TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION............................................................................. 1
DETAIL DESIGN OF RETAINING WALL...............................................4
Proposed Sizes of Retaining Wall ...............................................................................................4
Proposed Solution Based On Three Dimensions.........................................................6
Detailed Design of Retaining Wall (Trial 2)................................................................................8
CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALL............................................23
Survey & Setting Out.................................................................................................................23
Earthworks (Excavation)....................................................................................23
Reinforcement of Wall Base& Concreting.................................................................................25
Backfilling & Drainage..............................................................................................................26
CONSTRUCTION COST..................................................................28
(*References & Appendices are located at the Pile Design Report attached
together in this report)

INTRODUCTION
The main purpose of this project is to construct a 6m RC retaining wall along the Wangsa
Maju MRT station that close to an existing housing area. The wall is 80m long acting on a 10
backfill. Retaining walls support highway fills or cuts where there is not enough room alongside
the highway for an unsupported slope. There are three types of retaining walls which are gravity,
cantilever and counterfort wall. The diagram is shown below and each has its own function.

Figure 1 (a): An example of a gravity walls.

Figure 1 (b): An example of a cantilever walls.

2

Figure 1 (c): An example of a counterfort walls.

The gravity wall relies on its own weight to resist earth pressure. It usually contains no
reinforcement. The wall often has a trapezoidal cross section but the front or back face may be
steeped which makes it easier to place concrete. For a cantilever wall the wall portion or stem
cantilevers from the base slab. The wall is reinforced among the back face and in the base where
loading induces tensile forces. For tall walls cantilever walls are preferred compared to gravity
walls as it is less expensive. In counterfort walls the base slab and wall span between vertical
triangular braces. Theses concrete braces are called counterforts if they are on the earth side of
the wall. If theyre exposed at the front, theyre called buttresses. The wall, braces and base are
reinforced. In terms of thickness this type of wall is similar to a cantilever wall.
For this project cantilever wall is chosen as the wall to minimize cost and suitable for
high walls. Two theories are used in the design process which is the Coulomb and Rankine
theory. From these two theories the best design is chosen and justified. Site investigations were
done for to design for this retaining wall and the soil profile were obtained and the retaining wall
was designed for the worst case scenario.

DETAIL DESIGN OF RETAINING WALL

1. Proposed sizes of Retaining Wall
The design of the retaining wall was designed with two different type of method based on
the Rankines earth pressure theory and Coulumbs earth pressure theory. The criteria and
constraint required for the design of the retaining wall are as follow:
I.
II.
III.

Wall Height, H = 6m
Wall length, L = 80m
Inclined of backfill of 10 with 20kN/m2 surcharge acting on the backfill
To fulfill these retaining wall constraints, three different dimensions of retaining wall

were calculated using both theories of earth pressure. These two methods are used to cross check
one another as both methods will result in two different values. The critical value will be used as
design and the other one will be used to check. The use of Coulombs theory will provide a more
critical value therefor the sizes of the structure are based on the Coulombs theory. The
dimensions vary through its width and crest length. From these three trials, the ideal form and
size was obtained. The three different sizes of retaining wall are shown below. The detail
calculation for the chosen size will be shown below whereas the other two trials will be shown in
Appendix 1.

Figure 2 (a): Dimensions of retaining wall for trial 1.

Figure 2 (b): Dimensions of retaining wall for trial 2.

2. Proposed Solution Based On Three Dimensions

Table 2.1: Summary of trials done.

Trial 1
Trial 2

FS(Overturning)
1.70
1.67

Trial 1

FS(Overturning)
3

NO.

DESIGN / CALCULATION

Rankines Theory
FS(Sliding)
5.15
5.38
Coulombs Theory
FS(Sliding)
1.2

FS(Bearing Capacity)
17.14
18.84
FS(Bearing Capacity)
0.15

Comment

1.

DERRIVATION OF SOIL PARAMETERS FROM

BORELHOLE 1 TO BOREHOLE 2

The figure beside was

obtain from the soil
profile plotted from
the given site
investigation report

As for the soil

parameters, from the
average STP N-value,
the unit weight was
interpolated from a
table (Bowels,
Foundation Analysis)
shown in Appendix 2.
The undrained shear
strength was obtained
from an equation from
Hara et al (1971)
which is 29 N 0.72
Figure 3 (a): Details of soil profile (Borehole 1 Borehole 2)

