engineer to achieve a more detailed analysis when dealing with site obstructions.
• The analysis includes an external stability (overturning and sliding for both the Upper and Lower Structure) and factors of safety
are reported. The software will not allow for the depth of either structure to be less than what is required to achieve a minimum
factor of safety.
• When the Upper Structure is extends beyond the depth of the Lower Structure a bearing analysis is conducted to check for
potential rotation and buckling at the intersection of the Upper and Lower Structures. The analysis will check the possible risk
of differential settlement that could take place under the Upper Structure due to the unreinforced nature of the soil.

74 allanblock.com
Sample CCS Hand Calculations
Given:

H = 12 ft (3.6 m) Lgrid = 7.5 ft (2.29 m)

Htop = 8 ft (2.4 m) Ls = 0.18 ft (5.5 cm) (Equivalent lip thickness)
Hbot = 4 ft (1.2 m) Ltop = Lgrid + Ls = 7.68 ft (2.34 m)
t = 1 ft (0.3 m) itop = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)
itop = 30° r = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)
r = 30° nf = 110 lb/ft3 (1,763 kg/m3)
f = 30° walltop = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)
wr = 20° wallnf = 125 lb/ft3 (2,002 kg/m3)
nf = 75° Structure depthNF = 5.5 ft (1.67 m)
 = 6° Sliding coef (CF) = tan (f)
Kar = 0.254

This example shows the overturning and sliding calculations

for the Lower Structure with the Upper Structure applied as
a surcharge. Please note that the overturning and sliding
calculations for the Upper Structure will be calculated like
any other structure except the upper wall toe will be the top
of the lower wall. Therefore this point will become the
rotational point for the calculations.

Sliding Calculations
Determine the weight of the structure:

= (walltop) (Htop) (t)

Figure 7-17. Example Section - Loads
Wftop
= (129 lb/ft3) (8 ft) (1 ft) = 1,032 lb/ft
= (2,061 kg/m3) (2.4 m) (0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 14,557 N/m
Wfbot = (wallbot) (Hbot) (t)
= (125 lb/ft3) (4 ft) (1 ft) = 500 lb/ft
= (2,002 kg/m3) (1.2 m) (0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 7,070 N/m
Wstop = (itop) (Htop) (Ltop - t)
= (120 lb/ft3) (8 ft) (7.68 ft – 1 ft) = 6,413 lb/ft
= (1,923 kg/m3) (2.4 m) (2.34 m – 0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 92,361 N/m
Wnf = (nf) (Hbot) ( Structure depthNF - t)
= (110 lb/ft3) (4 ft) (5.5 ft – 1 ft) = 1,980 lb/ft
= (1,763 kg/m3) (1.2 m) (1.67 m – 0.3 m) (9.81 m/sec2) = 28,433 N/m
allanblock.com 75
 Upper wall forces:
Fatop = (0.5) (r) (Kar) (Htop)2
= (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.254) (8 ft)2 = 975 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.254) (2.4 m)2 (9.81 m/sec2) = 13,800 N/m
Fahtop = Fatop (cos wr)
= 975 lb/ft (cos 20°) = 916 lb/ft = 13,800 N/m (cos 20°) = 12,968 N/m
Favtop = Fatop (sin wr)
= 975 lb/ft (sin 20°) = 333 lb/ft = 13,800 N/m (sin 20°) = 4,720 N/m
Lower wall forces:

Fabot = (0.5) (r) (Kar) (H)2 – Fatop

= (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.254) (12 ft)2 – 975 lb/ft = 1,220 lb/ft
= (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.254) (3.6m)2 (9.81 m/sec2) – (13,800 N/m)] = 17,250 N/m
Fahbot = Fabot (cos wr)
= 1,220 lb/ft (cos 20°) = 1,146 lb/ft = 17,250 N/m (cos 20°) = 16,210 N/m
Favbot = Fabot (sin wr)
= 1,220 lb/ft (sin 20°) = 417 lb/ft = 17,250 N/m (sin 20°) = 5,900 N/m
Total Horizontal Force:

Fh = Fahtop + Fahbot
= 916 lb/ft + 1,146 lb/ft = 2,062 lb/ft = 12,968 N/m + 16,210 N/m = 29,178 N/m
Total Vertical Force:

Vt = Wftop + Wfbot + Wstop + Wnf + Favtop + Favbot

= 1,032 lb/ft + 500 lb/ft + 6,413 lb/ft + 1,980 lb/ft + 333 lb/ft + 417 lb/ft = 10,675 lb/ft
= 14,557 N/m + 7,070 N/m + 92,361 N/m + 28,433 N/m + 4,720 N/m + 5,900 N/m = 147,849 N/m
Sliding Force:

Fr = Vt (Cf)
= 10,675 lb/ft [tan (30°)] = 6,163 lb/ft = 147,849 N/m [tan (30°)] = 85,361 N/m
The Safety Factor against Sliding:

SFS = Fr / F
= 6,163 lb/ft / 2,062 lb/ft = 2.98 = 85,361 N/m / 29,178 N/m = 2.98

76 allanblock.com
Overturning Calculations
We will first start by determining the moment arms for each
force.

WftopArm = 0.5t + (0.5Htop + Hbot) tan ()

= (0.5) (1.0 ft) + (0.5) (8 ft + 4 ft)
tan (6.4°) = 1.4 ft
= (0.5) (0.3 m) + (0.5) (2.4 m + 1.2 m)
tan (6.4°) = 0.43 m
WfbotArm = 0.5t + 0.5 (Hbot) tan ()
= (0.5) (1 ft + 0.5 (4 ft) tan (6.4°)
= 0.73 ft
= (0.5) (0.3 m + 0.5 (1.2 m) tan (6.4°)
= 0.22 m
WstopArm = (0.5Htop + Hbot) tan () + t
+ 0.5 (Lgrid - t)
Figure 7-18. Example Section - Moment Arms

= (0.5) (8 ft +4 ft) tan (6.4°) + 1 ft + 0.5 (7.68 ft – 1 ft) = 5.23 ft

= (0.5) (2.4 m +1.2 m) tan (6.4°) + 0.3 m + 0.5 (2.34 m – 0.3 m) = 1.6 m
WnfArm = 0.5 (Hbot) tan () + t + 0.5 (Structure depthNF - t)
= 0.5 (4 ft) tan (6.4°) + 1 ft + 0.5 (5.5 ft – 1 ft) = 3.48 ft
= 0.5 (1.2 m) tan (6.4°) + 0.3 m + 0.5 (1.67 m – 0.3 m) = 1.06 m
FahtopArm = Hbot + 0.33(Htop)
= 4 ft + 0.33 (8 ft) = 6.67 ft = 1.2 m + 0.33 (2.4 m) = 2.03 m
FavtopArm = Ltop + [0.33(Htop) + Hbot] tan ()
= 8 ft + [0.33 (8 ft) + 4 ft] tan (6.4°) = 8.4 ft
= 2.4 m + [0.33 (2.4 m) + 1.2 m] tan (6.4°) = 2.57 m
Due to the translation of the bottom force trapezoid we need to find the vertical centroid.

FahbotArm = (Hbot/3) [ H + (2) (Htop) ] / (H + Htop)

= (4 ft/3) [ 12 ft + (2) (8 ft) ] / (12 ft + 8 ft) ] = 1.87 ft
= (1.2m/3) [ 3.6 m + (2) (2.4 m) ] / (3.6 m + 2.4 m) ] = 0.57 m
FavbotArm = Structure depthNF + (FahbotArm) tan ()
= 5.5 ft + (1.87 ft) tan (6.4°) = 5.7 ft = 1.67 m + (0.57 m) tan (6.4°) = 1.74 m
Total Resisting Moment:

Mr = (Wftop) (WftopArm) + (Wfbot) (WfbotArm) + (Wstop) (WstopArm)

+ (Wnf) (WnfArm) + (Favtop) (FavtopArm) + (Favbot) (FavbotArm)
= (1,032 lb/ft) (1.4 ft) + (500 lb/ft) (0.73 ft) + (6,413 lb/ft) (5.23 ft)
+ (1,980 lb/ft) (3.48 ft) + (333 lb/ft) (8.4 ft) + (417 lb/ft) (5.7 ft) = 47,414 ft-lb/ft
= (14,557 N/m) (0.43 m) + (7,070 N/m) (0.22 m) + (92,361 N/m) (1.6 m)
+ (28,433 N/m) (1.06 m) + (4,720 N/m) (2.5 m) + (5,900 N/m) (1.74 m) = 211,408 N-m/m
allanblock.com 77
 Total Overturning Moment:

Mo = (Fahtop) (FahtopArm) + (Fahbot) (FahbotArm)

= (916 lb/ft) (6.67 ft) + (1,146 lb/ft) (1.87 ft) = 8,250 lb-ft/ft
= (12,968 N/m) (2.03 m) + (16,210 N/m) (0.57 m) = 36,704 N-m/m
The Safety Factor against Overturning:

SFOS = SMr / SMo

= 47,414 ft-lb/ft / 8,250 lb-ft/ft = 5.76
= 211,408 N-m/m / 36,704 N-m/m = 5.76

The Pressure Map for this

example from AB Walls shows all
results well above the minimum of
1.3 and as expected the worst
case arcs come in directly above
the no-fines concrete mass.

