Structures

Concrete Retaining

Reinforced Concrete Masonry

Cantilever Retaining Walls
Design and Construction Guide

Concrete Masonry Association of Australia Limited

2
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls –
Design and Construction Guide

Concrete Masonry Association of Australia

First posted on web, March 2003

Reposted with corrections to Pages 8, 9, 10, 11 & 36,
April 2003
Reposted with corrections to pages 1 & 42
May 2003

© 2003 Concrete Masonry Association of Australia.

Except where the Copyright Act allows otherwise, no part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any
form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing of
the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia.
The information provided in this publication is intended for general
guidance only and in no way replaces the services of professional
consultants on particular projects. No liability can therefore be
accepted by the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia for its use.
It is the responsibility of the user of this Guide to check the Concrete
Masonry Association of Australia web site (www.cmaa.com.au) for the
latest amendments and revisions.
ISBN 0 909407 49 5
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Preface
Standards Australia has published AS 4678-2002 for
Concrete Masonry the design of earth retaining structures, including
Association of reinforced concrete masonry cantilever retaining
Australia Limited walls. It encompasses the following features:
ABN 33 065 618 840 ■ Limit state design
Level 6, 504 Pacific Highway ■ Partial loading and material factors
St Leonards NSW 2065 ■ Compatibility with the general approach taken in
(P0 Box 572 St Leonards NSW 1590)
AS 1170 SAA Loading code(Note 1)
Telephone: 02 9903 7760 ■ Compatibility with the structures standards such
Facsimile: 02 9437 9703
as AS 3600 Concrete structures(Note 2) and AS 3700
E-mail: info@cmaa.com.au
Masonry structures.
Internet: www.cmaa.com.au
This guide provides Australian designers and
contractors with a comprehensive approach to the
design and construction of reinforced concrete
masonry cantilever retaining walls based on:
■ The design and construction rules set out in
AS 4678-2002
■ An analysis method developed by the Concrete
Masonry Association of Australia (CMAA) to fit
Australian experience.
This guide describes the design and construction of
gravity earth retaining structures, consisting of a
reinforced concrete footing and a reinforced
concrete masonry cantilever stem.It includes:
■ A description of the principal features of the
Australian Standard
■ A description of the analysis method
■ Design tables for a limited range of soil
conditions and wall geometry
■ A design example which demonstrates the use of
the Australian Standard and analysis method
■ A site investigation check list
■ A detailed construction specification.

NOTES:
1 When published in early 2002, AS 4678 included load
factors which were compatible with the load factors on the
version of AS 1170 that was then current. However, changes
to AS 1170 in late 2002 have meant that exact similarity of
load factors no longer exists.
2 Design of the concrete base is based on Cement and
Concrete Association of Australia and Standards Australia
Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook, HB71–2002.

2
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Contents
1 Introduction 4
1.1 General 4
1.2 Glossary 4
1.3 Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Masonry Cantilever Retaining Walls 5
1.4 Importance of a Geotechnical Report 6
1.5 Safety and Protection of Existing Structures 6
1.6 Global Slip Failure 6
1.7 Differential Settlement 7
1.8 Importance of Drainage 7

2 Design Considerations 8
2.1 Scope 8
2.2 Limit State Design 8
2.3 Partial Loading and Material Factors 8
2.4 Load Combinations and Factors for Stability 8
2.5 Load Combinations and Factors for Strength of Components 9
2.6 Live Loads 9
2.7 Earthquake Loads 9
2.8 Wind Loads 9
2.9 Hydraulic Loads 9
2.10 Drained Vs Undrained Parameters 9
2.11 Capacity Reduction Factors 9
2.12 Soil Analysis Model 9
2.13 Active Pressure 10
2.14 Pressure at Rest 10
2.15 Passive Pressure 10
2.16 Bearing Failure 10
2.17 Sliding Failure 11
2.18 Overturning 11
2.19 Global slip 11

3 Design Tables 12
3.1 General 12
3.2 Concrete and Masonry Properties 12
3.3 Foundation Material 12
3.4 Retained Soils and Infill Material 12
3.5 Lean Back 12
3.6 Backfill Slope 12
3.7 Live Loads 12
3.8 Earthquake Loads 12

4 Appendices 13
Appendix A – Design Tables 14
Appendix B – Design Example 28
Appendix C – Site Investigation 37
Appendix D – Construction Specification 39

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Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
1 Introduction
1.1 General
For many years, reinforced concrete masonry
gravity retaining walls, relying on gravity loads to
resist the overturning forces due to soil pressure,
have been constructed using a reinforced concrete
masonry stem (steel reinforcement grouted into
hollow concrete blockwork), which is built on a
reinforced concrete footing.
In 1990 the Concrete Masonry Association of
Australia (CMAA) published Masonry Walling Guide
No 4: Design For Earth Loads - Retaining Walls,
which set out a design methodology and safe load
tables for these structures. It included:
■ Ultimate load design with material factors based
on characteristic soil properties, partial load
factors consistent with AS 1170.1 and structure
designs to AS 3700 and AS 3600.
■ Coulomb analysis of the back fill
■ Bearing analysis using the Meyerhoff approach
(including tilt and inclined load factors).
■ Sliding analyses that account for friction, passive
pressure and (if appropriate) base adhesion.
These design and analysis features were
considerable improvement on the working
stress/assumed bearing capacity/Rankine analysis
that was then in common use.
Standards Australia AS 4678-2002 is generally
consistent with the CMAA Guide No 4 approach
(with some modifications to factors), and applies to
reinforced masonry gravity retaining walls, dry-
stacked masonry gravity retaining structures and
dry-stacked masonry reinforced soil structures.
4
1.2 Glossary
Loads and limit states:
Design life
The time over which the structure is required to fulfil
its function and remain serviceable.
Dead load(Note 3)
The self-weight of the structure and the retained soil
or rock.
Live load(Note 3)
Loads that arise form the intended use of the
structure, including distributed, concentrated,
impact and inertia loads. It includes construction
loads, but excludes wind and earthquake loads.
Wind load
The force exerted on the structure by wind, acting
on either or both the face of the retaining wall and
any other structure supported by the retaining wall.
Earthquake load
The force exerted on the structure by earthquake
action, acting on either or both the face of the
retaining wall and any other structure supported by
the retaining wall.
Stability limit state
A limit state of loss of static equilibrium of a
structure or part thereof, when considered as a
rigid body.
Strength limit state
A limit state of collapse or loss of structural integrity
of the components of the retaining wall.
Serviceability limit state
A limit state for acceptable in-service conditions.
The most common serviceability states are
excessive differential settlement and forward
movement of the retaining wall.
Components:
Concrete masonry units
Concrete blocks manufactured to provide an
attractive, durable, stable face to a retaining wall.
They are commonly "H" or "Double U" configuration.
Geotextile
A permeable, polymeric material, which may be
woven, non-woven or knitted. It is commonly used to
separate drainage material from other soil.
Retained material
The natural soil or rock, intended to be retained by
a retaining wall.
Foundation material
The natural soil or rock material under a retaining
wall.
Infill material
The soil material placed behind the retaining wall
facing. Often retained soil is used for this purpose.
NOTES:
3 This Guide uses the terminology “dead load” to indicate
permanent loads and “live load” to indicate imposed loads.
This terminology is consistent with the convention adopted
in AS 4678-2002.

Drainage material
The crushed rock, gravel or similar material placed
behind a retaining wall to convey ground water
away from the wall and foundations. It is commonly
used in conjunction with other drainage media, such
as agricultural pipes.
Soil types:
Cohesive fill
Naturally-occurring or processed materials with
greater than 50% passing the 75 µm Australian
standard sieve, a plasticity index of less than 30%
and a liquid limit of less than 45%.
Controlled fill Class I
Soil, rock or other inert material that has been
placed at a site in a controlled fashion and under
appropriate supervision to ensure the resultant
material is consistent in character, placed and
compacted to an average density equivalent to 98%
(and no test result below 95%) of the maximum dry
density (standard compactive effort) for the material
when tested in accordance with AS 1289.5.1.1. For
cohesionless soils, material compacted to at least
75% Density index is satisfactory.
Controlled fill Class II
Soil, rock or other inert material that has been
placed in specified layers and in a controlled
fashion to ensure the resultant material is consistent
in character, placed and compacted to an average
density equivalent to 95% (and no test result below
92%) of the maximum dry density (standard
compactive effort) for the material when tested in
accordance with AS 1289.5.1.1. For cohesionless
soils, material compacted to at least 75% Density
index is satisfactory. Generally the layer thickness is
specified as a maximum of 300 mm.
Uncontrolled fill
Soil, rock or other inert material that has been
placed at a site and does not satisfy the materials
included above.
Insitu material
Natural soil, weathered rock and rock materials.
GW
Well-graded gravel as defined by the Cassegrande
extended classification system. Generally in the
range of 2 mm to 60 mm, and graded such that the
smaller particles pack into the spaces between the
larger ones, giving a dense mass of interlocking
particles with a high shear strength and low
compressibility.
SW
Well-graded sand as defined by the Cassegrande
extended classification system. Generally in the
range of 0.06 mm to 2 mm, and graded such that
the smaller particles pack into the spaces between
the larger ones, giving a dense mass of interlocking
particles with a high shear strength and low
compressibility.
GP
Poorly-graded gravel as defined by the
Cassegrande extended classification system.
Generally in the range of 2 mm to 60 mm, and of a
single size. This material has good drainage
properties provided it is protected from infiltration
by silts and clays.
5
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
1.3 Behaviour of Reinforced
Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
If unrestrained, a soil embankment will slump to its
angle of repose. Some soils, such as clays, have
cohesion that enables vertical and near-vertical
faces to remain partially intact, but even these may
slump under the softening influence of ground
water. When an earth retaining structure is
constructed, it restricts this slumping. The soil
exerts an active pressure on the structure, which
deflects a little and is then restrained by the friction
and adhesion between the base and soil beneath,
passive soil pressures in front of the structure and
the bearing capacity of the soil beneath the toe of
the structure.
If water is trapped behind the retaining structure, it
exerts an additional hydraulic pressure. This ground
water also reduces the adhesion and bearing
resistance. If massive rock formations are present
immediately behind the structure, these will restrict
the volume of soil which can be mobilised and thus
reduce the pressure.
The walls described in this guide are gravity earth
retaining structures, consisting of a reinforced
concrete footing and a reinforced concrete masonry
cantilever stem (Figure 1.1). The retained soil exerts
an active pressure on the infill material above the
heel of the base (in Arrangement 1)and this, in turn,
exerts an active force on the stem of the wall. In
arrangement 2, the retained soil exerts an active
pressure directly on the stem. Overturning is
resisted by the vertical load of the structure and,
where applicable,the soil above the heel. It is usual
to disregard any resistance to overturning provided
by live loads.
Retained soil
Infil material
Reinforced concrete masonry
stem
Drainage system
Reinforced insitu concrete
base
TYPE 1
Retained soil
Reinforced concrete masonry
stem
Drainage system
Reinforced insitu concrete
base
TYPE 2
Figure 1.1 Typical Arrangements of Reinforced
Concrete Masonry Cantilever
Retaining Walls
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