Soil Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Silty Clay = 1.0 m

Clayey Sand = 6.5 m
Silty Sand = 1.5 m
Clayey Silt = 1.5 m
Silty Sand = 1.73 m

The friction angle was

derived from
(Kulhawy and Mayne,
1990)
=

+ 20

Using the average

corrected value of N

Soil 1= Silty Clay ; n value = 7

= 16.10 kn/m3
Cn = 9.8
0 =z = 16.10 (1) = 16.10 KN/m2

CN = 9.81 *

= 2.44

NC = CN(N) = 2.44*7 = 17.08

=

+ 20 =

+ 20 = 38.48

Cu = 29 N 0.72 = 29 (7)0.72 = 117.7

Table 2 (a): Soil 2 = Clayey Sand ; depth = 6.5 m
Depth
(m)

No. N

(kN/m3)

(kN/m2)

8
14
18
31
50
50

16.76
17.91
18.54
21.86
21.99
21.99

33.52
53.73
74.16
109.3
131.94
164.93

2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.5
N avg
=

6.5 m

28.5

CN =
9.8
((1)/0
)
1.69
1.34
1.14
0.94
0.85
0.76
N avg =

NC =
CN(N)
3.38
4.02
4.56
4.7
5.1
5.7
4.58

4.5

Soil 2

2.0
Figure 3 (b)

+ 20 =

+ 20 = 29.57

Soil 3 = Silty Sand, depth 6.5 m, n value = 50

= 21.99 KN/m3
Cn = 9.8
0 =z = 21.99 (1.5) = 32.99 KN/m2
CN = 9.81 *

= 1.71

NC = CN(N) = 1.71*50 = 85.5

1.5 m

+ 20 =

+ 20 = 61.35

SOIL 3

Figure 3 (c)

Soil 4 = Clayey Silt Sand, depth = 1.5 m, n value = 50

= 21.99 KN/m3
Cn = 9.8
0 =z = 21.99 (1.5) = 32.99 KN/m2
CN = 9.81 *

= 1.71

NC = CN(N) = 1.71*50 = 85.5

=

+ 20 =

+ 20 = 61.35

Cu = 29 N 0.72 = 29 (50)0.72 = 484.90

1.5 m

SOIL 4
Figure 3 (d)

10

Soil 5= Silty Sand, depth = 1.73 m, n value = 50

= 21.99 KN/m3
Cn = 9.8
0 =z = 21.99 (1.73) = 38.04 KN/m2
CN = 9.81 *

= 1.59

NC = CN(N) = 1.59*50 = 79.5

=

1.73 m

+ 20 =

+ 20 = 59.87

Soil 5

Figure 3 (e)

11

2.

DETAIL CALCULATION OF FACTOR OF SAFETY DUE TO

OVERTURNING, SLIDING & SOIL BEARING CAPACITY USING
RANKINES THEORY OF EARTH PRESSURE [TRIAL 1]

The use of Rankines

Theory neglects the
friction between the
backfill and the wall.
The weight of the soil
will be considered.

Figure 4 (a): Detailed design of retaining wall using Rankines theory

(trial 1).
H = 6 + 2.4 tan 10 + 0.6 = 7.023m

Ka = cos-(cos 2 -cos2 )
cos+(cos 2 -cos2 )

Ka = cos-(cos 2 20-cos 228 )

cos+(cos2 20-cos 228 )
Ka = 0.381

Active pressure
12

For the active

pressure, the water,
surcharge and the soil
will be considered.

Pa =1/2H2Ka
Pa1=KaqH
Pa = (0.381)(20)(6) = 45.72 KN/m2
Px = 45.72 cos 10 = 45.03KN/m2
Py = 45.72 sin 10 = 7.81 KN/m2
Pa 2 = (0.381)(18)(3.423)2 = 40.18 KN/m2
Px = 40.18 cos 10 = 39.57 KN/m2
Py = 40.18 sin 10 = 6.98 KN/m2
Pa3 = (0.381)(18)(3.423)(3.6) = 84.51 KN/m2
Px = 84.51 cos 10 = 83.23 KN/m2
Py = 84.51 sin 10 = 14.45 KN/m2
Pa4 = (0.381(18-9.8)+(9.8))(3.6)2 = 83.75 KN/m2
Px = 83.75 cos 10 = 82.48 KN/m2
Py = 83.75 sin 10 = 14.54 KN/m2
Pv = 254.16 sin 10 = 44.13 KN/m2
Ph = 254.16 cos 10 = 250..30 KN/m2

Table 3 (a)

Section

Area (m2)