Minimum Safety
Factor

Figure 7-19. Example Section - Pressure Map - Min. Safety Factors = 2.71 - Course Six

Bearing Capacity Calculations

Bearing safety factors are very straight forward by determining the
downward vertical force and comparing them to the bearing capacity of the
site soils. Allan Block also calculates the forward rotational forces and if
they are positive, they are added to the bearing forces.
The first step is to determine the eccentricity of the structure.
Determine the vertical resisting forces:
Rmo = Wftop + Wfbot + Wstop
+ Wnf + Favtop + Favbot
= 1,032 lb/ft + 500 lb/ft + 6,413 lb/ft
+ 1,980 lb/ft + 333 lb/ft + 417 lb/ft
= 10,675 lb/ft
= 14,557 N/m + 7,070 N/m + 92,361 N/m
+ 28,433 N/m + 4,720 N/m + 5,900 N/m Figure 7-20. Bearing Capacity Diagram
= 147,849 N/m

78 allanblock.com
Determine the Positive rotational forces:
Positive = (Wftop) (WftopArm) + (Wfbot) (WfbotArm) + (Wstop) (WstopArm)
+ (Wnf) (WnfArm) + (Favtop) (FavtopArm) + (Favbot) (FavbotArm)
= (1,032 lb/ft) (1.4 ft) + (500 lb/ft) (0.73 ft) + (6,413 lb/ft) (5.23 ft)
+ (1,980 lb/ft) (3.48 ft) + (333 lb/ft) (8.4 ft) + (417 lb/ft) (5.7 ft) = 47,414 ft-lb/ft
= (14,557 N/m) (0.43 m) + (7,070 N/m) (0.22 m) + (92,361 N/m) (1.6 m)
+ (28,433 N/m) (1.06 m) + (4,720 N/m) (2.5 m) + (5,900 N/m) (1.74 m) = 211,408 N-m/m
Determine the Negative rotational forces:
Negative = (Fahtop) (FahtopArm) + (Fahbot) (FahbotArm)
= (916 lb/ft) (6.67 ft) + (1,146 lb/ft ) (1.87 ft) = 8,250 lb-ft/ft
= (12,968 N/m) (2.03 m) + (16,210 N/m) (0.57 m) = 36,704 N-m/m
X = (Positive – Negative) / Rmo = 3.67 ft 1.1 m
Determine the eccentricity, E, of the resultant vertical force. If the eccentricity is negative the maximum bearing pressure occurs at
the heal of the mass. Therefore, a negative eccentricity causes a decrease in pressure at the toe. For conservative calculations E
will always be considered greater than or equal to zero.
E = 0.5(Structure depthNF) – X = -0.93 ft - 0.3 m
* Since E is negative there is no additional rotational force.
Determine the average bearing pressure acting at the centerline of the wall:
avg = Rmo / (Structure depthNF) = 1,942 lb/ft2 93 kPa
Use Meyerhof bearing capacity equations to determine the ultimate capacity based on site and soil conditions.
Meyerhof bearing capacity equation:
ult = (1/2) (f) (Lwidth) (N) + (cf) (Nc ) + (f) (Ldepth + D) (Nq)

Where:
Nq = exp ( tan  f ) tan2 (45 +  f /2)
Nc = (Nq  1) cot  f
N = (Nq  1) tan (1.4 f )
Therefore:
ult = (1/2) (f) (Lwidth) (N) + (cf) (Nc ) + (f) (Ldepth + D) (Nq)
= 4,456 lb/ft2 213 kPa

=  = 2.3
ult
SFbearing
avg

SFbearing is greater than the required minimum of 2.0 therefore bearing is adequate.

allanblock.com 79
 APPENDIX A
AB Engineering Manual Variables
allanblock.com
Ao Specified horiz. peak ground acceleration, pg 44 FSpullout Factor of Safety for Geogrid Pullout from the
Bb Width of the foundation, pg 21 Soil, pg 26
c Cohesion of foundation soils, pg 21 Fv Vertical component of active force, pg 10
Cf Coefficient of friction, pg 10 Fvb The resultant vertical resisting force exerted on
Ci Coefficient of interaction between the soil and the wall by the soil, pg 19
the geogrid, a measure of the ability of the soil to Fw Force on the geogrid at the back face of the wall,
hold the geogrid when a force is applied to it, pg 26 pg 25
D Depth of wall embedment = buried block Fwe Weighted design value of anchor, pg 14
+ footing thickness, pg 21 H Distance from the bottom of the wall to the top
d Allowable lateral deflection that a retaining wall of the wall (Depth from the top of the retained
can be designed to withstand during a seismic soil mass), pg 5
event, pg 44 He Effective wall height of a coherent gravity wall for
db Footing thickness, pg 21 external calculations, pg 39
d1 Distance from the top of the backfill or Hei to the Hei Effective wall height of a coherent gravity wall for
bottom of the zone supported by the layer of internal calculations, pg 41
geogrid, pg 22 Hir Moment arm associated with the seismic inertial
d2 Distance from the top of the backfill or Hei to the force, pg 52
top of the zone supported by the layer of geogrid, Hq Height of the wall affected by the surcharge, pg 29
pg 22
hvc Distance up to the geometric vertical center of the
DFdyni Dynamic earth force increment, pg 46 slope above, pg 41
dg Depth from the top of the infill or Hei to the layer i Slope of the top of the retained soil, pg 5
of geogrid, pg 26
K Pressure coefficient, pg 5
dh Difference between d1 and d2, pg 22
Ka Active pressure coefficient, pg 5
e Eccentricity of the resultant vertical force; the
Kae Dynamic earth pressure coefficient, pg 43
distance from the centerline of bearing of the
gravity wall to the point of application of the Kaei Dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the infill
resultant force , pg 19 soil, pg 45
Fa Active force on retaining wall; resultant force of Kaer Dynamic earth pressure coefficient for the
the active pressure on the retaining wall, pg 5 retained soil, pg 46
Fae Magnitude of dynamic earth force, pg 46 Kai Active earth pressure coefficient infill, pg 16
Fcs Peak connection strength, pg 24 Kar Active earth pressure coefficient retained, pg 16
Fe Preloaded value of installed earth anchor, pg 14 Kh Horizontal seismic acceleration coefficient, pg 43
Fg Force applied to geogrid, pg 22 Ko At rest earth pressure coefficient, pg 5
Fgr Maximum potential restraining force of geogrid, Kv Vertical seismic acceleration coefficient, pg 43
pg 26 l Width of the section, pg 20
Fh Horizontal component of active force, pg 10 La Length of geogrid in the active zone, pg 27
Fid Dynamic internal force on geogrid, pg 54 Le Length of geogrid embedded in the passive
Fpa Pullout grid capacity, pg 14 zone of the soil, pg 26
Fqh Horizontal compaction of surcharge force at L e_ d Length of geogrid embedded in the passive zone
the wall, pg 30 of the soil under dynamic loading, pg 55
Fqv Vertical component of surcharge force at the Ls Equivalent lip thickness, pg 16
wall, pg 30 Lt Total length of geogrid required per linear foot of
Fr Maximum frictional resistance (the force that wall, pg 16
resists sliding of the wall because of friction LTADS Long term allowable design strength of geogrid
and the soil), pg 10 reinforcement, pg 14, 23
FSoverstress Geogrid overstress factor of safety, pg 55 Lw Length of geogrid inside the Allan Block unit,
pg 27
80 allanblock.com
 AB Engineering Manual Variables
MB Bearing capacity moment due to the eccentricity Ws’ Weight of soil mass based on a reinforced depth
of the resultant vertical force, pg 20 of 0.5 H, pg 52
Mo Moments causing overturning, pg 11 Ww Total weight of coherent gravity wall, pg 17
Mr Moments resisting overturning, pg 11 X The point of application of the resultant bearing
N Normal load from the weight of facing above capacity force, pg 19
grid location, pg 24 XL The distance from the front of the top AB unit to
Ng Number of geogrid layers, pg 54 the uniform surcharge, pg 29
Nq, Nc, N Terzaghi/Meyerhof equations from Craig p. 303, Y1 Moment of arm of the horizontal component of
Soil Mechanics, Fifth Edition, pg 21 the active force, = H/3, pg 11
Pa Active earth force on retaining wall calculated i Angle of inclination of the Coulomb failure
by trial wedge method, pg 58 surface, pg 55
Pae Active earth force including dynamic forces Angle between horizontal and the sloped
back face of the wall, pg 5

calculated by trial wedge method, pg 58

Pavg Average soil pressure on the wall section, pg 22  Unit weight of soil, pg 5
Ph The earth pressure at the base of the wall, pg 6 i The unit weight of the infill soil, pg 16
Pir Seismic inertial force, pg 51 i_1, 2, 3 Unit weight of the infill soils in the multiple
Pq The pressure due to a surcharge, pg 29 soils section, pg 62
Pv The vertical pressure at any given depth, pg 6 r Unit weight of retained soil, pg 16
q Surcharge, pg 28 r_1, 2, 3 Unit weight of the retained soils in the multiple
qf Ultimate bearing capacity, pg 21 soils section, pg 62
Q Horizontal component of the surcharge force, wall Unit weight of the wall facing, pg 7
pg 32  Seismic inertia angle, pg 43
RFcr Reduction factor applied to geogrid for long term avg Average bearing pressure, pg 19
creep, pg 55 h Horizontal stress on retaining wall, pg 5
S Section modulus of a 1 ft (0.3 m) wide section of max Maximum bearing pressure, pg 20
the wall, pg 20 min Minimum bearing pressure, pg 20
SFB Bearing factor of safety, pg 21 mom Difference in stress due to eccentricity, pg 20
SFconn Factor of Safety for the Static Geogrid/Block v Vertical stress on soil at a given depth, pg 5
connection capacity, pg 24 Friction angle of soil, pg 1, 5
SFmech Mechanical connection factor of safety, pg 23