1.4 Importance of a These problems may be exacerbated by the

Geotechnical Report
The design of a retaining wall includes two essential
parts:
■ Analysis of the adjacent ground for global slip,
settlement, drainage and similar global
considerations; and
■ Analysis and design of retaining wall structure for
strength.
These analyses must be based on an accurate and
complete knowledge of the soil properties, slope
stability, potential slip problems and groundwater.
A geotechnical report by a qualified and
experienced geotechnical engineer should be
obtained.
Such a report must address the following
considerations, as well as any other pertinent points
not listed.
■ Soil properties;
■ Extent and quality of any rock, including floaters
and bedrock;
■
Global slip and other stability problems;
■ Bedding plane slope, particularly if they slope
towards the cut;
■ Effect of prolonged wet weather and the
consequence of the excavation remaining open
for extended periods;
■ Effect of ground water;
■ Steep back slopes and the effect of terracing;
intrusion of surface water or disruption of the water
table, which increase pore water pressures and thus
diminish the soil’s ability to stand without collapse.
The safety of workers and protection of existing
structures during construction must be of prime
concern and should be considered by both
designers and constructors. All excavations should
be carried out in a safe manner in accordance with
the relevant regulations, to prevent collapse that
may endanger life or property. Adjacent structures
must be founded either beyond or below the zone of
influence of the excavation. Where there is risk of
global slip, for example around a slip plane
encompassing the proposed retaining wall or other
structures, or where there is risk of inundation by
ground water or surface water, construction should
not proceed until the advice of a properly qualified
and experienced Geotechnical Engineer has been
obtained and remedial action has been carried out.
1.6 Global Slip Failure
Soil retaining structures must be checked for global
slip failure around all potential slip surfaces or
circles (Figure 1.2).
Designers often reduce the heights of retaining
walls by splitting a single wall into two (or more)
walls, thus terracing the site. Whilst this may assist
in the design of the individual walls, it will not
necessarily reduce the tendency for global slip
failure around surfaces encompassing all or some
of the retaining walls.

■ Effect of any structures founded within a zone of The designer should also take into account the
effects of rock below or behind the structure in
influence.
resisting slip failure.
Analysis for global slip is not included in this guide
1.5 Safety and Protection of and it is recommended that designers carry out a
Existing Structures separate check using commercially available
software.
Whenever soil is excavated or embankments are
constructed, there is a danger of collapse. This may
occur through movement of the soil and any
associated structures by:
■ rotation around an external failure plane that
encompasses the structure,
■ slipping down an inclined plane,
■ sliding forward, or
■ local bearing failure or settlement.

Global
slip plane

Secondary
global slip
plane
Primary
global slip plane

Figure 1.2 Global Slip Failure

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 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

1.7 Differential Settlement

Techniques to reduce or control the effects of
differential settlement and the possibility of cracking
include:
■ Articulation of the wall (by discontinuing the
normal stretcher bond) at convenient intervals
along the length.
■ Excavating, replacing and compacting areas of
soft soil.
■ Limiting the stepping of the base to a maximum
of 200 mm.

1.8 Importance of Drainage

This guide assumes that a properly-functioning
drainage system is effective in removing hydraulic
pressure. If this is not the case, the designer will be
required to design for an appropriate hydraulic
load.
Based on an effective drainage system, it is
common to use drained soil properties. For other
situations, the designer must determine whether
drained or undrained properties are appropriate. In
particular, sea walls that may be subject to rapid
draw-down (not covered in this guide) require
design using undrained soil properties.

Optional
capping 100-mm-deep catch drain with a minimum grade of
1 in 100 connected to the site drainage system

Surface seal of 150-mm-thick compacted clay

Retained soil

Infill material
Concrete
masonry
stem Geofabric separation layer between drainage fill material
and retained fill material

10-mm crushed rock drainage fill material placed around

the drainage pipe for a minimum of 300 mm and extending
up the back of the wall

Hob 100-mm-dia. slotted PVC agricultural pipe wrapped in

geofabric sock, laid to a minimum uniform grade of 1 in 100
Base over 15-m length. The low end of each run is to be drained
through the hob to a stormwater system. The upper end of
each run is to be brought to the surface and capped
Key

50-mm-dia. weepholes through hob at 1200 mm centres

Figure 1.3 Typical Drainage System

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Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

2 Design 2.4 Load Combinations and

Considerations
2.1 Scope
This guide considers retaining walls founded on
undisturbed material that is firm and dry and
achieves the friction angle and cohesion noted for
each particular soil type. It does not cover
foundations exhibiting any of the following
characteristics:
■ Softness
■ Poor drainage
■
Fill
■ Organic matter
■ Variable conditions
■ Heavily-cracked rock
■
Aggressive soils.
If these conditions are present, they must be
considered by the designer.
2.2 Limit State Design
The design limit states considered are:
■ strengths of the various components subject to
ultimate factored loads;
■ stability of the structure as a whole subject to
ultimate factored loads; and
■ serviceability of the structure and its components
subject to service loads.
2.3 Partial Loading and
Material Factors
Partial-loading and partial-material factors enable
the designer to assign various levels of confidence
to assumed or measured soil strengths, material
strengths and resistance to deterioration,
predictability of loads and consequence of failure of
various structures.
There are several reasons for compatibility of
loading factors between AS 4678-2002 and AS 1170
SAA Loading code, which applies to buildings(Note 4).
■ Buildings are often constructed close to retaining
walls, and therefore apply loads on them.
■ Parts of buildings such as basement walls are
often required to withstand loads imposed by
earth and soil.
■ The adoption of common load factors assists the
rational comparison of the levels of safety and
probability of failure of retaining walls and other
structures.
■ The design of concrete, masonry, steel and
timber components of earth retaining structures
is determined using Australian Standards which
are based on limit state concepts and loading
factors from AS 1170.
■ Most structural engineers are familiar with the
loading factors of AS 1170.
Factors for Stability
The following load combinations and factors should
be applied when checking the stability of the
structure. This includes analysis for:
■ Global slip
■ Overturning
■ Bearing capacity of the foundation under the toe
of the base
■ Sliding resistance of the foundation under the
base(Note 5).
(i) 1.25 GC + 1.5 QC < 0.8 GR + (Φ R)
(ii) 1.25 GC + ψc QC + WCu < 0.8 GR + (Φ R)
(iii) 1.25 GC + ψc QC + 1.0 FCeq < 0.8(G + ψcQ)R + (Φ R)
Where:
GC = parts of the dead load tending to cause
instability.
This includes:
the weight of the retained soil, which
causes horizontal pressures on the stem,
thus tending to cause forward sliding,
bearing failure or overturning, or the
weight of the infill soil, which causes
horizontal pressures on the facing, thus
tending to cause stem rupture.
QC = parts of the live load tending to cause
instability.
This includes all removable loads such as
temporary loadings, live loadings applied
from adjacent buildings, construction traffic
and soil compaction loads and an
allowance for the temporary stacking of soil
of not less than 5 kPa, except for Structure
Classification 3.
WCu = parts of the wind load tending to cause
instability.
The factors are such that load combination
(ii) involving wind loading, will not be the
governing case when the effect due to
wind, WCu is less than (1.5 - ψc) times the
effect due to live load, QC.
For example, for a wall that does not
support another exposed structure and for
a minimum live load surcharge of
QC = 5 kPa, an active pressure coefficient
of Ka = 0.3 and a live load combination
factor of ψc = 0.6, a wind load on the face
of the retaining wall less than 1.35 kPa will
not be the governing case. However, if the
wind load is applied to some supported
structure such as a building or a fence, the
effect would be more pronounced.
NOTES:
4 When published in early 2002, AS 4678 included load
factors which were compatible with the load factors on the
version of AS 1170 that was then current. However, changes
to AS 1170 in late 2002 have meant that exact similarity of
load factors no longer exists.
5 Design for bearing capacity and external sliding resistance,
involve the factoring-down of the soil properties (density,
friction angle and/or cohesion) which are providing the
resistance to instability.