Unit
Weight
x
Area

Moment
from arm
distance

Moment
(KNm)
13

1
2
3
4
5
6
Py1
Py2
Py3
Py4

3.6
0.3
2.16
7.2
7.2
0.51

V=

(KN/m)
72
7.2
51.8
129.6
129.6
9.18
7.81
6.98
14.45
14.54
434.63

(m)
0.95
0.67
1.8
2.4
2.4
5.08
5.08
5.08
5.08
5.08
MR =

68.4
4.82
93.31
311.04
311.04
25.70
35.46
78.38
17.83
47.19
993.17

Safety factor of Overturning

Mo = Ph (H / 3)
Mo= 250.30 (7.023/3)
= 585.95 KNm
Fs overturning = MR / Mo = 993.17 / 585.95 = 1.7 > 1.5 OK!
Safety factor of Sliding
K1 = k2 = 2/3
Pp = KpzD2 - 2c1kp D
Kp = tan 2 (45 + 2/2) = tan 2 (45 + 38.482/2) = 4.75
Pp1 = ( x 4.75 x (16.10-9.8) x 1.62) + 2(117.7)

( 1.6)

= 859.17

FS sliding = V tan k11 +Bk22 +PP

Pa cos
FS sliding = ( 434.63 ) tan (2/3 x 28) +3.6( 2/3 x 117.7) +859.17
14

250.30
= 5.15 > 1.5 OK!
Safety bearing
e= (B/2)-( MR - Mo )
V
e=3.6/2 (993.17 673.46) = 1.06>B/6 (0.6)
434.63
Pmax = 4/3 * ( V/ b 2e )
Pmax = 4/3 * ( 434.63/(3.6 2(1.06) = 391.56KN
qu = c NCFcdFci + qNqFqdFqi + 2 B2NFdFi
2 = 38.48
Based on Table 1 Appendix: Bearing Capacity Factors
Nc = 61.35 , Nq = 48.93 , N = 78.03
B = B 2 ( 1.06 ) = 5.4 2( 1.06 ) = 1.48
Q = 2D
Q= (16.1 -9.8)X 1.6 = 10.08 KN
Df/B = 1.6 / 3.6 = 0.44 1
0
Fqd = 1 +2 tan (1 sin )2 (Df/B)
Fqd = 1 +2 tan 38.48 (1 sin 38.48)2 (0.44) = 1.10
Fcd = Fqd ( 1 Fqd )
Nc tan
Fcd = 1.10 ( 1 1.10)

Based on the
eccentricity obtained,
the value of e exceeds
the limiting value.
Based on (Soil
Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering
Seventh Edition by Dr.
K R Arora) the heel will
undergo tensile stress
causing crack. In such
case the maximum
stress will be increased
by Pmax = 4/3 * (

V/ b 2e )
= 1.135
15

61.35 tan 38.48

= 1.10
FD = 1

Inclination
Fci = Fqi = ( 1 / 90 )2
Fci = Fqi = ( 1 10 / 90 )2 = 0.79
Fi = ( 1 B/)2 = (1 10/38.48)2 = 0.55
qu = ( 117.7*61.35*1.10*0.79) + (10.08*48.93*1.10*0.79) +
(16.10*1.48*1*0.55) = 6710.11
FS bearing = qu / qtoe
FS bearing = 6710.11 / 391.56 = 17.14 3 OK!
Settlement
at the center of foundation
=4
m= L/B
= 3.6/3.6 = 1
n=H/(B/2)
= (6/(3.6/2)) = 3.33
F1 = 0.376, F2 = 0.045, S == 0.30, Es = 15
Is = F1 + 2- S F2
1 - S
= 0.376 + 2-0.3 (0.045)
1 0.3
= 0.485

16

Df/B = 0.44
B/L= 1
If = 0.89
Se = qo (B) 1- S2 IsIf
Es
= (20) (16) (1- 0.32) (0.485)(0.89)
15
= 8.38mm

17

3.

DETAIL CACULATION OF FACTOR OF SAFETY DUE TO

OVERTURNING, SLIDING AND SOIL BEARING CAPACITY
USING COULOMBS THEORY OF EARTH PRESSURE
[TRIAL 2]
For the coulombs
theory, the friction
between the wall and
the backfill was taken
into consideration
Since the Pa will be
acting on the wall, only
the Pa and the weight of
the wall are considered.
Therefore all forces will
be acting behind the
surface of the wall itself

Figure 5 (a): Detailed design of retaining wall using Coulombs

theory.
H = 0.6 + 5.4 + 3 tan 10
= 6.529 m

For

The total active pressure

acting on the wall is due
to the soil, imposed load
and water. Where the
passive pressure acting
on the wall by the
weight of the soil will
be acting inclined by
19.6o towards the wall
due to friction of the
wall and the soil.
18