B Internal friction angle for base material, pg 21
SFO Safety factor against overturning, pg 11 f Friction angle of foundation soils, pg 21
SFS Safety factor against sliding, pg 10 i Friction angle of infill soils, pg 16
t Depth of block, pg 7 i_1, 2, 3 Friction angle of infill soils in the multiple soils
tan() The coefficient of friction (shear strength) section, pg 62
between adjacent layers of soil, pg 10, 26
r Friction angle of retained soils, pg 62
Tu Ultimate pullout resistance capacity, pg 82
r_1, 2, 3 Friction angle of retained soils in the multiple
Vc Volume of concrete for each Allan Block
soils section, pg 16
unit, pg 7
w Angle between a line perpendicular to the wall
Vt Total vertical force, pg 12
face and the line of action of the active force, pg 5
Vtot The total volume occupied by each standard
Allan Block unit, including voids, pg 7
Vv The volume of voids (difference of Vtot and Vc)
for each Allan Block unit, pg 7 Complex Composite Structure Variables
WA Weight of soil in the active wedge, pg 54 Many of the variables listed above are redefined in Chapter 7 for
Wf Weight per linear foot of wall facing, pg 8 CCS Designs. There will be a “top” or “bot” designation to repre-
Wi Weight of the triangular section of the sloped sent the variable for the Upper or Lower structure respectively.
backfill, pg 51
Ws Weight of the reinforced soil mass, pg 17

allanblock.com 81
 APPENDIX B

allanblock.com

Allan Block Connection Tests and Shear Testing

Internal Compound Stability (ICS) allows you to consider the wall facing of the reinforced soil structure as part of the analysis. This
is important to remember because the Allan Block units provide shear connection at the face and geogrid connection capacities that
make a substantial difference in the stability of the wall. However, we need to understand just how the wall facing components work.
The following tech sheet provides the basic understanding and Allan Block results of the two most widely used tests in the design of
Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW’s), SRW-1 and SRW-2. The specific test procedures are described in ASTM D6638 and D6916,
respectively.

SRW-1 (ASTM D6638) Connection Testing

Allan Block has always been a leader in the SRW industry by thoroughly testing
our products to the highest of industry standards. SRW-1 determines the grid pull-
out capacities or connection strength of a block to the geogrid reinforcement. Allan
Block’s patented “Rock-Lock connection” provides a continuous positive inter-
locking of the geogrid to the aggregate filled cores of the Allan Block unit (See Fig-
ure 1). Allan Block has performed SRW-1 at the University of Wisconsin –
Platteville, Bathurst Clarabut Geotechnical Testing (BCGT), and the National Con-
crete Masonry Association (NCMA) test facilities among others on many different
grid families. The results in Figure B-2 are for Huesker’s Fortrac 35. The strength Figure B-1. Block-Grid Connection
of the Rock-Lock connection allows the connection strength to well exceed the
Long Term Allowable Design Strength (LTADS) as the normal loads increase. In fact, the lower strength grids perform so efficiently
with the Rock-Lock connection that the ultimate connection strength nearly reaches the grids LTADS at the lowest applied normal load
or the y-intercept. For these and other test summaries please contact the Allan Block Engineering Department.

Fortrac 35
Design Equations
Ultimate Connection Strength
Segment 1
Tu = 1,313 lb/ft + tan (8°)
Tu = 19.16 kN/m + tan (8°)
Maximum
= 1,686 lb/ft (24.6 kN/m)

Long Term Allowable Design

Strength
LTADS
= 1,322 lb/ft (19.3 kN/m)

Figure B-2. Connection Strength Curve

82 allanblock.com
SRW-2 (ASTM D6916) Interface Shear Strength
Shear testing has been commonly used to determine the effective internal shear re-
sistance of one course of block relative to the next. Figure B-3 shows the three
pieces that together make up the total resistance, Shear Key (Upper Lip), Block-to-
Block Friction and the aggregate Rock Lock. Testing was performed on AB Stones
and AB Classic (2 inch lipped product), AB Vertical (1 1/2 inch lipped product) and
AB Rocks. The AB Rocks units, because of their larger shear lip, tested so well they
did not shear under test conditions. The shear equations are shown in Figure 4.
Testing with a layer of geogrid between courses is designed to be a worst-case con-
dition as the grid acts as a slip surface reducing the contributions from Block Fric-
tion and aggregate Rock Lock. In the case of AB Stones and AB Classic the results
were so great with the grid layer in place that a block-to-block test was not run. Figure B-3. Block Shear

Localized Wall Stability

New design theories such as ICS are recognizing the added benefit of a high shear
and grid connection between layers of stackable block when analyzing wall stabil- 2 Inch Lip
ity. Careful analysis reveals that in order for geogrid to be dislodged from its posi- w/ Geogrid Layer
tion between two blocks, one of two things must happen. Either the entire wall facing
must rotate forward or there must be relative movement between block courses. Vu = 2671 + N tan (38°)
Vu = 38.9 kN/m + N tan (38°)
The relative movement between block courses in an SRW wall can be defined as the
localized wall stability. In the event that an ICS slip plane is formed though the re- 1 1/2 Inch Lip
inforced mass (Figure B-5) the grid connection and block shear will act together to Vu = 1,018 lb/ft + N tan (61°)
resist the sliding forces. However, at some point one or the other will become the Vu = 14.8 kN/m + N tan (61°)
lesser and thus be the controlling factor in the wall stability. Consider a wall with sin- Vu = 743 lb/ft + N tan (71°)
1
gle course grid spacing from bottom to top. This wall is more likely to have Shear
Vu1 = 10.8 kN/m + N tan (71°)
control the localized stability than connection because the wall is ultimately as “rigid”
as possible due to the continuous grid interaction. Now consider this same wall with Vu2 = 3,780 lb/ft
4 course grid spacing. It is intuitive that the wall is less “rigid” and thus more capa- Vu2 = 55.1 kN/m
ble of bulging. In this case the shear capacity would well exceed the connection Figure B-4. Shear Test Results
contribution from the few grid layers surrounding the slip surface and thus connec-
tion would be the lesser controlling factor.

Once a wall reinforced with geogrid has been properly constructed with well com-
pacted soils and proper length and spaced geogrids, the reinforced mass works as
a solid unit or coherent gravity mass. Therefore, in a competent coherent gravity
mass and ICS slip plane will not occur and the actual stresses at the back of the fac-
ing will be minimal.

Competitive Advantage
The raised front shear lip and granular infill in an Allan Block Wall provides a better
engineering solution than the pin type interlock systems offered by many other re-
taining wall systems. Understanding this concept and you will understand why Allan
Block retaining walls perform better than the competition.