8

FCeq = parts of the earthquake load tending to
cause instability.
For earthquake categories Ae and Be,
design for static loads without further
specific analysis is deemed adequate.
For earthquake category Ce, a dead load
factor of 1.5 (instead of 1.25) should be
used and specific design for earthquake
may be neglected.
For earthquake categories De and Ee, the
structures should be designed and
analysed in accordance with the detailed
method set out in AS 4678 Appendix I.
GR = parts of the dead load tending to resist
instability.
This includes the self weight of the
structure and the weight of soil in front of
the structure.
ΦR = the factored design capacity of the
structural component.
This includes calculated bearing capacity,
sliding resistance, calculated pull-out
strength, etc.
ψc = live load combination factor.
This is taken as 0.4 for parking or storage
and 0.6 for other common applications on
retaining walls.
2.5 Load Combinations and
Factors for Strength of
Components
The following load combinations and factors should
be applied when checking the strength of the
structure components, including strength of any
associated concrete, masonry and reinforcement.
(i) 1.25 G + 1.5 Q
(ii) 1.25 G + Wu + ψc Q
(iii) 1.25 G + 1.0 Feq + ψc Q
(iv) 0.8 G + 1.5 Q
(v) 0.8 G + Wu
(vi) 0.8(G + ψc Q) + 1.0Feq
Where:
G = dead load
Q = live load
Wu = wind load
Feq = earthquake load
ψc = live load combination factor taken as
0.4 for parking or storage and 0.6 for
other common applications on
retaining walls.
9
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
2.6 Live Loads
The appropriate values for live load must be
determined by the design engineer. AS 4678–2002
specifies a minimum live loading of 5 kPa for walls
of any height of Structure Classifications 1 and 2.
For walls under 1.5 metres high which are of
Structure Classification 3, the following minimum live
loads are applicable.
Slope of retained soil less than or equal to 1:4 –
2.5 kPa
Slope of retained soil greater than 1:4 –
1.5 kPa
2.7 Earthquake Loads
The appropriate earthquake loads must be
determined by the designer. If earthquake load acts
on some supported structure such as a building or
a fence, the effect must be considered.
2.8 Wind Loads
The load factors are such that load combination (ii)
involving wind loading, will not be the governing
case when the effect due to wind, WCu is less than
(1.5 - ψc) times the effect due to live load, QC.
For example, for a wall that does not support
another exposed structure and for a minimum live
load surcharge of QC = 5 kPa, an active pressure
coefficient of Ka = 0.3 and a live load combination
factor of ψc = 0.6, a wind load on the face of the
retaining wall less than 1.35 kPa will not be the
governing case. However, if the wind load is applied
to some supported structure such as a building or a
fence, the effect must be considered.
2.9 Hydraulic Loads
The design example is based on the assumption
that a properly-functioning drainage system is
effective in removing hydraulic pressure.
2.10 Drained v Undrained
Parameters
Based on an effective drainage system, the design
example uses drained soil properties. For other
situations, the designer must determine whether
drained or undrained properties are appropriate.
2.11 Capacity Reduction Factors
The material strength factors from AS 4678
Table 5.1 have been used.
2.12 Soil Analysis Model
AS 4678 does not specify an analysis method. This
guide uses the Coulomb Method to analyse the
structure.
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
2.13 Active Pressure
In response to soil pressure, the wall will move away
from the soil, thus partially relieving the pressure.
This reduced pressure is the active pressure. The
Coulomb equation for active pressure coefficient
(Ka) can account for slope of the wall and slope of
the backfill. The slope of the wall should be
restricted to less than external angle of friction (δ) to
ensure that there is no upward component of earth
pressure which would reduce sliding resistance
(ie the equation applies when wall slope is less than
15° for good quality granular backfills in contact
with concrete).
pa = active pressure on the wall at depth of H
= Ka γ H
Where:
Ka = active pressure coefficient
cos2(φ + ψ)
= He = depth of undisturbed soil to the underside
sin(φ + δ) sin(φ - β) 2
2
cos ψ cos(ψ - δ) 1+
√cos(ψ - δ) cos(ψ + β)
φ = factored value of internal friction angle
(degrees)
δ = external friction angle (degrees)
2φ
= under the toe is subjected to high bearing
3
where φ is the smaller of the friction angles
at the particular interface
At any interface with a geotextile, the
external friction angle should be taken from
test data. If no data is available, it should
be assumed to be zero.
ψ = slope of the wall (degrees)
β = slope of the backfill (degrees)
γ = factored value of soil density (kN/m3)
H = height of soil behind the wall (m)
2.14 Pressure at Rest
If the wall is unable to move away from the soil
embankment, as may be the case for a propped
cantilever basement wall, there will be no relief of
the pressure and the soil will exert the full pressure
at rest.
po = soil pressure at rest
= Ko γ H
Where:
Ko = coefficient for soil at rest
= 1.0
γ = factored value of soil density (kN/m3)
H = height of soil behind the wall (m)
10
2.15 Passive Pressure
If the structure pushes into the soil, as is the case at
the toe of a retaining wall, the resistance by the soil
is greater than the pressure at rest. This is the
passive pressure, given by the following equation. If
the soil in front of the toe is disturbed or loose, the
full passive pressure may not be mobilised.
pp = passive soil pressure (kPa)
= Kp γ He
Where:
Kp = passive pressure coefficient
1 + sin φ
=
1 - sin φ
φ = factored value of internal friction angle
(degrees)
γ = factored value of soil density (kN/m3)
of the base, key or bearing pad as
appropriate (m)
2.16 Bearing Failure
As soil and water pressure are applied to the rear
face of the structure, it will tilt forward and the soil
pressures. Bearing is often the critical mode of
failure. The following theoretical approach is used to
analyse this region for bearing pressure failure and
is based the Meyerhof method. This gives
consideration to footing width, footing tilt and angle
of applied load and is explained in a paper by Vesic
titled Bearing Capacity of Shallow Footings in the
Foundation Engineering Handbook.
Q = Bearing capacity of the foundation (kN)
= qav LB
Where:
qav= average bearing capacity based on
= c Nc ζc ζci ζct + γ He Nq ζq ζqi ζqt + 0.5 γ B Nγ ζγ ζγi ζγt
factored soil properties (kPa)
B = actual base width (m)
LB = effective width of base (m)
c = factored value of drained cohesion (kPa)
φ = factored value of friction angle (radians)
γ = factored value of soil density (kN/m3)
He = depth of undisturbed soil to the underside
of the base, key or bearing pad as
appropriate (m)
Nc = (Nq - 1)cot φ
Nq = eπ tan φ tan 2[π/4 + φ/2]
Nγ = 2(Nq + 1)tan φ
Shape factors:
ζc = 1.0
ζq = 1.0
ζγ = 1.0
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Factors for inclined load:

ζci = ζqi - (1 - ζqi) /(Nc tan φ)
2.18 Overturning
AS 4678-2002 does not specify an analysis method.
ζqi = [1 - P*/(Q* + LB c cot φ)]2
This guide considers overturning about a point level
ζγi = [1 - P*/(Q* + LB c cot φ)]3 with the underside of the key and a nominated
Factors for sloping bases: distance behind the toe of the structure. If this
ζct = ζqt - (1 - ζqt) / (Nc tan φ) =1.0 for level base nominated distance is one third of the base width
and the factor against overturning is calculated as
ζqt = (1 - α tan φ)2 =1.0 for level base 1.0, this corresponds to the reaction being situated
ζ γt = (1 -α tan φ)2 =1.0 for level base within the middle third of the base at ultimate loads.
Q* = vertical load based on factored loads and
soil properties
2.19 Global slip
AS 4678-2002 Clause 3.2 requires stability
P* = horizontal load based on factored loads
(including rotation) to be checked.
and soil properties
The design example and design tables do not
α = angle of base in radians
include analysis for global slip.
2.17 Sliding Failure
As soil and water pressure are applied to the rear
face of the structure, the footing may slide forward.
Such sliding action is resisted by the friction and
adhesion between the foundation material and the
footing, and the passive resistance of any soil in
front of the toe.
When considering passive resistance, note that
material can be inadvertently removed from the toe
of the wall.
F = Sliding resistance based on factored
characteristic soil properties
= Friction + adhesion + passive resistance
= Q* tan δ + c B + Kp 0.5 γ He2
Where:
Q* = vertical load based on factored loads and
soil properties
δ = external friction angle of the soil calculated
from the factored internal friction angle,
assuming a smooth base-to-soil interface
(if a rough base-to-soil interface is present,
a friction angle of φ may be used)
B = actual base width (m)
c = factored value of adhesion (kPa)
Kp = passive pressure coefficient
γ = factored value of soil density (kN/m3)
He = depth of undisturbed soil to the underside
of the base, key or bearing pad as
appropriate (m)

11
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls
3 Design Tables
3.1 General
This section describes the design parameters
covered by the Typical Design Tables set out in
Appendix A. The Tables apply to structure
classification 2 (see Site Investigation, Appendix C).
3.2 Concrete and Masonry
Properties
The design example is based on:
■ Hollow concrete blocks with characteristic
compressive strength, f’uc, of at least 15 MPa;
■ Mortar Type M3;
■ Reinforcement grade 500 MPa;
■ Concrete with characteristic compressive
strength, f’c, of at least 20 MPa.
3.3 Foundation Material
The Tables in this guide are based on foundation
materials with characteristic internal friction angles
of 25°, 30° and 35°.
In some cases, the lower friction angles require
either wide bases or deep keys. To avoid this
situation, one design option is to remove any
material with a low friction angle and replace it with
a more suitable material with a characteristic friction
angle of at least 35°. Typically, compacted road
base would be suitable in such an application. The
foundation soil should be excavated and replaced
with compacted road base to a depth such that
sliding and bearing resistance can be achieved.
For simplicity, the Tables are based on materials
with the following properties:
Characteristic internal friction angles 25° 30° 35°
Characteristic density (kg/m3) 19 19 19
Characteristic cohesion (kPa) 5.0 2.5 0
In all cases, an experienced civil or geotechnical
engineer should be engaged to determine the
appropriate soil properties.
The Tables are based on a rough interface between
the base and the foundation, such that the internal
angle of friction, φ, is applicable.
3.4 Retained Soils and Infill
Material
The design example indicates how to design for
different retained soils and infill material. For
simplicity, the Tables are based on materials with
the following properties:
Characteristic internal friction angles 25° 30° 35°
Characteristic density (kg/m3) 19 19 19
Characteristic cohesion (kPa) 5.0 2.5 0
In all cases, an experienced civil or geotechnical
engineer should be engaged to determine the
appropriate soil properties.
3.5 Lean-Back
Consistent with AS 4678, this guide does not cover
the design of revetments with a lean-back of 20° or
more from vertical. The tabulated typical wall details
are applicable for vertical walls.
12
3.6 Backfill Slope
The Tables in this guide have been calculated for either
level backfill (0°) or 1 in 4 backfill slope (14°). For other
cases,the designer must perform calculations similar to
those shown in the worked example.
3.7 Live Loads
The Tables in this Guide have been calculated for a
live loading of 5 kPa. For other cases of live loads
including Structure Classification 3, traffic loading
and construction loading, the appropriate values
must be determined by the designer.
3.8 Earthquake Loads
The Tables in this Guide have been calculated for
earthquake categories Ae or Be and therefore is
based on design for static loads without further
specific analysis. For other cases, the appropriate
earthquake loads must be determined by the
designer. If earthquake load acts on some
supported structure such as a building or a fence,
the effect must be considered.
3.9 Position of Key
The Tables have been based on placing the key
(if required) at the rear of the base.This has
construction advantages, as well as simplifying the
reinforcement arrangement. Other key positions may
be more appropriate in particular applications. If
other locations are adopted, calculations will be
required to check the stability.
3.10 Stem Dimensions
The Tables include the following stem types:
■ 140 mm hollow block
■ 190 mm hollow block
■ 290 mm hollow block
■ Two leaves of 190 mm hollow block, separated
by a cavity of 80 mm and joined by steel ties to
prevent spreading during the grouting process,
or peeling of the thin stem away form the thick
stem.This arrangement gives a total width of
460 mm.
The stem width may be progressively increased
down the wall to cater for increasing loads.
3.11 Control Joints
Control joints should be included in the stem at
centres up to 16.0 m, depending on the soil type
and quantity of horizontal reinforcement that is
incorporated.
3.12 Hob
Reinforced concrete footings for retaining walls should
include a means of positively locating the steel starter
bars accurately and a means of providing drainage
through the wall at the level of the base. Both
requirements may be achieved by including a concrete
hob (or up-stand), through which vertical starter bars
are placed and on which the masonry is built.
Horizontal 50-mm diameter weep holes may pass
through the hob at 1.2 m maximum centres.
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

4 Appendices

The following Appendices are included:

Appendix A – Design Tables 14
Appendix B – Design Example 28
Appendix C – Site Investigation 37
Appendix D – Construction Specification 39

13
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Appendix A Design Tables

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Typical Details
Clear cover ‡
65*
Geofabric separation layer between drainage fill material DESIGN TABLES SELECTION CHART
Remove face of and retained fill material
block to provide Table number (page number) for…
a clean-out Infill material Foundation
opening at each 10-mm crushed rock drainage fill material, minimum 300 mm internal
vertical bar Backfill slope
friction
thick, around drainage pipe and extending up the wall
angle 0° (level) 14° (1 in 4) max
100 100-mm-dia. slotted PVC agricultural pipe wrapped in 35° 1 (15) 2 (16)
geofabric sock, laid to a minimum uniform grade of 1 in 100
over 15-m length. The low end of each run is to be drained 30° 3 (17) 4 (18)
70*
through the hob to a stormwater system. The upper end of 25° 5 (19) 6 (20)
Clear each run is to be brought to the surface and capped
cover ‡
50-mm-dia. weepholes through hob at 1200 mm centres
COMMON DETAILS FOR ALL WALLS * Design depth of steel from
T3
face of masonry or concrete
T3 to centreline of reinforcement. B4 T1 Sloping backfill
If this must be varied (for
(1 in 4 maximum)
B4 T1 Sloping backfill reasons of durability, block or level
(1 in 4 maximum) dimensions, etc) it may render
or level the information in the Tables
Longitudinal reinforcement:
inaccurate. N12 at 400 crs.
‡ For clear cover requirements, X-bars
Longitudinal reinforcement: refer AS 3700 Section 5 and
N12 at 400 crs. AS 3600 Section 4 H1
NOTE: All cores
X-bars Y-bars fully grouted
H1
NOTE: All cores 700
500 Y-bars fully grouted lap
lap
Y-bars Y-bars
100 100
H2 H2
Y-bars Y-bars
H3 H3
N16 at N16 at
300 crs 300 crs
B2 B3 B2 B3