Unsaturated layer, depth = 1.529m

= (0.5)(1.5292)(18)(0.37)
= 7.79 kN/m

= 7.79 sin
= 1.353 kN/m

= 7.79 cos
= 7.67 kN/m
Saturated layer, depth = 5m

= (0.5)(52)(18-9.81)(0.37)
= 37.88 kN/m

= 37.88 sin
= 6.58 kN/m

19

= 37.88 cos
= 37.30 kN/m

Surcharge,

= (0.37)(20)(6.529)
= 48.31 kN/m

= 48.31 sin
=8.39kN/m

= 48.31cos

Based on the
eccentricity obtained,
the value of e exceeds
the limiting value.
Based on (Soil
Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering
Seventh Edition by Dr.
K R Arora) the heel will
undergo tensile stress
causing crack. In such
case the maximum
stress will be increased
by Pmax = 4/3 * (

V/ b 2e )

= 47.58 kN/m

20

Water , depth = 5m

9.81 kN/m

= (0.5)(9.81)(5)
= 24.53 kN/m

= 24.53 sin
=4.26kN/m

= 24.53cos
= 24.16 kN/m
Part (a) = Factor of Safety against overturning

kN/m
Saturated
soil
Unsaturated
soil
Water
Surcharge

37.3

6.58

7.67

1.35

24.16
47.58

4.26
8.39

116.71
kN/m

20.58 kN/m
Table 1 : total

Overturning Moment, Mo =

(H/3)

116.71 ( 6.529/3)

254 kN.m

Table 2: To determine resisting moment, Me

= 24 kN/m3

24 kN/m3

= 24 kN/m3

21

Section
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6

Area (m2)

Weight/u
nit
length
(0.5)(5.4)
64.8
= 2.7

Moment Moment
arm from (kN.m/m
toe (m)
)
0.95

61.56

6.48

0.67

4.34

60.48

2.1

127.01

(3)
(0.529)
= 0.79
(1)(3)
=3

14.22

3.2

45.5

54

2.7

145.8

(4.4)(3)
= 13.2

108.11

2.7

291.9

(0.1)
(5.4)
= 0.27
(4.2)(0.6)
= 2.52

4.2

=
20.58
=
328.67

86.44
MR =
762.55

Factor of Safety against overturning , FSoverturning =

FSoverturning =

=3>2

>2

-(okay)

Factor of safety against sliding

22

= 18 kN/m3

28

= 2.77

= 25.52 kN/m

= 1.2 <1.5

( not okay )

Factor of safety against Bearing Capacity Failure

= 0.553 m

<

0.7m

Take, e = 0.553 m

= 140.08 kN/m2

23

= 16.43 kN/m2

The ultimate bearing capacity of the soil can be determined from

For

( refer to Table 16.2 ( braja m.das, 2015) )

q=
= (18-9.81) (1.5)
= 12.29 kN/m2

= 4.2 -2(0.553)
= 3.09 m
Since

= 0.4 < 1
Settlement checking

24

kN/m2

or

z = 5.9m
note : 5.9 below the shallow foundation

= 5(4.2)
= 21m
for soil layer of 6m 11.9m, the layers are described as

SM. The value at Es is 12000 -20000 kN/m2

= 16000 kN/m2

#take 16000 kN/m2

At center of the RC wall

From table 17.3

(-0.0002667 x 9) + 0.347 = 0.345
= 0.345
From table 17.4

x 9 +0.147 = 0.15
= 0.15

For

25

=1.107
=1

= 0.86

= 0.59
= ( 12.29) (14.72)(1.107)(0.86) + (18-9.81) (3.09)(16.72) (1) (0.59)
= 172.22 + 124.82

= 297.04 kN/m2

= 297.04 (247.2)
= 73428.29 kN

= (3.09)(80)
= 247.2 m2
A = BL
= (4.2)(80)
= 336 m2
26

= 218.54 kN/m2

FS bearing capacity =
Based on table 17.5
=

=
= 245.6 mm

= 228.41mm

27

CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALL

Stage 1: Survey and Setting Out

1. The first step for the construction of the RC retaining wall is survey and setting out. This
step is to provide the guide on levels and alignment for the construction of the RC
Retaining Wall. During the process, key points are established and markers used to guide
the building process and ensure accuracy.
2. Survey and setting out shall be done in the present of Resident Engineer or his
Representative and the request for inspection shall be submitted prior to start the works.