Figure B-5. Localized Wall Stability

allanblock.com 83
 GEOGRID SPECIFICATIONS AND CONNECTION TESTING RESULTS FOR:
AB Full-Size Units
Long Term Allowable Design Reduction Peak Connection Strength Equations, Normal Load
Strength, LTDS, lb/ft (kN/m) P, lb/ft (kN/m)
Geogrid Type Factor Intercept
Sand-Silt-Clay Sand-Gravel Gravel Creep, RFcr Segment 1 Segment 2 lb/ft (kN/m)
Strata Systems, 380 Dahlonega Road, Cummings, GA 30040 800-680-7750
1008 962 882 Tu = 930 lb/ft + Ntan(24°)
Strata 150 1.610 - -
(14.70) (14.10) (12.90) (Tu = 13.5 kN/m + Ntan(24°))
1613 1540 1412 Tu = 1383 lb/ft + Ntan(18°)
Strata 200 1.610 - -
(23.60) (22.50) (20.60) (Tu = 20.1 kN/m + Ntan(18°))
2259 2156 1976 Tu = 1257 lb/ft + Ntan(12°)
Strata 350 1.610 - -
(33.00) (31.50) (28.90) (Tu = 18.3 kN/m+Ntan(12°))
2796 2669 2447 Tu = 991 lb/ft + Ntan(30°)
Strata 500 1.610 - -
(40.80) (39.00) (35.70) (Tu = 14.4 kN/m + Ntan(30°))
Tencate Nicolon, 365 South Holland Drive, Pendergrass, GA 30567 888-795-0808
Miragrid 949 839 727 Tu1 = 125.6 lb/ft + Ntan(58°) Tu2 = 1623.5 lb/ft 918.6
1.670
2XT (13.80) (12.20) (10.60) (Tu1 = 1.8 kN/m + Ntan(58°)) (Tu2 = 23.65 kN/m) (13.40)
Miragrid 1558 1423 1309 Tu = 1193 lb/ft + Ntan(29°)
1.670 - -
3XT (22.70) (20.80) (19.10) (Tu = 17.4 kN/m + Ntan(29°))
Miragrid 2234 2040 1876 Tu1 = 1287 lb/ft + Ntan(29°)
1.670
5XT (32.60) (29.80) (27.40) (Tu1 = 18.7 kN/m + Ntan(29°))
Miragrid 2961 2704 2487 Tu = 1065.4 lb/ft + Ntan(26°)
1.670 - -
7XT (43.20) (39.40) (36.30) (Tu = 15.52 kN/m + Ntan(26°))
Miragrid 3089 3007 2719 Tu1 = 1063 lb/ft + Ntan(40°) Tu2 = 2872 lb/ft 2155.9
8XT 1.670
(45.07) (43.87) (39.87) (Tu1 = 15.51 kN/m + Ntan(40°)) (Tu2 = 41.9 kN/m) (31.45)
Miragrid 4116 4006 3622 Tu1 = 513 lb/ft + Ntan(52°) Tu2 = 1426 lb/ft + Ntan(23°) 1067.3
1.670
10XT (60.05) (58.45) (52.84) (Tu1 = 7.48 kN/m + Ntan(52°)) (Tu2 = 20.81 kN/m + Ntan(23°)) (15.57)
Huesker - 11107 - A South Commerce Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273 800-942-9418
Fortrac 1322 1300 1243 Tu1 = 728 lb/ft + Ntan(18°) Tu2 = 958 lb/ft + Ntan(8°) 1247.4
1.572
35/20-20 (19.30) (19.00) (18.10) (Tu1 = 10.6 kN/m + Ntan(18°)) (Tu2 = 14.0 kN/m + Ntan(8°)) (18.20)
Fortrac 1936 1882 1783 Tu1 = 1090 lb/ft + Ntan(27°) Tu2 = 1906 lb/ft + Ntan(4°) 1856.2
1.655
55/30-20 (28.30) (27.50) (26.00) (Tu1 = 15.9 kN/m + Ntan(27°)) (Tu2 = 27.8 kN/m + Ntan(4°)) (27.08)
Fortrac 2815 2815 2615 Tu1 = 680 lb/ft + Ntan(57°) Tu2 = 2143 lb/ft + Ntan(14°) 1133.6
1.655
80/30-20 (41.10) (41.10) (38.20) (Tu1 = 9.92 kN/m + Ntan(57°)) (Tu2 = 31.27 kN/m + Ntan(14°)) (16.54)

AB Fieldstone Units
Long Term Allowable Design Reduction Peak Connection Strength Equations, Normal Load
Strength, LTDS, lb/ft (kN/m) P, lb/ft (kN/m)
Geogrid Type Factor Intercept
Sand-Silt-Clay Sand-Gravel Gravel Creep, RFcr Segment 1 Segment 2 lb/ft (kN/m)
Strata Systems, 380 Dahlonega Road, Cummings, GA 30040 800-680-7750
1008 962 882 Tu = 853 lb/ft + Ntan(10°) Tu2 = 1200 lb/ft 1967.9
Strata 150 (14.70) (14.10) (12.90) 1.610 (28.71)
(Tu = 12.4 kN/m + Ntan(10°)) (Tu2 = 17.5 kN/m)
1613 1540 1412 Tu = 784 lb/ft + Ntan(35°) Tu2 = 1875 lb/ft) 1558.1
Strata 200 (23.60) (22.50) (20.60) 1.610 (22.73)
(Tu = 11.4 kN/m + Ntan(35°)) (Tu2 = 27.3 kN/m)
2259 2156 1976 Tu = 761 lb/ft + Ntan(32°) Tu2 = 1908 lb/ft + Ntan(5°) 2134.4
Strata 350 (33.00) (31.50) (28.90) 1.610 (31.19)
(Tu = 11.1 kN/m+Ntan(32°)) (Tu2 = 27.8 kN/m + Ntan(5°))
Tencate Nicolon, 365 South Holland Drive, Pendergrass, GA 30567 888-795-0808
Miragrid 949 839 727 Tu1 = 893 lb/ft + Ntan(31°) Tu2 = 1516 lb/ft + Ntan(5°) 1213.5
2XT (13.80) (12.20) (10.60) 1.670 (17.70)
(Tu1 = 13.0 kN/m + Ntan(31°)) (Tu2 = 22.1 kN/m) + Ntan(5°))
Miragrid 1558 1423 1309 Tu = 829 lb/ft + Ntan(39°) Tu2 = 1715 lb/ft + Ntan(6°) 1257.3
3XT (22.70) (20.80) (19.10) 1.670 (18.34)
(Tu = 12.1 kN/m + Ntan(39°)) (Tu2 = 25.0 kN/m + Ntan(6°))
Miragrid 2234 2040 1876 Tu1 = 778 lb/ft + Ntan(43°) Tu2 = 2066 lb/ft + Ntan(18°) 2119.8
5XT (32.60) (29.80) (27.40) 1.670 (30.93)
(Tu1 = 11.3 kN/m + Ntan(43°)) (Tu2 = 30.1 kN/m + Ntan(18°))
Huesker - 11107 - A South Commerce Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273 800-942-9418
Fortrac 1322 1300 1243 Tu1 = 769 lb/ft + Ntan(6°)
1.572 - -
35/20-20 (19.30) (19.00) (18.10) (Tu1 = 11.2 kN/m + Ntan(6°))
Fortrac 1936 1882 1783 Tu1 = 1444 lb/ft + Ntan(3°)
1.655 - -
55/30-20 (28.30) (27.50) (26.00) (Tu1 = 21.0 kN/m + Ntan(3°))
The information in this chart has been taken from published literature and is believed to be Table B-1 Pullout Resistance Equations
accurate. Consult the Allan Block Engineering Department for details at 800-899-5309.

84 allanblock.com
 APPENDIX C

allanblock.com

Designing Balance into Your Retaining Wall Project

Engineers have the responsibility of designing cost effective structures that are safe and reliable. On the surface this task seems to be
relatively straight forward and one that can easily be quantified. The questions that must be answered to achieve this design standard will
determine how complicated this process will be.**
What forces will be applied to the structure? What materials will be used to build the structure? Are there other elements that may affect
the performance of the structure? During the construction process, what safeguards will be in place to ensure that plans and specifications
are followed? What will be required after completion of the project for the continued safe, reliable performance of the structure? What has
our experience told us about what can go wrong in real life?
These questions have led to a series of changes over the last twenty years in the design of segmental retaining walls. Allan Block has
helped to drive the industry to ensure cost effectiveness with safety and reliability. During this time frame many things have evolved, and
design refinements are producing a better final
product that suits the needs of our customers.
From our field experience and full scale
testing we have arrived at conclusions that
change how we approach designs. The
following design guidelines should be
implemented to provide for a safer more
reliable structure. This does not imply that the
structures built over the last twenty years are
not safe, but rather we have determined that
with a few simple changes we can build safer
yet still efficient retaining wall structures.
1. Compaction. Geogrid-reinforced
structures are designed to perform as a Figure C-1. Compaction
composite structure. In order for them to
perform in this manner, consistent
compaction is mandatory. Actual
installations are plagued with improper
compaction due to soil lifts in excess of the
maximum 8 in. (200 mm) lifts. Tighter
specifications should be used on
compaction and field testing requirements.
2. Geogrid Spacing. Compound failure
planes may develop when the reinforced
mass is constructed with geogrids that are
not spaced close enough together. Allan
Block recommends geogrid spacing of 16
in. (406 mm) or less. This is a more
efficient way to distribute the reinforcement
throughout the mass, which develops a
more coherent structure. Since more
layers of grid are installed, lower strength
grids may be utilized and not affect the
project budget, as long as all safety factors
are met.