B1 B1
WALLS WITH SINGLE STEM OF 140-mm BLOCK WALLS WITH SINGLE STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK

T3 T3

T2 T2

B4 T1 Sloping backfill B4 T1 Sloping backfill

(1 in 4 maximum) (1 in 4 maximum)
or level or level

Longitudinal reinforcement Longitudinal reinforcement

in thin stem: N12 at 400 crs. H4 in thin stem: N12 at 400 crs.
700
H4 X-bars lap X-bars
700
lap X-bars X-bars
NOTE: All cores Ties: N10 at 400 crs. (100 cog
fully grouted each end) this course, R6 at
H1 Y-bars H1 400 x 400 crs. for remainder
Y-bars
H5 N16 700 lap H5 N16 700 lap
Longitudinal reinforcement Longitudinal reinforcement
N20 1000 lap N20 1000 lap
in thick stem: N16 at 400 crs. in thick stem: 2-N16 at 400 crs.
Y-bars Y-bars
100 100
H2 H2
Y-bars Y-bars
H3 Y-bars H3 Y-bars
N16 at N16 at
300 crs NOTE: All cores 300 crs
B2 B3 and cavity to be B2 B3
fully grouted
B1 B1
WALLS WITH THIN STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK WALLS WITH THIN STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK
AND THICK STEM OF 290-mm BLOCK AND THICK STEM OF 190/80/190-mm CAVITY BLOCK

14
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Table 1

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 35°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 1900 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3000 190 1800 290 1200 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 1500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2600 190 1800 290 800 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 900 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2200 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 1900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2500 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

15
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Table 2

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 35°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2500 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 1900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3200 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 3100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1600 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1100 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 4100 500 460 470 3540 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 460 1600 3900 500 460 470 3440 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 3600 350 300 400 3300 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3400 350 300 470 3100 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 3000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2200 190 1600 290 600 2400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 2200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1900 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1700 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1600 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1400 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1200 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

16
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Table 3

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 30°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2200 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 900 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2600 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3000 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 1900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

17
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Table 4

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 30°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3300 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 3300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 3000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3900 500 460 450 3440 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 3800 350 300 430 3500 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 3500 350 300 400 3200 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3300 350 300 300 3000 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3000 350 300 350 2700 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2800 350 300 330 2500 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2500 350 300 300 2200 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 2300 350 300 280 2000 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 2100 350 300 250 1800 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1800 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1600 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
1200 140 – – – 1600 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1400 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1200 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

18
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 1 WALLS Table 5

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 25°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2800 500 – – – 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2500 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2300 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2100 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2600 190 1800 290 800 1900 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1700 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3100 500 460 400 2640 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2900 350 300 400 2600 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2700 350 300 300 2400 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2500 350 300 300 2200 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2300 350 300 200 2000 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2200 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1500 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3600 500 460 450 3140 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 290 1600 3400 350 300 430 3100 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 3200 350 300 400 2900 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3000 350 300 380 2700 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2700 350 300 350 2400 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2500 350 300 330 2200 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2300 350 300 300 2000 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 2100 350 300 280 1800 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1900 350 300 250 1600 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1700 250 200 230 1500 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 200 200 1300 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1300 250 200 180 1100 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1100 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

19
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE1 WALLS Table 6

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 25°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 4100 500 460 450 3640 510 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 4000 350 400 430 3700 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 3700 350 300 400 3400 340 100 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3400 350 400 380 3100 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3100 350 300 350 2800 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2800 350 300 330 2500 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2500 350 300 300 2200 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 2300 350 300 280 2000 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 2100 350 300 250 1800 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1800 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1600 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1400 250 – – – 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1100 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 900 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
2000 190 1400 290 600 2700 350 350 300 2400 340 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 2400 250 200 230 1870 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 2100 250 200 200 1900 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1800 250 200 180 1620 240 100 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1500 200 150 150 1350 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1300 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1100 200 – – – 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
1000 140 – – – 2000 200 150 130 1870 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1700 200 150 100 1600 190 100 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

20
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Typical Details

Clear cover ‡
65*
Geofabric separation layer between drainage fill material DESIGN TABLES SELECTION CHART
Remove face of and retained fill material
block to provide Table number (page number) for…
a clean-out Infill material Foundation
opening at each 10-mm crushed rock drainage fill material, minimum 300 mm internal
vertical bar Backfill slope
friction
thick, around drainage pipe and extending up the wall
angle 0° (level) 14° (1 in 4) max
100 100-mm-dia. slotted PVC agricultural pipe wrapped in 35° 7 (22) 8 (23)
geofabric sock, laid to a minimum uniform grade of 1 in 100
70* 30° 9 (24) 10 (25)
over 15-m length. The low end of each run is to be drained
Clear through the hob to a stormwater system. The upper end of 25° 11 (26) 12 (27)
cover ‡ each run is to be brought to the surface and capped
50-mm-dia. weepholes through hob at 1200 mm centres
COMMON DETAILS FOR ALL WALLS * Design depth of steel from
T3
face of masonry or concrete
T3 to centreline of reinforcement. B4 T1 Sloping backfill
If this must be varied (for
(1 in 4 maximum)
B4 T1 Sloping backfill reasons of durability, block or level
(1 in 4 maximum) dimensions, etc) it may render
or level the information in the Tables
inaccurate. X-bars
X-bars NOTE: All cores
‡ For clear cover requirements, fully grouted
NOTE: All cores Longitudinal refer AS 3700 Section 5 and Longitudinal
fully grouted reinforcement: reinforcement:
AS 3600 Section 4 H1
N12 at 400 crs. N12 at 400 crs.
H1
700
500 Y-bars lap Y-bars
lap
SL72 mesh SL72 mesh
100 100
H2 H2
Y-bars Y-bars
H3 H3
N16 at N16 at
300 crs 300 crs
B2 B3 B2 B3

B1 B1
WALLS WITH SINGLE STEM OF 140-mm BLOCK WALLS WITH SINGLE STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK

T3 T3

T2 T2

B4 T1 Sloping backfill B4 T1 Sloping backfill

(1 in 4 maximum) (1 in 4 maximum)
or level or level

Longitudinal reinforcement
X-bars in thin stem: N12 at 400 crs.
H4 700
lap X-bars
H4 700 NOTE: All cores Longitudinal reinforcement
lap fully grouted in thin stem: N12 at 400 crs. X-bars
X-bars Ties: N10 at 400 crs. (100 cog
NOTE: All cores and
each end) this course, R6 at
cavity fully grouted
H1 Y-bars H1 400 x 400 crs. for remainder
Y-bars
H5 N16 700 lap Longitudinal reinforcement H5 N16 700 lap Longitudinal reinforcement
N20 1000 lap in thick stem: N16 at 400 crs. N20 1000 lap in thick stem: 2-N16 at 400 crs.
Y-bars Y-bars
100 100
H2 SL72 mesh H2 SL72 mesh
H3 Y-bars H3 Y-bars
N16 at N16 at
300 crs 300 crs
B2 B3 B2 B3

B1 B1
WALLS WITH THIN STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK WALLS WITH THIN STEM OF 190-mm BLOCK
AND THICK STEM OF 290-mm BLOCK AND THICK STEM OF 190/80/190-mm CAVITY BLOCK

21
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 7

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 35°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2900 500 460 200 2440 510 1740 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2800 350 – – – 340 1910 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2600 350 – – – 340 1710 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2200 350 – – – 340 1510 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 1800 350 300 100 1500 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2600 190 1800 290 800 1500 350 – – – 340 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1300 350 – – – 340 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1200 350 – – – 340 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1200 250 – – – 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 900 250 – – – 240 610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 360 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2900 500 460 450 2440 510 2240 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2800 350 300 430 2500 340 2410 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2600 350 300 400 2300 340 2210 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2500 350 300 380 2200 340 2010 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2300 350 300 350 2000 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2100 350 300 330 1800 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 300 300 1700 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 300 280 1500 340 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1500 350 – – – 340 1310 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1500 250 200 230 1300 240 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1300 250 200 200 1100 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1100 250 – – – 240 810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 150 150 850 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3400 500 470 700 2930 510 2840 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3400 190 1800 460 1600 3400 500 470 700 2930 510 3010 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 460 1400 3200 500 400 600 2800 340 2810 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2900 350 400 600 2500 340 2510 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2700 350 340 500 2360 340 2310 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2500 350 340 500 2160 340 2110 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2200 350 300 400 1900 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 2000 350 300 400 1700 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1900 350 270 400 1630 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1700 250 270 400 1430 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 200 300 1300 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1300 250 200 200 1100 240 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 150 200 1050 190 960 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 150 100 850 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 150 100 650 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

22
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 8

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 35°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3000 500 460 380 2540 510 2440 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 3000 350 300 390 2700 340 2610 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2800 350 300 390 2500 340 2410 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2500 350 300 380 2200 340 2410 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2300 350 300 350 2000 340 2410 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2100 350 300 330 1750 340 2110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 300 300 1700 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1600 350 – – – 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1800 250 280 230 1570 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1300 250 – – – 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 – – – 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 360 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3500 350 400 600 3100 340 2610 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3100 350 300 430 2800 340 2510 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2700 350 300 430 2400 340 2210 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2300 350 300 440 2000 340 1910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 2000 350 300 440 1700 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1800 350 300 440 1500 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1900 250 200 450 1700 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 200 450 1300 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1300 250 200 460 1100 240 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 200 470 1000 190 960 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 150 100 850 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 660 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
2000 190 1400 290 600 2600 350 300 400 2200 340 2210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 2600 250 270 400 2200 240 2010 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1600 190 – – – 2400 250 200 300 2200 240 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 2000 250 200 300 1800 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1700 200 150 200 1350 190 1260 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1500 200 150 100 1050 190 960 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1200 200 150 80 650 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

