Tensar International Corporation

Software Training Course

TensarSoil HA Method Design Example
Section to be analyzed

System Specific Information

SierraSlope Retention System
WWF facing with BX wrap
Vegetated with turf reinforcement mats

Soil Properties
Reinforced and retained fill Sandy fill: = 32, c = 0 psf, = 120 pcf,
Reinforced and retained fill 125 pcf bulk weight below water level
Foundation Soil Assume Competent
Maximum fill particle size = 1/4 in.

Loading Conditions
Traffic live load = 250 psf
Earthquake loading = NA
Groundwater: See cross-section for location

Geogrid Design Parameters

Structure design life = 75 yrs
Soil-geogrid interaction factors: Cds = 0.8 and Ci = 0.8

HA68/94 Slope Design Example

Step 1: Set up a new design case

1. Select Region
2. Uncheck structure face angle and seismic loading
3. Select public or private project owner
4. Select design method (HA68/94 only)
5. Select/make a new file

Step 1: Set up a new case (Cont)

You will see now see the main screen above

Step 2: Define slope geometry

1. Input slope geometry

2. Input geogrid embedment length

Step 3: Select slope system type

1. Click on the circled button to select the type

of wall system for design

Step 3: Select slope system type (Cont)

1. Select SierraSlope WWF vertical

2. Review slope face angle, wall height, define
geogrid spacing, geogrid percent coverage.
Revise as needed. Hit Set when finished.

Step 4: Set surcharge loading

1. Input the location and load for surcharge. Select

Live or Dead load. Hit Set when finished.

Step 5: Set groundwater location

Water within fill

1. Click on Enter water pressure data icon to set the

groundwater location
2. Input groundwater location in front and within
reinforced fill. Hit Set when finished.

Step 6: Input soil parameters

1. HA method is developed based on constant volume

friction angle as described earlier.

Step 6: Input soil parameters (Cont)

2. The program is modified to include the use of peak

friction angle with user defined FS. Select
Assessing fill shear strength in cases where
constant volume values are not available.
3. Input the peak soil strength parameters and
appropriate FS for design. Hit the Set button on
the right to set the input values
4. Input the unit weight and select the maximum
particle size for reinforced fill
5. Hit the Set button on the lower right when
finished

Step 7: Review and set geogrid design parameters

1. Input the structure design life and hit Set

2. Review the maximum particle size and geogrid
class. Hit OK when finished.
3. Select Review design parameters to review the
geogrid reduction factors if needed.

Step 7: Review and set geogrid design parameters (Cont)

4. Click on Non-standard design parameters to

change installation damage and durability
reduction factors if needed. Hit OK when
finished.

Step 8: Set soil-geogrid interaction coefficient

1. Input the coefficient of direct sliding, Cds

2. Input the pullout coefficient of interactions. Click
OK when finished.

Step 9: Input cost data

1. Input the cost of geogrid and hit OK when

finished.

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis

1. The set up is now complete and ready to run analysis

2. Select Keep grid lengths equal and hit Proceed

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

3. The first click on Proceed activate the Tob

mechanism to find the minimum geogrid length to
satisfy sliding at base

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

4. The second click on Proceed indicates the geogrid

embedment length from Tob mechanism. The
program is ready to proceed with Tmax mechanism to
find the number of geogrid layers with weakest
geogrid strength and minimum geogrid length for
pullout

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

5. The third click on Proceed indicates the geogrid

minimum number of geogrid layers and length to
satisfy Tmax and pullout

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

6. You will see this screen with after the third click on
Proceed. It listed the minimum dimensions to meet
Tob and Tmax mechanism
7. Extend geogrid length or revise the angle of back of
block as needed. Click Proceed to proceed to next
step.

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

8. The spacing curve screen will appear as follow

9. Adjust/modify the geogrid layout, percent coverage or
coefficient of pullout interaction for each individual
geogrid layer if needed.
10. The plotted points should fall on the left of the
spacing curve for each geogrid type to satisfy geogrid
strength requirements

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

11. Once completed the geogrid layout and design, click

on Proceed to run two-part wedge for compound
and surficial stability analysis

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

12. Click on Proceed to activate the two-part wedge for

compound and surficial stability analysis

Step 10: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

13. The program will indicate if the design is satisfactory.

Hit Start again if revise the design if needed

Step 11: Export to TensarSlope for global stability

analysis