Figure C-2. Allan Block Typical Section

allanblock.com 85
 3. Geogrid Length. We have concluded that grid lengths between 50 and 60 percent of the wall height will provide a safe and
efficient structure, but for simplicity we are recommending 60 percent as the typical grid length for a starting point. The exception
is the top layer of grid which should be extended to intertwine the reinforced mass with the retained soil mass. This eliminates
potential for soil cracks at the intersection of these two masses by extending the top grid layers by approximately 3 ft (0.9 m), or to
90% of the wall height to tie the reinforced mass into the retained mass for seismic designs, walls with surcharges, or slopes above
the infill mass.
4. Infill Soil. Onsite soils may be used as infill soil if they are of sufficient
Table 1: Inorganic USCS Soil Types:

quality. Stay away from high plastic clays in the reinforced soil mass and use
GP, GW, SW, SP, SM meeting the following gradation as

granular material whenever possible. When clay soils are used in the
determined in accordance with ASTM D422.

reinforced zone extra precautions should be employed to keep water from

Sieve Size Percent Passing

penetrating the mass. See Table 1 for the recommended materials for infill soil. 1 inch (25 mm) 100 - 75

5. Water Management. The addition of water to the reinforced soil mass

No. 4 100 - 20

can change the soil properties dramatically. Designers need to understand

No. 40 0 - 60
and control surface and subsurface water flows. Wall rock and toe drains are No. 200 0 - 35
intended for incidental water only, any excess surface or subsurface water
should be routed away from the reinforced soil mass by using berms, swales
and chimney drains.

Issues of design and construction will always be an ongoing evolutionary process. To accommodate this Allan Block has and will
continue to invest in obtaining data from new experiences and full scale tests. Contact the Allan Block Engineering Department for
additional assistance and visit our web site to obtain more information on designing segmental walls.

Swales Chimney Drain

Figure C-4. Additional Water Management Options

** The information provided in this appendex is important for all designers to understand. For a more detailed discussion on design and
construction topics see the Best Practices for Segmental Retaining Walls available at allanblock.com

86 allanblock.com
 APPENDIX D
This example has been constructed following methodology outlined in this manual
and the references listed on page 99.

allanblock.com

Sample Calculations
Example S-1:

Given:

i = 0° H = 3.18 ft (0.97 m)
 = 36° = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)

= 90  3 = 87° wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)


w = (0.666) (36) = 24°

2
csc (
) sin (
 )
Ka =
[ sin (
+ w) +
sin ( + w) sin (  i)
sin (
 i)
]
csc (87) sin (87  36) 2
Ka =
[ sin (87+ 24) + sin (36 + 24) sin (36  0)
sin (87  0)
]
Ka =
[ 0.7782124
0.966219657 + 0.713957656 ] 2
= 0.2145

Find: The safety factor against sliding, SFS.

The first step is to determine the total active force exerted by the soil on the wall:

Fa = (0. 5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.2145) (3.18 ft)2 = 130 lb/ft
= (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.2145) (0.97 m)2 = 1,904 N/m
Fah = (Fa) cos (w) = (130 ft/lb) cos (24°) = 119 lb/ft
= (Fa) cos (w) = (1,904 N/m) cos (24°) = 1,739 N/m
Fav = (Fa) sin (w) = (130 ft/lb) sin (24°) = 53 lb/ft
= (Fa) sin (w) = (1,904 N/m) sin (24°) = 774 N/m
Wf = (wall) (H) (d) = (130 lb/ft3) (3.18 ft) (0.97 ft) = 401 lb/ft
= (wall) (H) (d) = (2,061 kg/m3) (0.97 m) (0.3 m) = 5,884 N/m
Fr = (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (401 lb/ft + 53 lb/ft) tan (36°) = 330 lb/ft
= (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (5,884 N/m + 774 N/m) tan (36°) = 4,837 N/m
Fr 330 lb/ft Fr 4,837 N/m
= = 2.77 > 1.5 OK = = = 2.77 > 1.5 OK
Fah 119 lb/ft Fh 1,739 N/m
SFS =

allanblock.com 87
 Find: The safety factor against overturning, SFO.
= (Wf) [(x1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
+ (Fav) [(x2) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

= (401 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (3.18 ft) tan (90°  87°)]
+ (53 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (3.18 ft) tan (90°  87°)]
= 284 ft-lb/ft
= (5,884 N/m) [(0.15 m) + (0.5) (0.97 m) tan (90°  87°)]
+ (774 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.333) (0.97 m) tan (90°  87°)]
= 1,277 N-m/m
Mo = (Fah) (0.333) (H)
= (119 lb/ft) (0.333) (3.18 ft) = 126 ft-lb/ft = (1,739 N/m) (0.333) (0.97 m) = 562 N-m/m

Mr (284 ft-lb/ft) (1,277 N-m/m)

= = = 2.25 > 2.0 OK = = = 2.25 > 2.0 OK
Mr
Mo (126 ft-lb/ft) (562 N-m/m)
SFO
Mo

Example S-2:

Given:
 = 36°  = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)
H = 3.18 ft (0.97 m) w = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)

= 90 - 12 = 78° q = 250 lb/ft2 (11,974 Pa)
i = 0° w = (0.666) (36) = 24°

2
csc (
) sin (
 )
Ka =
[ sin (
+ w) +
sin ( + w) sin (  i)
sin (
 i)
]
csc (78) sin (78  36)

[ ]
2
Ka = sin (36 + 24) sin (36  0)
sin (78+ 24) +
sin (78  0)
2
Ka =
[ 0.684079382
0.989013448 + 0.72139389 ] = 0.1599

88 allanblock.com
Find: The safety factor against sliding, SFS.
The first step is to determine the total active force exerted by the soil on the wall:
Fa = (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.1599) (3.18 ft)2 = 97 lb/ft
= (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.1599) (0.97 m)2 = 1,419 N/m
Fah = (Fa) cos (w) = (97 lb/ft) cos (24°) = 89 lb/ft
= (Fa) cos (w) = (1,419 N/m) cos (24°) = 1,296 N/m
Fav = (Fa) sin (w) = (97 lb/ft) sin (24°) = 39 lb/ft
= (Fa) sin (w) = (1,419 N/m) sin (24°) = 577 N/m
Wf = (wall) (H) (d) = (130 lb/ft3) (3.18 ft) (0.97 ft) = 401 lb/ft
= (wall) (H) (d) = (2,061 kg/m3) (0.97 m) (0.3 m) = 5,883 N/m
Fr = (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (401 lb/ft + 39 lb/ft) tan (36°) = 370 lb/ft
= (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (5,883 N/m + 577 N/m) tan (36°) = 4,693 N/m
Pq = (q) (Ka) = (250 lb/ft2) (0.1599) = 40 lb/ft2
= (q) (Ka) = (11,974 N/m2) (0.1599) = 1,916 Pa
Pqh = (Pq) cos (w) = (40 lb/ft2) cos (24°) = 37 lb/ft2
= (Pq) cos (w) = (1,916 Pa) cos (24°) = 1,750 Pa
Pqv = (Pq) sin (w) = (40 lb/ft2) sin (24°) = 16 lb/ft2
= (Pq) sin (w) = (1,916 Pa) sin (24°) = 779 Pa
Fqh = (Pqh) (H) = (37 lb/ft2) (3.18 ft) = 118 lb/ft
= (Pqh) (H) = (1,772 Pa) (0.97 m) = 1,719 N/m
Fqv = (Pqv) (H) = (16 lb/ft2) (3.18 ft) = 51 lb/ft
= (Pqv) (H) = (766 Pa) (0.97 m) = 743 N/m

SFS = Fr + (Fqv) (Cf) = 320 lb/ft + (51 lb/ft) tan (36°) = 1.72 > 1.5 OK
Fh + Fqh 89 lb/ft + 118 lb/ft
= Fr + (Fqv) (Cf) = 4,693 N/m + (743 N/m) tan (36°) = 1.72 > 1.5 OK
Fh + Fqh 1,296 N/m + 1,719 N/m

allanblock.com 89
 Find: The safety factor against overturning, SFO.