23
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 9

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 30°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 2900 500 460 450 2440 510 2040 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 2800 350 300 430 2500 340 2210 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 2600 350 300 400 2300 340 2010 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3000 190 1800 290 1200 2500 350 300 380 2200 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2300 350 300 350 2000 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2600 190 1800 290 800 2100 350 300 330 1800 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 300 300 1700 340 1310 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 300 280 1500 340 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1400 350 – – – 340 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1500 250 200 230 1300 240 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1300 250 200 200 1100 240 810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 – – – 240 710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 150 150 850 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 600 200 – – – 190 360 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
3600 190 1800 460 1800 3200 500 460 450 1340 510 2540 N16 at 400 N20 at 400
3400 190 1800 290 1600 4400 350 300 430 4100 340 2710 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3200 190 1800 290 1400 4000 350 300 400 3700 340 2510 N16 at 400 N20 at 200
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3400 350 300 400 3100 340 2310 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3100 350 300 350 2800 340 2110 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2600 350 300 330 2300 340 1910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2200 350 300 300 1900 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 300 280 1500 340 1510 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1700 350 300 250 1400 340 1510 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 2000 250 200 230 1800 240 1310 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 200 200 1300 240 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1200 250 200 180 1000 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1100 200 150 150 950 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 900 200 150 130 750 190 660 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 700 200 150 100 550 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
2000 190 14800 290 600 2800 350 300 250 2500 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 2500 250 240 350 2260 240 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1900 250 240 350 1660 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1400 250 240 350 1160 240 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 240 350 960 190 1060 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1100 200 240 350 860 190 860 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 900 200 150 200 750 190 660 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

24
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 10

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 30°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3000 350 300 400 2700 340 2310 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2800 190 1800 290 1000 2500 350 300 400 2200 340 2010 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2600 190 1800 290 800 2500 350 300 300 2200 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2400 190 1800 290 600 2000 350 300 300 1700 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 300 280 1500 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2000 190 1400 290 600 1700 350 300 250 1430 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1800 190 – – – 1500 250 200 300 1300 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1600 190 – – – 1400 250 200 200 1200 240 1110 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1400 190 – – – 1200 250 200 180 1000 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1200 140 – – – 1000 200 150 150 850 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
1000 140 – – – 900 200 150 100 750 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
800 140 – – – 700 200 – – – 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
2400 190 1800 290 600 3400 350 300 400 3100 340 2210 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2200 190 1600 290 600 2700 350 300 400 2400 340 1910 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
2000 190 1400 290 600 2100 350 300 400 1800 340 1910 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1800 190 – – – 2200 250 270 400 1930 240 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1600 190 – – – 2100 250 200 300 1900 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1400 190 – – – 1500 250 200 300 1300 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1200 140 – – – 1300 200 200 300 1100 190 1060 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 200 300 800 190 860 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
800 140 – – – 800 200 150 200 650 190 660 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
1400 190 – – – 2400 250 270 400 2130 240 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1200 140 – – – 2100 200 270 400 1830 190 1460 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
1000 140 – – – 1400 200 270 400 1130 190 1260 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
800 140 – – – 1200 200 200 300 1000 190 260 N12 at 400 N12 at 200

25
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 11

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 0° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 25°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
3000 190 1800 290 1200 3500 350 300 380 3200 340 1810 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2800 190 1800 290 1000 3100 350 300 350 2800 340 1610 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2600 190 1800 290 800 2600 350 300 330 2300 340 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2400 190 1800 290 600 2200 350 300 300 1900 340 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2200 190 1600 290 600 1800 350 300 280 1500 340 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
2000 190 1400 290 600 1500 350 300 250 1200 340 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 1900 250 200 230 1700 240 910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 200 200 1300 240 710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 1000 250 200 180 800 240 510 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1100 200 150 150 950 190 460 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1400 200 – – – 190 360 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 800 200 – – – 190 160 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
1000 140 – – – 2600 200 150 130 2430 190 2450 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1900 200 150 100 1750 190 1660 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
1000 140 – – – 4200 200 150 130 4050 190 3960 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 3200 200 150 100 3050 190 2960 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

26
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

DESIGN TABLES FOR TYPE 2 WALLS Table 12

Live load vertical surcharge = 5 kPa Backfill slope = 14° Foundation characteristic internal friction angle = 25°
Height Thin stem Thick stem Base Key Hob Reinforcement
H1 T1 H4 T2 H5 B1 H2 B3 H3 B2 T3 B4 X-bars Y-bars
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 35° Characteristic cohesion = 0 kPa
2000 190 1400 290 600 1900 350 300 400 1300 340 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1800 190 – – – 2000 250 270 400 1730 240 1510 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1600 190 – – – 1500 250 270 400 1230 240 1210 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1400 190 – – – 1300 250 200 300 1100 240 1010 N16 at 400 N16 at 200
1200 140 – – – 1200 200 200 300 1000 190 960 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
1000 140 – – – 1000 200 150 200 850 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
800 140 – – – 800 200 150 200 650 190 560 N12 at 400 N12 at 200
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 30° Characteristic cohesion = 2.5 kPa
2000 190 1400 290 600 3700 350 300 400 3400 340 2210 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1800 190 – – – 3800 250 270 400 3530 240 1910 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1600 190 – – – 2900 250 270 400 2630 240 1710 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1400 190 – – – 2200 250 270 400 1930 240 1410 N16 at 400 N16 at 400
1200 140 – – – 1800 200 270 400 1530 190 1260 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
1000 140 – – – 1600 200 200 300 1400 190 1060 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 1000 200 200 300 800 190 760 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
Characteristic internal friction angle of infill material and retained soil = 25° Characteristic cohesion = 5.0 kPa
1000 140 – – – 2400 200 270 400 2130 190 1360 N12 at 400 N12 at 400
800 140 – – – 2000 200 200 300 1800 190 1060 N12 at 400 N12 at 400

27
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Appendix B Design Example 2 Earthquake Considerations

Location
Sydney
The following example demonstrates the method
used to design a typical reinforced concrete Acceleration coefficient
masonry cantilever retaining wall in accordance with a = 0.08
AS 4678 and the design considerations set out in Soil profile
this Guide. It may also be used to check the Not more than 30 m of firm clay
suitability of commercially-available design software
that is intended to be based on AS 4678 and on this Site factor
Guide. s = 1.0
Earthquake design category = Ber
∴ Design for static loads without further
1 Wall Details specific analysis
Wall slope
ω = 0° 3 Load Factors
Load factor on overturning dead loads
Backfill slope Gdo = 1.25
β = 15.0°
Load factor on overturning live loads
Height of stem above soil in front of wall
Glo = 1.5
H’ = 3.6 m
Live load surcharge Load factor on resisting dead loads
ql = 5.0 kPa Gdr = 0.8

Dead load surcharge Load factor on resisting live loads

qd = 0 kPa Glr = 0.0

Height of water table from top of drainage layer 4 Infill Soil Properties
Hw = 0 m Soil description
Limits for determining Structure Classification Controlled crushed sandstone or gravel fills
Class 2 controlled fill
2ω + φ
θtm = Characteristic internal angle of friction
3
φi = 35°
(2 x 0°) + 35°
= Design uncertainity factor for friction
3
Φuφi = 0.90
= 11.7°
Design angle of friction
θb = θtf
φ*i = tan-1[(tan φi)Φuφi]
2ω + 3φ = tan-1[(tan 35°)0.90]
=
5 = 32.2°
(2 x 0°) + (3 x 35°) Characteristic cohesion
=
5 ci = 3.0 kPa
= 21.0°
Design uncertainty factor for cohesion
NOTE: Structures beyond the base limit or beyond the Φuci = 0.75
top limits are unlikely to be affected by, or have an
affect upon, the structure clasification Design cohesion
c*i = ci Φuci
There are no major structures located within the limits.
= 3.0 x 0.75
Structure failure results moderate damage. = 2.3 kPa Assume zero for design
Structure Classification = 2
Soil density
Reduction factor Top limit (live load) γ*i = 18.6 kN/m3
Φn = 1.0
Top limit Design external friction angle
(dead load) δ*i = 2/3 φ*i
= 2 x 32.2
θb 3
= 21.5°

Base ω
limit
θtm
θtf

28
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

5 Retained Soil Properties 7 Retaining Wall Stem and Base

Soil description Arrangement
Stiff sandy clay
Insitu T2 =460 B7 = 1940

Characteristic internal angle of friction B4 =1000 T1 =190

B6 = 2210
φr = 29°
Design uncertainity factor for friction ω ≈ 1.43° (1 in 40)
Φuφr = 0.85 Use 0° for design

H10 = 592
Design angle of friction
φ*r = tan-1[(tan φi)Φuφr] β = 15°
= tan-1[(tan 29°)0.85]
= 25.2° Thin stem

H7 = 1800
Characteristic cohesion 190 Block properties:
80
cr = 5.0 kPa Face-shell
thickness,

H1 = 3600
Design uncertainty factor for cohesion

H9 = 4792
ts1 = 30 mm

H6 = 3700
Φucr = 0.70

H12 = 5192
H4 = 4200
Block core
H5 = 4600

H8 = 1900
Design cohesion taper,

H13 = 100
c*r = cr Φucr tt1 = 3 mm
= 5.0 x 0.70 Thick stem
= 3.5 kPa Assume zero for design
Soil density
H11 = 1000
γ*r = 19.6 kN/m3
H2 = 500

Base

Design external friction angle

H3 = 400

(soil to soil interface)

δ*r = φ*r
= 25.2°
B2 =1000 B3 = 460 B5 = 1940
6 Foundation Soil Properties B1 = 3400
Soil description
Reconstruct the foundation to improve properties.
Use crushed sandstone fill 8 Masonry Properties
Controlled fill, Class 2 Block height
Characteristic internal angle of friction hu = 190 mm
φf = 35°
Mortar joint thickness
Design uncertainity factor for friction tj = 10 mm
Φuφf = 0.90
Height ratio
Design angle of friction hu 190
=
φ*f = tan-1[(tan φf)Φuφf] tj 10
= tan-1[(tan 35°)0.90] = 19.0
= 32.2°
Compressive strength factor
Characteristic cohesion kh = 1.3 AS 3700 Table 3.2
cf = 3.0 kPa
Masonry factor for face-shell-bedded concrete units
Design uncertainty factor for cohesion km = 1.6 AS 3700 Table 3.1
Φucf = 0.75
Mortar type
Design cohesion M3 (1:5 + water thickener)
c*f = cf Φucf
Characteristic unconfined unit strength
= 3.0 x 0.75
f’uc = 15 MPa
= 2.3 kPa for bearing and zero for sliding
Soil density Characteristic masonry strength for 76-mm-high
units
γ*f = 18.6 kN/m3
f’mb = km√ f’uc AS 3700 Clause 3.3.2(a)(i)
= 1.6√ 15
= 6.2 MPa
Characteristic unconfined masonry strength
f’m = kh f’mb AS 3700 Clause 3.3.2(a)(i)
= 1.3 x 6.2
= 8.06 MPa
29
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