Stage 2: Earthworks (Excavation)

Excavation in most situations nowadays is done by mechanical means. However, the exact
method to be adopted still depends upon a number of factors:
i.

Nature of subsoil affect type of machine used and the necessity of soil protection.

ii.

Size of excavation affect type of machine used and method to excavate.

28

iii.

Scale of work large volume of excavation may involve complicated phasing

arrangement and work planning

iv.

Ground water condition affect degree of protection (watertight sheet piling or

dewatering may require.)

v.

Surrounding condition impose certain restrictions and precautions (eg. diversion of a

government drain, or underpinning work to the nearby building foundation)The
machinery below shows two common examples of machinery that is commonly used for
earthwork together with a dumping truck.

Figure 6: An image of a bulldozer.

Figure 7: An image of a back actor.

1.
2.

Earthworks are the next step for the construction of a RC retaining wall.
The excavation work will be done until it reaches the proposed platform level as shown
Figure 8 below.

29

3.

The excavation work will be divided into two separate parts. Part 1 will be done until it
reaches the proposed platform level. This will help to provide a wider space for safety
purposes so that the wall will not be too close to the LRT station or the housing area.

Figure 8: Excavation work by parts.

4.

During the excavation process sheet piles are placed at the slopes to avoid soil erosion

5.

as the slope is very high.

The excavation work of part 2 will only commence after the completion of part 1.Part
2 will provide access for existing traffic during the excavation work activities at part 1.

Stage 3: Reinforcement of Wall Base& Concreting

1. The reinforcement of wall base will be done according to the drawing given by the
structural engineer. The condition of the steel bars must be free from any corrosion.
2. The diameter of the steel bar and spacing will be cross checked by a certified engineer to
ensure all is accordance with the drawing and specification as shown below in Figure 2.

30

Figure 9: Cross section of the Retaining Wall.

3. The next step after reinforcement is the formworks where all installed formworks shall be
properly installed to avoid formwork failure.
4. Concreting works is the next step where concrete of grade 30 is recommended.
Concreting works will commence as soon as the installed reinforcement for the base
reaches the possible delivery concrete volume to site per day and practical output of the
5.

concreting works.
The grade of the concrete used and test cube when concreting must be checked and
signed by an engineer.

Stage 4: Backfilling & Drainage

1. Once the RC retaining wall is ready to received backfill material the backfilling works
will be done.
2. Each layer of backfill shall be not more than 500mm thick and shall be
properlycompacted before laying of subsequence layer of backfill. This process is
repeatuntil the whole height of the retaining wall if filled. The Figure 3 below shows the
proposed constructed retaining wall.

31

Figure 10: Backfilling cross-section of the wall.

32

CONSTRUCTION COST
RC Retaining Wall
Table 4: Estimated Costing for the construction of the retaining wall
ITEM
A

Descriptions

C
D
E

Rates
(RM)

TOTAL

AMOUNT
(RM)

Survey and Setting Out

Provide everything necessary
for setting out survey and other survey

Unit

10

1000

1000

to contractors own dumping site (measured

Ha

3350.30

3350.30

solid)
Concreting Works
Ready mixed concrete, grade 40
Drainage
Reinforced concrete roadside drain

m3

423.60

1000

423600

complete with concrete struts, all

99.70

100

9970

activities during construction period

Earthworks
Excavate and dispose unsuitable materials

excavation and part Backfill-Type 2.

Total

437,920.30

*All costs are based on JKR schedule of rates 2014.

(Available at:http://pamsc.org.my/wpcontent/uploads/2011/11/krscheduleofratesforcivilengineeringworksinsa.zip)

This cost was calculated based on the optimal design for the retaining wall which was Trial 2. As
explained earlier the main focus for choosing the design was the analyze the retaining wall safety
in terms of overturning,sliding,bearing capacity and settlement. The price was computed based
on what was obtained in the JKR wensite.
When we can save the cost of time, we can also save the total of cost project. If we take
the time to do the project, we may take more time to be paid salaries to the workers when project
is completed. When project delay its make a cost of liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LAD).
33

Workmanship cost

Site Manager
Site Engineer
Site Supervisor
5 of Carpanter
6 of barbander
2 workers for bending process
4 workers for installation
Operator excavator
2 of Driver lorry
2 of general workers
Housekeeping for clean the road because of construction nearst the housing area.
Controlling the traffic flow.

Material cost

Rebar
Timber formwork
Scaffolding
Sheet pile

Mechinary cost

Excavator
Dumtrack lorry

34