= (Wf) [(X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Fav) [(X2) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Fqv) [(X2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 

)]
= (401 lb/ft) [(0.49 ft) + (0.5) (3.18 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (39 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.333) (3.18 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
Mr

+ (51 lb/ft) [(0.97 ft) + (0.5) (3.18 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 445 ft-lb/ft
= (5,883 N/m) [(0.15 m) + (0.5) (0.97 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (577 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.333) (0.97 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (743 N/m) [(0.3 m) + (0.5) (0.97 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 2,001 N-m/m
Mo = (Fah) (0.333) (H) + (Fqh) (0.5) (H)
= (89 lb/ft) (0.333) (3.18 ft) + (118 lb/ft) (0.5) (3.18 ft) = 282 ft-lb/ft
= (1,296 N/m) (0.333) (0.97 m) + (1,719 N/m) (0.5) (0.97 m) = 1,252 N-m/m

= Mr = (445 ft-lb/ft) = 1.58 > 2.0 NOT OK

Mo (282 ft-lb/ft)
SFO

= Mr = (2,001 N-m/m) = 1.58 > 2.0 NOT OK

Mo (1,252 N-m/m)

Example S-3:

Given:
 = 27° i = 0°  = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)
H = 9.52 ft (2.9 m) Ci = 0.75 wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)

= 90 - 12 = 78° w = (0.666) (27) = 18° q = 250 lb/ft2 (11,974 Pa)

2
csc (
) sin (
 )
Ka =
[ sin (
+ w) +
sin ( + w) sin (  i)
sin (
 i)
]
csc (78) sin (78  27) 2
Ka =
[ sin (78+ 18) + sin (27 + 18) sin (27  0)
sin (78  0)
]
[ ]
2
Ka = 0.794507864
0.997257186 + 0.572880034 = 0.256

90 allanblock.com
Find: The safety factor against sliding, SFS.
The first step is to determine the total active force exerted by the soil on the wall:
Fa = (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (120 lb/ft3) (0.256) (9.52 ft)2 = 1,392 lb/ft
= (0.5) () (Ka) (H)2 = (0.5) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.256) (2.9 m)2 = 20,307 N/m
Fah = (Fa) cos (w) = (1,392 lb/ft) cos (18°) = 1,324 lb/ft
= (Fa) cos (w) = (20,307 N/m) cos (18°) = 19,313 N/m
Fav = (Fa) sin (w) = (1,392 lb/ft) sin (18°) = 430 lb/ft
= (Fa) sin (w) = (20,307 N/m) sin (18°) = 6,275 N/m
Wf = (wall) (H) (d) = (130 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (0.97 ft) = 1,200 lb/ft
= (wall) (H) (d) = (2,061 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (0.3 m) = 17,590 N/m
Fr = (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (1,200 lb/ft + 430 lb/ft) tan (27°) = 831 lb/ft
= (Vt) (Cf) = (Wf + Fv) tan () = (17,590 N/m + 6,275 N/m) tan (27°) = 12,160 N/m

= Fr = 831 lb/ft = 0.63 > 1.5 NOT OK (Need Geogrid)

Fh 1,324 lb/ft
SFS

F 12,160 N/m
= r = = 0.63 > 1.5 NOT OK (Need Geogrid)
Fh 19,313 N/m
Determine if a single layer of grid will work in calculation. This single grid layer example is for instructional purposes only. All actual
reinforced mass designs require at least two layers of grid and most are designed using a two course spacing of geogrid from the
bottom of wall to the top, regardless of the minimum grid layer calculations which follows.

Fgr = 2 (dg) () (Le) (Ci) tan ()

Find Le.
833 lb/ft
= = 1.79 ft
2 (5.08 ft) (120 lb/ft3) (0.75) tan (27°)
Le

12,161 N/m
= = 0.544 m
2 (1.55 m) (18,865 N/m) (0.75) tan (27°)
Lt = Lw + La + Le = 0.85 + (H  dg) [ tan (45°  (2))  tan (90° 
)] + 1.79 ft
= 0.85 ft + (9.52 ft  5.08 ft) [ tan (45°  13.5°)  tan (90°  78°)] + 1.79 ft
= 4.42 ft
= Lw + La + Le = 0.85 + (H  dg) [ tan (45°  (2))  tan (90° 
)] + 0.544 m
= 0.259 m + (2.9 m  1.55 m) [ tan (45°  13.5°)  tan (90°  78°)] + 0.544 m
= 1.34 m
Actual Embedment Length.

Le = (Lt  Lw  La)
= 4.42 ft  0.85 ft  (9.52 ft  5.08 ft) (0.4) = 1.79 ft
= 1.34 m  0.259 m  (2.9 m  1.55 m) (0.4) = 0.544 m
Maximum potential restraining force with Le = 1.79 ft (0.544 m).

Fgr = 2 (5.08 ft) (120 lb/ft3) (1.79 ft) (0.75) tan (27°) = 833 lb/ft
= 2 (1.55 m) (1,923 kg/m3) (0.541 m) (0.75) tan (27°) = 12,090 N/m

allanblock.com 91
 Fr + Fg 831 lb/ft + 833 lb/ft
= = = 1.25 > 1.5 NOT OK (Needs More Geogrid)
Fh 1,324 lb/ft
SFS

Fr + Fg 12,160 N/m + 12,090 N/m

= = = 1.25 > 1.5 NOT OK (Needs More Geogrid)
Fh 19,313 N/m

Lmin = 0.3 (H) + 0.85 ft + 2.4 ft = 0.3 (9.52 ft) + 0.85 ft + 1.79 ft = 5.5 ft
= 0.3 (H) + 0.256 m + 0.732 m = 0.3 (2.9 m) + 0.256 m + 0.544 m = 1.67 m
Ws = (r) (H) (Lg  0.85 ft) = (125 lb/ft3) (9.52 ft) (5.5 ft  0.85 ft) = 5,534 lb/ft
= (r) (H) (Lg  0.256 m) = (2,002 kg/m3) (2.9 m) (1.67 m  0.256 m) = 80,534 N/m
Ww = Wf + Ws = 1,200 lb/ft + 5,534 lb/ft = 6,734 lb/ft
= Wf + Ws = 17,590 N/m + 80,534 N/m = 98,124 N/m

Vertical Force; Solve using onsite soil

Vt = Ww + Fav = 6,734 lb/ft + 430 lb/ft = 7,164 lb/ft
= Ww + Fav = 98,124 N/m + 6,275 N/m = 104,399 N/m
Fr = (Vt) (Cf) = (7,164 lb/ft) tan (27°) = 3,650 lb/ft
= (Vt) (Cf) = (104,399 N/m) tan (27°) = 53,193 N/m

Pressure on the retaining wall due to the surcharge

Pq = (q) (Ka) = (250 lb/ft2) (0.256) = 64 lb/ft2

= (q) (Ka) = (11,974 Pa) (0.256) = 3,065 Pa

Find the horizontal and vertical components of the pressure.

Pqh = (Pq) cos (w) = (64 lb/ft2) cos (18°) = 61 lb/ft2

= (Pq) cos (w) = (3,065 Pa) cos (18°) = 2,915 Pa
Pqv = (Pq) sin (w) = (64 lb/ft2) sin (18°) = 20 lb/ft2
= (Pq) sin (w) = (3,065 Pa) sin (18°) = 947 Pa

Finally, the total surcharge forces on the wall are calculated:

Fqh = (Pqh) (H) = (61 lb/ft2) (9.52 ft) = 581 lb/ft

= (Pqh) (H) = (2,915 Pa) (2.9 m) = 8,454 N/m
Fqv = (Pqv) (H) = (20 lb/ft2) (9.52 ft) = 190 lb/ft
= (Pqv) (H) = (947 Pa) (2.9 m) = 2,746 N/m

Find the safety factor against sliding:

Fr + (Fqv) tan  3,650 lb/ft + 190 lb/ft (tan 27°)

= = = 1.97 > 1.5 OK
Fh + Fqh 1,324 lb/ft + 581 lb/ft
SFS

Fr + (Fqv) (Fqv) 53,193 N/m + 2,746 N/m (tan 27°)

= = = 1.97 > 1.5 OK
Fh + Fqh 19,313 N/m + 8,454 N/m

92 allanblock.com
Find the safety factor against overturning:
= (Wf) [(0.5) (X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
+ (Ws) [ (0.5) (X2  X1) + (X1) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
Mr

+ (Fav) [(X2) + (0.333) (H) tan (90° 

)]
+ (Fqv) [(X2) + (0.5) (H) tan (90° 
)]
= (1,200 lb/ft) [(0.5) (0.97 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (5,534 lb/ft) [(0.5) (5.62 ft  0.97 ft) + (0.97 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (430 lb/ft) [(5.62 ft) + (0.333) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (190 lb/ft) [(5.62 ft) + (0.5) (9.52 ft) tan (90°  78°)]
= 29,596 ft-lb/ft
= (17,590 N/m) [(0.5) (0.297 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (80,534 N/m) [(0.5) (1.71 m  0.297 m) + (0.297 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (6,275 N/m) [(1.71 m) + (0.333) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
+ (2,746 N/m) [(1.71 m) + (0.5) (2.9 m) tan (90°  78°)]
= 131,230 N-m/m
Mo = (Fah) (0.333) (H) + (Fqh) (0.5) (H)
= (1,324 lb/ft) (0.333) (9.52 ft) + (581 lb/ft) (0.5) (9.52 ft) = 6,962 ft-lb/ft
= (19,313 N/m) (0.333) (2.9 m) + (8,454 N/m) (0.5) (2.9 m) = 30,909 N-m/m
Mr (29,596 ft-lb/ft)
= = = 4.25 > 2.0 OK
Mo (6,962 ft-lb/ft)
SFO

Mr (131,230 N/m)

= = = 4.25 > 2.0 OK
Mo (30,909 N/m)
Internal Stability:
r = 30°
r = 125 lb/ft3 (2,002 kg/m3)
wr = 0.666 (30°) = 20°

csc (78) sin (78  30) 2

Kar =
[ sin (78+ 19.98) +
sin (30 + 19.98) sin (30  0)
sin (78  0) ]
Kar =
[ 0.759747
0.995147 + 0.625671 ] 2
= 0.2197

allanblock.com 93
 Pqh = (q) (Kar) cos (wr ) = (250 lb/ft2) (0.2197) cos (20°) = 52 lb/ft2
= (q) (Kar) cos (wr) = (11,974 Pa) (0.2197) cos (20°) = 2,472 Pa