9 Thin-Stem Strengths Out-of-plane shear capacity AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3

Blockwork width A d
Vcap = min{ ø [f'vm bw d + fvs Ast + fsy sv ] or
T1 = 190 mm S
4 ø f'vm bw d}
Face-shell thickness
ts1 = 30 mm 0.75[(0.35 x 1000 x 125) + (17.5 x 500) + 0]
= min{
1000
Block core taper
4 x 0.75 x 0.35 x 1000 x 125
tt1 = 3 mm or }
1000
Steel reinforcement = min{ 39.4 or 131.3}
N16 bars at 400-mm centres = 39.4 kN/m
Reinforcement strength Design area of reinforcement
fsy = 500 MPa Asd = Ast
Diameter of reinforcement = 500 mm2
Dia = 16 mm (0.29) 1.3 f'm b d
< AS 3700 Cl 8.5
Required clear cover to steel from face shell fsy
cc.req = Max (20 mm aggregate, 15 mm cover)
0.29 x 1.3 x 8.06 x 1000 x 125
AS 3700 Table 10.7.2.5 =
= 20 mm AS 3700 Table 5.1 500
= 759 mm2 OK
Required cover to steel centreline
creq = cc.req + Dia/2 + tt1 + ts1 > 0.0013 b d AS 3700 Cl 8.5
= 20 + 16/2 + 3 + 30 = 0.0013 x 1000 x 125
= 61 mm = 163 mm2 OK
Specify cover to steel centreline Moment capacity AS 3700 Cl 8.5
c = 65 mm (ie from rear face of block) 0.6 fsy Asd
Mcap = ø fsy Asd d 1-
> 61 mm OK
1.3 f'm b d
Effective depth
d = T1 - c = 0.75 x 500 x 500 x 125 x
= 190 - 65 0.6 x 500 x 500
1- x 10-6
= 125 mm 1.3 x 8.06 x 1000 x 125
Capacity reduction factor
= 20.8 kN.m/m
φ = 0.75 AS 3700 Table 4.1
Determine out-of-plane shear capacity for thin-stem 10 Thick-Stem Strengths
section: Blockwork width
Characteristic shear strength T2 = 460 mm
f'ms = 0.35 MPa (at interface) AS 3700 Cl 3.3.4(d) Face-shell thickness
f'vm = 0.35 MPa AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3 ts2 = 30 mm
Width of web Block core taper
bw = 1000 mm tt2 = 3 mm
Design shear strength Steel reinforcement
fvs = 17.5 MPa AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3 N20 bars at 400-mm centres
Cross-sectional area of reinforcement Diameter of Reinforcement
1000 Dia = 20 mm
Ast = 200 x
400 Reinforcement strength
= 500 mm2/m fsy = 500 MPa
< 0.02 bw d AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3
Required clear cover to steel from face shell
= 0.02 x 1000 x 125 cc.req = Max (20 mm aggregate, 15 mm cover)
= 2500 mm2 OK AS 3700 Table 10.7.2.5
Cross-sectional area and spacing of shear reinf. = 20 mm AS 3700 Table 5.1
Asv = 0 (no stirrups) S = NA Required cover to steel centreline
creq = cc.req + Dia/2 + tt2 + ts2
= 20 + 20/2 + 3 + 30
= 63 mm
Specify cover to steel centreline
c = 95 mm (ie in centre of rear block)
> 63 mm OK

30
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Effective depth 11 Thick-stem/Thin-stem Connection

d = T2 - c At the connection of the
= 460 - 95 thick stem to the thin stem,
= 365 mm there exists the possibility
Capacity reduction factor that the thin stem could
Thin stem
φ = 0.75 AS 3700 Table 4.1 shear away. To prevent this,
ties should be inserted,
Determine out-of-plane shear capacity for Potential crack
transferring the shear loads
thick-stem section: directly into the block of the
Thick stem
Characteristic shear strength thick stem. use 1-N10 tie at
f'ms = 0.35 MPa (at interface) AS 3700 Cl 3.3.4(d) 400-mm centres.
f'vm = 0.35 MPa AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3 Reinforcement strength
fsy = 500 MPa
Width of web
bw = 1000 mm Diameter of reinforcement
Diatie = 10 mm
Design shear strength
fvs = 17.5 MPa AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3 Cross-sectional area of tie
1000
Cross-sectional area of reinforcement Atie = 78.5 x
1000 400
Ast = 310 x = 196 mm2/m
400
= 775 mm2/m Capacity reduction factor
φ = 0.75
< 0.02 bw d AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3
= 0.02 x 1000 x 125 Capacity of tie
= 2500 mm2 OK Vtie.cap = φ fsy Atie
0.75 x 500 x 196
Cross-sectional area and spacing of shear reinf. =
Asv = 0 (no stirrups) S = NA 1000
= 74 kN/m
Out-of-plane shear capacity AS 3700 Cl 8.6.3
A d 12 Base Strengths
Vcap = min{ ø [f'vm bw d + fvs Ast + fsy sv ] or
S Satisfactory shear and bending moment capacity
4 ø f'vm bw d} can be achieved by using the same reinforcement
in the base as is required in the stem and ensuring
0.75[(0.35 x 1000 x 365) + (17.5 x 775) + 0] the depth of the section of the base is greater than
= min{
1000 the thicknes of the stem, provided reinforcement
4 x 0.75 x 0.35 x 1000 x 365 limits are observed. The capacity can be checked
or
1000
}
as follows.
= min{ 106.0 or 383.0} Base depth
= 106.0 kN/m H2 = 500 mm
Design area of reinforcement > 460 mm (thick stem) OK
Asd = Ast
Steel reinforcement
= 775 mm2 N20 bars at 400-mm centres
(0.29) 1.3 f'm b d Reinforcement strength
< AS 3700 Cl 8.5
fsy fsy = 500 MPa
0.29 x 1.3 x 8.06 x 1000 x 365 Diameter of reinforcement
=
500 Dia = 20 mm
= 2217 mm2 OK Surface of member in contact with
Moment capacity AS 3700 Cl 8.5 non-aggressive soil
0.6 fsy Asd Exposure classification A2 AS 3600 Table 4.3
Mcap = ø fsy Asd d 1- Concrete strength grade
1.3 f'm b d
f’c = 25 MPa AS 3600 Clause 4.4
= 0.75 x 500 x 775 x 365 x
Characteristic flexural tensile strength
0.6 x 500 x 775 f’cf = 0.6 (f’c)0.5 AS 3600 Clause 6.1.1.3
1- x 10-6
1.3 x 8.06 x 1000 x 365 = 0.6 x 250.5
= 3.0 MPa
= 99.6 kN.m/m
Footing will be cast against ground without membrane
Required clear cover to steel from face of concrete
cc.eq = 30 + 20 AS 3600 Tables 4.10.3.2, 4.10.3.3
= 50 mm

31
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Required cover to steel centreline Bending ratio

creq = cc.req + Dia/2 Ast fsy
= 50 + 20/2 q= AS 3600 Clause 8.1.2.2
b d f’c
= 60 mm
775 x 500
Specified cover to steel centreline =
c = 70 mm (Allows for some variation in placing) 1000 x 430 x 25
> 60 mm OK = 0.0360
Effective depth Bending capacity
d = H2 - c R C Design Handbook Clause 4.2.2*
= 500 - 70 Mcap = φb f’c q(1 - q/1.7)b d2
= 430 mm 0.036 1000 x 4302
= 0.8 x 25 x 0.036(1 - )
Capacity-reduction factor for bending 1.7 106
φb = 0.8 AS 3600 Table 2.3 = 130 kNm/m
Capacity-reduction factor for shear
φv = 0.7 AS 3600 Table 2.3 13 Active Pressure on Stem
Active pressure coefficient of infill soil
Area of tensile steel cos2(φ*i + ω)
1000 Kai =
Ast = 310 x cos2(ω)cos(ω - δ*i) sin(φ*i + δ*i)sin(φ*i - β) 2
400 1+
= 775 mm2/m cos(ω - δ*i)cos(ω + β)
Tensile steel ratio cos2(32.2° + 0°)
=
Ast 775 cos2(0°)cos(0° - 21.5°)
=
bd 1000 x 430 sin(32.2° + 21.5°)sin(32.2° - 15°) 2
= 0.00180 1+
cos(0° - 21.5°)cos(0° + 15°)
≥ 0.22 (D/d)2 f’cf/fsy
= 0.335
= 0.22 (500/430)2 3/500
= 0.00179 OK 14 Thin Stem Design
Shear reinforcement Height of thin stem
Asv = 0 H7 = 1.8 m
Shear coefficients Horizontal active force due to surcharge
β1 = 1.1(1.6 - do/1000) AS 3600 Clause 8.2.7.1 PqHi7 = Kai[(Gdo qd) + (Glo ql)]H7 cos (δ*i - ω)
= 1.1(1.6 - 430/1000) = 0.335[(1.25 x 0) + (1.5 x 5.0)] 1.8 x
= 1.29 cos (21.5° - 0°)
≥ 1.1 = 4.2 kN/m
β2 = 1.0 AS 3600 Clause 8.2.7.1 Horizontal active force due to soil
β3 = 1.0 AS 3600 Clause 8.2.7.1 PsHi7 = Kai 0.5 Gdo γ*i H72 cos (δ*i - ω)
= 0.335 x 0.5 x 1.25 x 18.6 x (1.8)2 x
Ultimate shear strength excluding reinforcement
cos (21.5° - 0°)
AS 3600 Clause 8.2.7.1
= 11.7 kN/m
Ast f’c 1/3
Vuc = β1 β2 β3 bv do Total horizontal force
bv do PHi7 = PqHi7 + PsHi7
775 x 25 1/3 1 = 4.2 + 11.7
= 1.29 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1000 x 430 = 15.9 kN/m
1000 x 430 1000
Maximum shear
= 197 kN
V*7 = PHi7
Vus = 0 AS 3600 Clause 8.2.10
= 15.9 kN/m
Shear capacity < 39.4 kN/m (reinforced blockwork)
φVu = φ(Vuc + Vus) AS 3600 Clause 8.2.2 < 74.0 kN/m (tie to thick stem)
= 0.7(197 + 0) Maximum bending moment
= 138 kN/m H H
M*7 = PqHi7 x 7 + PqHi7 x 7
Ratio of depth of assumed compression block 2 3
γ = 0.85 - 0.007(f’c - 28) AS 3600 Clause 8.1.2.2 1.8 1.8
= 0.85 - 0.007(25 - 28) = 4.2 x + 11.7 x
2 3
= 0.87
> 0.65 OK = 10.8 kN.m/m
Use moment capacity formula < 20.8 kN.m/m OK
based on 0.85
*Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook, jointly
published by Cement and Concrete Association
of Australia and Standards Australia.