Quadratic equation = b  b2  4ac

2a
z = (Kar) cos (wr ) = (0.2197) cos (20°) = 0.2065
a = (r) (z) = (125 lb/ft3) (0.2065) = 26 lb/ft3
= (r) (z) = (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2065) = 413 kg/m3
b = 2 [(d1) (a)  (q) (z)] = 2 [(9.52 ft) (26 lb/ft3)  (250 lb/ft2) (0.2065)]
= 598 lb/ft2
= 2 [(d1) (a) (q) (z)] = 2 [(2.9 m) (413 kg/m3)  (1,220 kg/m2) (0.2065)]
= 2,899 kg/m2
c = (2) (Fga) = (2) (833 lb/ft) = 1,666 lb/ft
= (2) (Fga) = (2) (12,161 N/m) = 24,322 N/m
=  (598 lb/ft2)  (598 lb/ft2)2  4 (26 lb/ft3) (1,666 lb/ft)
2 (26 lb/ft3)
dh

= (598 lb/ft2)  (429 lb/ft2) = 19.75 or 3.25 The wall is only 9.52 ft (2.9 m) tall
52 lb/ft3 so 19.75 (6.02 m) is not valid.
=  (2,899 kg/m2)  (2,899 kg/m2)2  4 (413 kg/m3) (2,479 kg/m)
2 (413 kg/m3)
= (2,899 kg/m2)  (2,076 kg/m2) = 6.02 or 1.0
826 kg/m3
d2 = d1  dh = 9.52 ft  3.25 ft = 6.27 ft
= d1  dh = 2.9 m  1.0 m = 1.9 m
The first layer of geogrid is placed at 1/2 dh.
hg = 1/2 dh = 1/2 (3.25 ft) = 1.625 ft
= 1/2 dh = 1/2 (1.0 m) = 0.5 m
Analysis to determine if more than one additional layer of geogrid is required;
Fh = 0.5 (r) (Kar) (d2)2 cos (wr ) = 0.5 (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (6.27 ft)2 cos (30°)
= 467 lb/ft
= 0.5 (r) (Kar) (d2)2 cos (fwr) = 0.5 (2,002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (1.9 m)2 cos (30°)
= 6,745 N/m
Qh = (q) (Kar) (d2  hg) cos (wr ) = (250 lb/ft2) (0.2197) (6.27 ft  1.625 ft) cos (20°)
= 240 lb/ft
= (q) (Kar) (d2  hg) cos (wr) = (1,220 kg/m2) (0.2197) (1.9 m  0.5 m) cos (20°)
= 3,459 N/m

94 allanblock.com
Ft = Fh + Qh = 467 lb/ft + 240 lb/ft = 707 lb/ft
= Fh + Qh = 6,745 N/m + 3,459 N/m = 10,204 N/m
Ft = 707 lb/ft < 833 lb/ft Only one more layer of geogrid is required.
= 10,204 N/m < 12,161 N/m Only one more layer of geogrid is required.
hg = (H  d2) + 0.5 (dh) = (9.52 ft  6.27 ft) + 0.5 (3.25) = 4.875 ft
= (H  d2) + 0.5 (dh) = (2.9 m  1.9 m) + 0.5 (1.0 m) = 1.5 m
Check number of layers of geogrid required.
Fh = 0.5 (r) (Kar) (H)2 cos (wr ) = 0.5 (125 lb/ft3) (0.2197) (9.52 ft)2 cos (20°)
= 1,169 lb/ft
= 0.5 (r) (Kar) (H)2 cos (wr) = 0.5 (2002 kg/m3) (0.2197) (2.9 m)2 cos (20°)
= 17,050 N/m
Qh = (q) (Kar) (H  hg) cos (wr ) = (250 lb/ft2) (0.2197) (9.52 ft  1.625 ft) cos (20°)
= 407 lb/ft
= (q) (Kar) (H  hg) cos (wr) = (11,974 N/m2) (0.2197) (2.9 m  0.5 m) cos (20°)
= 5,933 N/m
Ft = Fh + Qh = 1,169 lb/ft + 407 lb/ft = 1,576 lb/ft
= Fh + Qh = 17,050 N/m + 5,933 N/m = 22,983 N/m
1,576 lb/ft
= N = = 1.89 = 2 Layers
Ft
LTADS 833 lb/ft
22,983 N/m
= N = = 1.89 = 2 Layers
12,161 N/m

One layer of grid will not be sufficient for the stability of this 9.52 ft (2.9 m) tall wall. A 9.52 ft (2.9 m) tall wall will have 15 block courses.
Typically a geogrid reinforced wall will be designed and constructed using geogrid on every other block course minimum. That would
give this wall 7 layers of geogrid starting above the bottom course. They would also be designed with a minimum length of grid equal to
60% of the wall height and increased from there as the design requires.

allanblock.com 95
 APPENDIX E

allanblock.com
This manual uses a working Stress Approach to the analysis of segmental retaining walls. When using a working Stress Approach
the final analysis should yield a Factor of Safety for Static Conditions of 1.3 to 2.0 depending on the condition being analyzed. The
following examples have converted the approach outlined in this manual into a Limit States Design Approach. The main difference
between a working Stress Approach and Limit States Approach is based on the introduction of load factors and reduction factors. The
net result of either approach should yield similar wall designs. Final Factors of Safety for a Limit States Approach are only required
to exceed 1.0, due to the fact that reductions and load factors are applied during the analysis.

Example: Limit States Design Analysis for a Gravity Wall

Given:

 = 36° H = 3.15 ft (0.96 m)

i = 0°  = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)

= 78° wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)
Ka = 0.16

Load Factors:
Overturning Dead Loads Gdo = 1.5 Reflects level of knowledge/certainty of applied
loads, ranges 1.5 - 2.0.
Resisting Dead Loads Gdr = 0.95 Reflects level of knowledge/certainty of restrain-
ing loads, ranges 0.5 - 1.0.
Soil Friction Uncertainty Factor u = 1.0 Recommended value of 1.0 for soils with tested
friction angle values. Otherwise uncertainty factor
ranges 0.6 - 1.0.
Structure Classification Factor n = 1.0 Reflects effects of adjacent structures. If none
then 1.0, otherwise 0.9 - 1.1.
Base Sliding Coefficient Cds = 1.0 Interaction certainty at base. Taken as 1.0 unless
geogrid is present below first block course.

Sliding Failure
Design Friction Angle
= (n) (Wf) (tan) (d) (Cds)
= atan [(u) (tan)] = 36°
Fr
= 273 lb/ft (4.04 kN/m)
d
= 0.666 d = 24°
F
w
= r = 2.1 > 1.0 ok
Horizontal Force Exerted by the soil: Fh
SFS
Fh = 0.5 Ka [(Gdo) ()] (H2) (cos) w
= 130 lb/ft (1.92 kN/m) Overturning Failure

Weight of the Facing:

Mr = Wf (t/2 + (0.5 H) tan (90 -
))
Wf = Gdr (wall) (H) (t) = 309 ft-lb/ft (1.29 kN-m/m)
= 377 lb/ft (5.56 kN/m) Mo = Fh (0.333 h)
= 136 ft-lb/ft (0.613 kN-m/m)
Mr
= M = 2.3 > 1.0 ok
o
SFO

96 allanblock.com
Example: Limit States Design Analysis for a Coherent Gravity Wall
Given:

 = 27° H = 9.52 ft (2.9 m)

i = 0°  = 120 lb/ft3 (1,923 kg/m3)

= 78° wall = 130 lb/ft3 (2,061 kg/m3)

Ka = 0.26 Lt = 6.0 ft (1.87 m)
Ls = 0.13 ft (0.04 m)
Lt = 0.97 ft (0.296 m)

Overturning Dead Loads Gdo = 1.5 Reflects level of knowledge/certainty of applied

loads, ranges 1.5 - 2.0.
Resisting Dead Loads Gdr = 0.95 Reflects level of knowledge/certainty of restrain-
ing loads, ranges 0.5 - 1.0.
Soil Friction Uncertainty Factor u = 1.0 Recommended value of 1.0 for soils with tested
friction angle values. Otherwise uncertainty
factor ranges 0.6 - 1.0.
Structure Classification Factor n = 1.0 Reflects effects of adjacent structures. If none
then 1.0, otherwise 0.9 - 1.1.
Base Sliding Coefficient Cds = 1.0 Interaction certainty at base. Taken as 1.0 unless
geogrid is present below first block course.

Design Friction Angle

d = atan [(u) (tan)] = 27°
w = 0.666 d = 18°

External Stability
Sliding Failure
Horizontal Force Exerted by the soil:
= (n) (Ww) (tan) (d) (Cds)
= 0.5 Ka [(Gdo) ()] (H2) (cos) w
Fr
= 3,434 lb/ft (50.5 kN/m)
Fh
= 2,017 lb/ft (29.6 kN/m) F
= r = 1.7 > 1.0 ok
Weight of the Facing: Fh
SFS

Wf = (Gdr) (wall) (H) (t)

= 1,140 lb/ft (16.8 kN/m) Overturning Failure
= Wf (t/2 + (0.5 H) tan (90 -
))
Weight of Reinforced Soil Mass:
Mr
+ Ws [0.5 (Lt  t + Ls) + t + (0.5 H) tan (90 
)]
= (Gdr) () (H) (Lt  t + Ls)
= 27,250 ft-lb/ft (123 kN-m/m)
Ws
= 5,600 lb/ft (82.4 kN/m)
= Fh (0.333 h)
= Wf + Ws = 6,740 lb/ft (99.2 kN/m)
Mo
= 6,394 ft-lb/ft (28.5 kN-m/m)
Ww
M
= r = 4.3 > 1.0 ok
Mo
SFO

allanblock.com 97
 Internal Stability
Partial Factors on Geogrid Strength:
Major geogrid manufacturers subject their materials to extensive testing to provide information for expected long term behavior.
The resulting factors can vary greatly depending on geogrid material type and soil type. We suggest that specific data from a ge-
ogrid manufacturer be obtained over the give factors or ranges, which are typical values for most major manufacturers.

Service Life (in years): SL = 100 Duration of Test (in hours): TD = 100
Geogrid Type: Polyester Backfill Type (fine or coarse): Fine
Range of Values
Product Uncertainty Factor: up = 1.0 0.95 - 1.0
Creep Reduction Factor: rc = 0.6 0.17 - 0.60
Extrapolation Uncertainty Factor: ue = 0.95 0.50 - 1.0
Construction Damage Factor: ri = 0.78 0.60 - 0.90
Thickness Reduction Factor: rt = 1.0 0.90 - 1.0
Strength Reduction Factor: rs = 0.90 0.50 - 0.90
Temperature Reduction Factor: rst = 1.0
Degradation Factor: d = 0.80
Partial Factors on Soil/Geogrid Interaction and Geogrid Connection:
Pullout Uncertainty Factor: upull = 0.80 0.75 - 0.80
Coefficient of Pullout Resistance: Kpull = 0.70
Connection Uncertainty Factor: uconn = 0.75
Geogrid Properties:
Ultimate Tensile Strength:
Grid Type A = TuA = 35.04 kN/m
Design tensile Strength of Reinforcement:
TdA = (TuA) (up) [(rc) (ue)] (ri) [(rt) (rs) (rst)] (d) (n)
TdA = 11.22 kN/m
Force on bottom grid layer: Connection Strength:
Peak Connection Strength
(Gdo) () (d1 + d2)
= Ka [ dh ] = [acs + (w) (dg) tan ( c)] (uconn) (n)
2
Fg Fcs
= 1,107 lb/ft (16.15 kN/m)
= 529 lb/ft (7.72 kN/m)
Fcs
Pullout resistance: Sfconn = 3.14 > 1.0 ok
Geogrid beyond the line of maximum tension
(0.666) (Fg )
h Connection Strengths
= Lt   t + Ls Connection Strength Intercept:
tan (45 + d/2)
Le
acs = 1,313 lb/ft 19.16 kN/m
*Equation varies for two part maximum tension line. Connection Strength Slope:
Maximum Potential Restraining Force: = 8°
Fgr = (2) (Kpull) (Le) (upull) (Gdr) (dg) () tan (d) (n)
= 2,761 lb/ft (40.3 kN/m)
SFpullout = Fgr = 5.2 > 1.0 ok
Fg
98 allanblock.com
 REFERENCES

allanblock.com
allanblock.com
This manual presents the techniques used by Allan Block in our engineering practice to design retaining walls. It is not intended - Kliethermes, J., K. Buttry, E. McCullough, and R. Wetzel. "Modular Concrete Retaining Wall and Geogrid Performance
as a textbook of soil mechanics or geotechnical engineering. The methods we use are based on time tested soil mechanics and Laboratory Modeling." University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1990.
and the principles of dry stacked block which have existed for thousands of years. Manufactured segmental retaining walls
- Leshchinsky, D. and E.B. Perry. "A Design Procedure for Geotextile Reinforced Walls." Geotechnical Fabrics Report. St.
have evolved over the course of over twenty years and continue to evolve as our knowledge and experience grows.
Paul: July/August, 1987.
The intended users of this manual are practicing engineers. When writing it, we assumed that the reader would already be
- McKittrick, D.P. "Reinforced Earth: Application of Theory and Research to Practice." Reinforced Earth Technical Services,
familiar with the basic principles of statics and soil mechanics. We encourage others to contact a qualified engineer for help
Report 79-1. Arlington, VA: The Reinforced Earth Company, 1978.
with the design of geogrid reinforced retaining walls. Design calculations alone cannot ensure that designs will yield a safe
and properly functioning structure. We recommend that the designer refer to the “Best Practices for SRW Design” for design - Minnesota Department of Transportation. "Walls." Section 9-4.0 in Road Design Manual -- Part II. St. Paul: 1985.
details and standards that have been proven to meld design theory with field experience. Please take note of the chapter - Peck, Ralph. "Earth Retaining Structures and Slopes." Chapter 13 in Soil Science, edited by T.W. Lambe and R.V.
on Internal Compound Stability as a substantially better analytic protocol. When ICS is incorporated into a design review you Whitman. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1969.
will more accurately define the minimum required grid lengths and maximum grid spacing. Internal and External Calculations - Sowers, G.B., and G.F. Sowers. "Problems in Earth Pressure." Chapter 8 in Introductory Soil mechanics and Foundations.
by themselves may not accurately evaluate potential failure modes which run through the retained soil, reinforced soil mass New York: The Macmillan Company, 1970.
and block facing.
- R. F. Craig, Chapman & Hall, “Soil Mechanics” Fifth Edition, 1992
The example problems in this manual are based on walls constructed - Braja M. Das “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering” Third Edition, Chapter 10, 1994
with Allan Block Retaining Wall System’s AB Stones. The AB Stones
provide a nominal setback of twelve degrees from vertical. We - Columbia University in Cooperation with Allan Block Corporation and Huesker Geosynthetics. “Executive Summary -
believe that a twelve degree setback maximizes the leverage Seismic Testing - Geogrid Reinforced Soil Structures Faced with Segmental Retaining Wall Block”, 2003
achieved by a battered wall, while providing a finished retaining - Ling, H, etal: “Large Scale Shaking Table Tests on Modular-Block Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls”, Journal of the
wall that fulfills the goal of more useable flat land. Allan Block also Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering ASCE, April 2005
has developed products with three and six degree nominal - Robert Shukha, Rafael Baker and Dov Leshchinsky, “Engineering Implications of the Relation between Static and
setbacks. The equations that follow can be used for each product
Pseudo-Static Slope Stability Analysis”, EJGE Paper 2005-616
by selecting the appropriate ␤ angle (␤ = 90 - Wall Batter).
- Victor Elias, PE, Barry Christopher, PhD, Ryan Berg PE, “Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes
Design and Construction Guide Lines”, FHWA NHI-00-043, March 2001
- American Institute of Steel Construction Inc., “Manual of Steel Construction - Load and Resistance Factor Design”,
First Edition, 3rd Printing, March 1990
- Erickson Engineering Consulting Engineers - Joseph Arsenault and Brian Waters, PE
- Hoe I. Ling, et.al. Large-Scale Shaking Table tests on Modular-Block Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls; Tsukuba, Japan 2005
- Soil Strength and Slope Stability, J. Michael Duncan and Stephen G. Wright, Wiley Publications, 2005
- Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods, second edition, Lee W. Abramson, Thomas S. Lee, Sunil Sharma, Glenn M.
Boyce, Wiley Publications, 2002
- Commercial Installation Manual for Allan Block Retaining Walls, 2010
- AB Spec Book, A Comprehensive Guide and Design Details for Segmental Retaining Walls, 2009

Refer to the Best Practices for SRW Design and the AB Spec Book for details
when applying the engineering principles outlined in this manual. Best Practices
and the AB Spec Book addresses many common issues that should be detailed
in the final approved design.

allanblock.com 87
 A

This technical specification manual will allow a wall designer to source and reference specific
l

information for use in developing project documents. The information shown here is for use with Allan
l

Block products only. Visit allanblock.com for the most current information.
a
n

B
l
o
c
k

E
allanblock.com
n
g
i
n
e
e
r
i
n
g AB Engineering Manual
M
a
n
u
a
l

Allan Block Retaining Walls

®

Printed on
Paper with 30%
Recycled Fiber

© 2014, 2010, 2008-2006 Allan Block Corporation, Bloomington, MN Phone 952-835-5309 Fax 952-835-0013 DOC. #R0904-1114
allanblock.com