32
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

15 Thick Stem Design 17 External Stability

Height of thick stem Horizontal forces are calculated from the soil
H6 = 3.7 m surface at the back of the heel to the underside of
the key. In this case, passive pressure will also be
Horizontal active force due to surcharge calculated in front of the base and key.
PqHi6 = Kai[(Gdo qd) + (Glo ql)]H6 cos (δ*i - ω)
Consistent with the above assumption, the structure
= 0.335[(1.25 x 0) + (1.5 x 5.0)] 3.7 x
down to the underside of the key is considered.
cos (21.5° - 0°)
Vertical forces include the soil under the base down
= 8.6 kN/m
to this level.
Horizontal active force due to soil
For the ultimate stability limit state, provided the
PsHi6 = Kai 0.5 Gdo γ*i H62 cos (δ*i - ω)
foundation reaction is within the base, the structure
= 0.335 x 0.5 x 1.25 x 18.6 x (3.7)2 x will not overturn. However, errors in the calculation
cos (21.5° - 0°) of the ultimate bearing reaction, and therefore, in
= 49.6 kN/m the position of the reaction, could lead to an
Total horizontal force overestimation of the stability. Therefore, it is
PHi6 = PqHi6 + PsHi6 prudent to nominate a minimum distance from the
base of the toe to the reaction.
= 8.6 + 49.6
= 58.3 kN/m As a first check, one-third of the base may be used.
That is, the centroid of an idealised rectangular
Maximum shear
foundation reaction is within the middle third of the
V*6 = PHi6
base at ultimate limit state. This is more
= 58.3 kN/m conservative than the same requirement imposed at
< 106.0 kN/m working stress loads.
Maximum bending moment X’ = 0.33 B1
H H = 0.33 x 3.4
M*6 = PqHi6 x 6 + PqHi6 x 6
2 3 = 1.122 m
3.7 3.7
= 8.6 x + 49.6 x 18 Active Pressure on Structure
2 3
Active pressure coefficient
= 77.1 kN.m/m
cos2(φ*r + ω)
< 99.6 kN.m/m OK Kar =
cos2(ω)cos(ω - δ*r) sin(φ*r + δ*r)sin(φ*r - β) 2
1+
16 Base Design cos(ω - δ*r)cos(ω + β)
Upper-bound estimates of the shear force and cos2(25.2° + 0°)
bending moments in the heel of the base may be =
cos2(0°)cos(0° - 25.2°)
calculated as follows.
sin(25.2° + 25.2°)sin(25.2° - 15°) 2
Upper-bound bending moment 1+
cos(0° - 25.2°)cos(0° + 15°)
M* = M*
base 6
= 0.464
= 77.1 kNm/m
< 130 kNm/m OK 19 Passive Pressure on Structure
Upper-bound shear force Passive pressure coefficient
M*base 1 + sin φ*f
Kpf =
V*base = 1 - sin φ*f
0.5 B4
1 + sin 32.2°
77.1 =
= 1 - sin 32.2°
0.5 x 1.940
= 79.51 kN/m = 3.28
< 138 kN/m OK
20 Horizontal Active Force due to
surcharge
Horizontal active force due to surcharge
PqH = Kar[(Gdo qd) + (Glo ql)]H12 cos (δ*r - ω)
= 0.464[(1.25 x 0) + (1.5 x 5.0)] 5.192 x
cos (25.2° - 0°)
= 16.4 kN/m
Lever arm of horizontal surcharge force above base
H
yqH = 12
2
5.192
=
2
= 2.596 m

33
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Overturning moment due to surcharge 24 Weight of Thick Stem

MqHO = PqH yqH Weight of thick stem
= 16.4 x 2.596 P2V = GdR γmasonry H8 T2
= 42.4 kN.m/m = 0.8 x 23.0 x 1.9 x 0.46
= 16.1 kN/m
21 Horizontal Active Force due to Soil
Lever arm on weight of thick stem
Horizontal active force due to soil
X2V = B4 + T2/2 - X’
PsH = Kar 0.5 Gdo γ*r H122 cos (δ*r - ω)
= 1.0 + 0.46/2 - 1.122
= 0.464 x 0.5 x 1.25 x 19.6 x 5.1922 x = 0.108 m
cos (25.2° - 0°)
= 138.7 kN/m Restoring moment due to weight of thick stem
M2R = P2V X2V
Lever arm of horizontal soil force above base
= 16.1 x 0.108
H
ysH = 12 = 1.7 kN.m/m
3
5.192 25 Weight of Soil above Thick Stem
= Weight of soil above thick stem
3
P3V = GdR γ*i H7(T2 - T1)
= 1.731 m = 0.8 x 18.6 x 1.8(0.46 - 0.19)
Overturning moment due to soil = 7.2 kN/m
MsHO = PsH ysH
Lever arm on weight of soil above thick stem
= 138.7 x 1.731 X3V = B4 + T1 +(T2 - T1)/2 - X’
= 240.0 kN.m/m
= 1.0 + 0.19 + (0.46 - 0.19)/2 - 1.122
= 0.203 m
22 Horizontal Passive Force
Passive force on base and key Restoring moment due to weight of soil above thick
Pp(k+b)H = Kpf 0.5 Gdo γ*f H112 stem
M3R = P3V X3V
= 3.28 x 0.5 x 0.8 x 18.6 x 1.02
= 7.2 x 0.203
= 24.4 kN/m
= 1.5 kN.m/m
Lever arm of passive horizontal soil force above
base 26 Weight of Soil in Batter
H (Above Top of Wall)
ypHR = 11
3 Weight of soil in batter
1.0 P4V = GdR γ*i 0.5 B6 H10
= = 0.8 x 18.6 x 0.5 x 2.21 x 0.592
3
= 9.7 kN/m
= 0.333 m
Lever arm on weight of soil in batter
Restoring moment due to passive horizontal soil X4V = B4 + T1 + (2 B6)/3 - X’
force
MpHR = Pp(k+b)H ypHR = 1.0 + 0.19 + (2 x 2.21)/3 - 1.122
= 1.541 m
= 24.4 x .0333
= 8.1 kN.m/m Restoring moment due to weight of soil in batter
M4R = P4V X4V
23 Weight of Thin Stem = 9.7 x 1.541
Weight of thin stem = 15.0 kN.m/m
P1V = GdR γmasonry H7 T1
= 0.8 x 23.0 x 1.8 x 0.19 27 Weight of Soil above Heel
= 6.3 kN/m Weight of soil above heel
P5V = GdR γ*i B7 H6
Lever arm on weight of thin stem
X1V = B4 + T1/2 - X’ = 0.8 x 18.6 x 1.94 x 3.7
= 106.8 kN/m
= 1.0 + 0.19/2 - 1.122
= - 0.027 m Lever arm on weight of soil in batter
X5V = B4 + T2 + B7/2 - X’
Restoring moment due to weight of thin stem
M1R = P1V X1V = 1.0 + 0.46 + 1.94/2 - 1.122
= 1.308 m
= 6.3 x (-0.027)
= - 0.2 kN.m/m Restoring moment due to weight of soil in batter
M5R = P5V X5V
= 106.8 x 1.308
= 139.7 kN.m/m

34
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

28 Weight of Base 32 Base Sliding

Weight of base Assume rough base-to-soil interface
P6V = GdR γ*c B1 H2 (Provided a key is used or if the interface between
= 0.8 x 25.0 x 3.4 x 0.5 the soil and the concrete of the base is not smooth,
= 34.0 kN/m a friction angle of φ may be used. Otherwise, an
angle of δ would be appropriate)
Lever arm on weight of base
X6V = B1/2 - X’ Friction resistance
= 3.4/2 - 1.122 Pfr = Φn (P1V + P2V + P3V + P4V + P5V + P6V + P71V +
= 0.578 m P8V + P9V) tan φ*f
= 1.0(6.3 + 16.1 + 7.2 + 9.7 + 106.8 + 34.0 +
Restoring moment due to weight of base
3.7 + 73.0 + 17.5) tan 32.2°
M6R = P6V X6V
= 172.9 kN/m
= 34.0 x 0.578
= 19.7 kN.m/m Base adhesion
Pba = Φn B1 C*a
29 Weight of Key = 1.0 x 3.4 x 0
Weight of key = 0 kN/m
P7V = GdR γ*c B3 H2 Passive force in front of base and key
= 0.8 x 25.0 x 0.46 x 0.4 PpH = Φn Pp(k+b)H
= 3.7 kN/m = 1.0 x 24.4
Lever arm on weight of key = 24.4 kN/m
X7V = B2 + B3/2 - X’ Total sliding resistance
= 1.0 + 0.46/2 - 1.122 PsR = Pfr + Pba + PpH
= 0.108 m = 172.9 + 0 + 24.4
Restoring moment due to weight of key = 197 kN/m
M7R = P7V X7V Sliding force
= 3.7 x 0.108 PbH = PqH + PsH
= 0.4 kN.m/m = 16.4 + 138.7
= 155 kN/m
30 Vertical Component of Soil Friction < 197 kN/m OK
at Heel Sliding should also be checked at the interface of
To calculate the vertical component of soil friction at any soil strata beneath the structure.
the heel, the factored horizontal force component is
multiplied by tan(δ*r - ω) 33 Overturning
That is, this force effectively has a load factor of Overturning has been checked about a point that is
1.25 applied, even though it has a restoring effect. one-third of the base width from the toe and at the
level of the underside of the key.
Vertical component of soil friction at heel
P8V = (PsH + PqH) tan(δ*r - ω) Resisting moments
= (138.7 + 16.4) tan (25.2° - 0°) MR = Φn(M1R + M2R + M3R + M4R + M5R + M6R +
= 73.0 kN/m M7R + M8R + MpHR)
= 1.0(-0.2 + 1.7 + 1.5 + 15.0 + 139.7 + 19.7 +
Lever arm of vertical component of soil friction
0.4 + 166.3 + 8.1)
at heel
= 352 kNm/m
X8V = B1 - X’
= 3.4 - 1.122 Overturning moments
= 2.278 m MO = MqHO + MsHO
= 42.4 + 240.0
Restoring moment due to vertical component of soil
friction at heel = 282 kNm/m
M8R = P8V X8V < 352 kNm/m OK
= 73.0 x 2.278
= 166.3 kN.m/m

31 Weight of Soil Under Base

Weight of soil under base
P9V = GdR γ*f H3(B1 - B3)
= 0.8 x 18.6 x 0.4(3.4 - 0.46)
= 17.5 kN/m
The soil under the base exerts a vertical pressure on
the foundation at the level of the key and, therefore,
must be included in the total vertical load.
However, this soil can not exert a resisting moment
and, therefore, must be neglected for stability
purposes.

35
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

34 Bearing at Underside of Key ζqt = [1 - α tan φ*f]2

Depth of embedment, He = H11 = 1.0 m = [1 - 0 tan 32.2°]2
Actual width of base, B = B1 = 3.4 m = 1.0
Ratio of horizontal loads to vertical loads ζc = 1.0
(Check both maximum and minimum vertical loads) 1 - ζqi
PH PqH + PsH ζci = ζqi -
= Nc tan φ*f
PV P10V + (P1V + P2V + P3V + P4V + P5V + P6V + P7V +
1 - 0.23
P8V + P9V) = 0.23 -
36.2 x tan 32.2°
16.4 + 138.7
= = 0.20
0 + (6.3 + 16.1 + 7.2 + 9.7 + 106.8 + 34.0 +
3.7 + 73.0 + 17.5) or
1 - 0.264
= 0.565 ζci = 0.26 -
36.2 x tan 32.2°
or
= 0.23
PH 16.4 + 138.7
= 1 - ζqt
PV 17.5 + (6.3 + 16.1 + 7.2 + 9.7 + 106.8 + ζct = ζqt -
Nc tan φ*f
34.0 + 3.7 + 73.0 + 17.5)
1 - 1.0
= 0.533 = 1.0 -
36.2 x tan 32.2°
Eccentricity
= 1.0
B MR - MO
e = - X’ - ζγ = 1.0
2 PV
3
3.4 352 - 282 PH
= - 1.122 - ζγi = 1 -
2 274 PV + LB c*f cot φ*f
= 0.323 3
155
= 1-
or 274 + 2.753 x 2.3 x cot 32.2°
3.4 372 - 282 = 0.11
e = - 1.122 -
2 291
or
= 0.271 155
3

Bearing width ζγi = 1 -

291 + 2.858 x 2.3 x cot 32.2°
LB = B - 2e
= 0.13
= 3.4 - (2 x 0.323)
= 2.753 ζγt = [1 - α tan φ*f]2
or = [1 - 0 tan 32.2°]2
= 1.0
LB = 3.4 - (2 x 0.271)
= 2.858 Average bearing strength capacity
PVcap = Φn LB[ (c*f Nc ζc ζci ζct) +
Bearing capacity factors
Nq = eπ tanφ*f tan2(π/4 + φ*f/2) (γ*f He Nq ζq ζqi ζqt) + (0.5 γ*f B Nγ ζγ ζγi ζγt)]

= eπ tan32.2° tan2(π/4 + 32.2°/2) = 341 kN/m

= 23.8 or
Nc = (Nq - 1)cot φ*f PVcap = 398 kN/m
= (23.8 - 1)cot 32.2°
Applied vertical force
= 36.2
PV= 274 kN/m
Nγ = 2(Nq + 1)tan φ*f < 341 kN/m OK
= 2(23.8 + 1)tan 32.2°
or
= 31.2
PV= 291 kN/m
ζq = 1.0
< 398 kN/m OK
2
PH
ζqi = 1 -
PV + LB c*f cot φ*f
2
155
=1-
274 + 2.753 x 2.3 x cot 32.2°
= 0.23
or
2
155
ζqi = 1 -
291 + 2.858 x 2.3 x cot 32.2°
= 0.26

36
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

APPENDIX C Site Investigation

SITE INVESTIGATION Date:

Report
prepared by:

Client:

Project:

Location:

Use for which retaining wall is intended:

Proximity of other structures and loads to the face of the retaining wall:
Structure or load Distance (m)
Distance of live loads from top of wall
Distance of dead loads from top of wall
Distance of other structures from base of wall

Structure classification:
For guidance refer AS 4678, Table 1.1
Structure Classification Examples
1 Where failure would result in significant damage or risk to life
2 Where failure would result in moderate damage and loss of services
3 Where failure would result in minimal damage and loss of access

Required design life:

For guidance refer AS 4678, Table 3.1
Type of Structure Design life (years)
Temporary site works 5
Mine structures 10
Industrial structures 30
River and marine structures 60
Residential dwellings 60
Minor public works 90
Major public works 120

Required wall type:

Exposed height of retaining wall stem: m

Slope of wall: 1 horizontal in vertical

Slope of backfill: 1 vertical in horizontal

Specified surcharge loading (if any) or other loads: kPa

37
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Soil Properties
Effective
Density internal angle Cohesion
Soil (kg/m3) of friction (°) (kPa) Soil type*

Insitu foundation

Imported foundation material

Insitu retained soil

Infill soil

* Please indicate the appropriate type(s) and add any other notes.
Hard rock, sandstone, gravel, sand, silty sand, clayey sand, stiff clay, weak clay, other

Are soil strength tests required? (yes/no)

Is there ground water seepage present? Now ( yes/no ) After heavy rain (yes/no)

If yes, how much?

Is it practical to install subsurface drainage (yes/no) and surface drainage (yes/no)?

How will the drainage system affect the site?

What is the effect of excavation or filling?

Are there obvious global stability problems? (yes/no)

What is the effect of ground movement?

General description of site topography

(Sketch, site plan, and photographs where possible to be attached).

38
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

APPENDIX D In all other cases, the advice of the Engineer shall

be sought.
Construction Specification Adjacent structures must be founded either beyond
or below the zone of influence. Where there is risk
Supervision of global slip around a slip plane encompassing the
The Contractor shall ensure that the work is proposed retaining wall or other structures, or where
performed and directly supervised by appropriately- there is risk of inundation by ground water or
experienced personnel. surface water, retaining wall construction shall not
proceed until remedial action has been carried out.
Quality Assurance
Foundation Material
Suppliers and contractors shall provide assurance
of the quality of all goods, materials and services to Foundation material shall be uniform and of the type
be provided. The following are deemed to meet this shown on the drawings.
requirement:
Preparation of Foundation Material
■ a quality assurance system complying with
AS/NZS ISO 9001, or Where there are significant variations of foundation
material or compaction, soft spots or where there is
■ a quality control system approved by the Builder. ponding of ground water, the material shall be
removed, replaced and compacted in layers not
Australian Standards exceeding 150 mm at a moisture content within 2%
All components and installation shall comply with of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) to achieve
the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the 95% Standard Proctor density.
relevant Australian Standards, including AS 4678,
Trenches and footing excavations shall be
AS 3700 and AS 3600 and the standards referred to
dewatered and cleaned prior to placement of
therein.
drainage material or footings such that no softened
Safety and Protection of Existing Structures or loosened material remains. If necessary place
and compact foundation material in layers not
All excavations shall be carried out in a safe exceeding 150 mm to make up levels. The levels
manner in accordance with the relevant regulations, beneath the wall shall not be made up with bedding
to prevent collapse that may endanger life or sand or other poorly graded granular material that
property. may permit ground water to permeate under the
In the absence regulations to the contrary, the base of the retaining wall, except where drainage
following may be applied, where: material is specified and an adequate drainage
■ excavation is performed and remains open only system is designed.
in dry weather,
■
Concrete
there is no significant ground water seepage,
Concrete in the footings shall comply with AS 3600,
■ the excavation remains open for no longer than
strength grade N20 and maximum aggregate size of
two weeks,
20 mm. Concrete shall be subject to plant control
■ the back slope of the natural ground does not testing.
exceed 1 vertical in 6 horizontal,
■ bedding planes do not slope towards the cut, Reinforcement
and All reinforcement shall comply with AS/NZS 4671
■ there are no structures founded within a zone of and shall be a minimum of Grade N500.
influence defined by a line from the toe of the cut
at 30° for cohesionless material and 45° for other Positioning Reinforcement
material. Starter bars shall be tied into position to provide the
specified lap above the top surface of the footing.
Maximum
The starter bars shall be held in position by a timber
Maximum permissible
height of cut unpropped batter
member and controlled within a tolerance of ± 5 mm
Natural material (m) Vert : horiz through the wall and ± 50 mm along the wall. Bar
chairs shall be placed at 1 m centres both ways to
Stable rock, sandstone, firm 0 – 3.2 1 : 0.4 give the following clear cover. Chair bases shall be
shale etc where bedding used to prevent sinking of the chairs. Unless
planes do not slope towards Over 3.2 Seek advice of
specified otherwise on the drawings, structural laps
the excavation engineer
and cover shall be as follows.
Materials with both 0 – 2.6 1 : 0.8
significant cohesion and
Required Cover:
friction in its undisturbed Over 2.6 Seek advice of 40 mm in concrete in contact with unprotected
natural compacted state engineer ground
Cohesive soils, 0 – 2.0 1 : 1.2 40 mm in concrete exposed externally
eg clay, silts Over 2.0 Seek advice of 30 mm to a sealed vapour barrier
engineer
20 mm to an internal surface
Cohesionless soils, 0 – 1.4 1 : 1.6
eg Loose gravel, sand Over 1.4 Seek advice of
engineer

39
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Laps shall comply with AS 3600, and shall be not Mortar

less than: Cement shall be Type GP portland cement
Reinforcement Required Laps complying with AS 3972 unless specified otherwise.

Bars 500 mm Lime shall be hydrated building lime complying with

AS 1672.1 unless specified otherwise.
Fabric 2 cross wires overlapping
Water thickeners shall be methyl-cellulose based.
Trench mesh 500 mm
Sand shall be clean sharp and free from salts,
Two N12 corner bars, 1.0 m long, shall be placed at vegetable matter and impurities. It shall conform to
all re-entrant corners. AS 2758.1 except that the following grading shall
apply:
Placing and Finishing Concrete Sieve Percent Passing
Unless noted otherwise on the drawings, reinforced
concrete footings for retaining walls shall include a 4.76 mm 95 – 100
level concrete hob (or upstand), through which 2.36 mm 95 – 100
vertical starter bars are placed and on which the 1.18 mm 60 – 100
masonry is built. Horizontal 50-mm-diameter weep
holes shall pass through the hob at 1.2 m maximum 600 µm 30 – 100
centres. 300 µm 10 – 50
All concrete shall be compacted by immersion 150 µm 0 – 10
vibrator.
75 µm 0–4
All concrete shall be cured using a sprayed curing
compound. Fineness modulus 1.5 – 2.8
Concrete surfaces shall be finished as noted below, Mortar shall consist of the following:
unless specified otherwise. ■ Type M3 – For general applications
■ Horizontal surfaces exposed in the completed (except where Type M4 is required)
structure – fine-broomed steel float. ■ Preferred – 1 part Type GP cement, 5 parts sand
■ Horizontal surfaces not exposed in the plus water thickener
completed structure – wood float. ■ Alternative – 1 part Type GP cement, 1 part lime,
■ Vertical surfaces exposed in the completed 6 parts sand
structure – rubbed back to fill all voids and
provide smooth surface. Grout
■ Vertical surfaces not exposed in the completed Concrete grout shall have a minimum portland
structure – off-form finish. cement content of 300 kg/m3, a maximum
aggregate size of 10 mm, sufficient slump to
Concrete Blocks for Reinforced Masonry completely fill the cores and minimum compressive
Unless specified otherwise, masonry units shall cylinder strength of 20 MPa.
comply with AS 4455 and the following
requirements: Construction of Reinforced Masonry Stem
■ Dimensional category DW4. The first course of a reinforced masonry wall shall
consist of clean-out blocks (with one face shell cut
■ General purpose salt attack resistance grade away at the vertical reinforcement) to permit the
(except where exposed grade is required). subsequent removal of debris and mortar fins. The
■ Minimum characteristic compressive strength of opening of the clean-out blocks shall face the soil
10 MPa (unconfined value). embankment, except where there is insufficient
■ Colour and texture shall be within an agreed access. The blocks shall be positioned to provide at
least 20-mm clear cover to the inside of the face
range
shell, allowing for shell taper. For N12, N16 and N20
■ Concrete blocks for reinforced masonry shall bars, the steel position through common blockwork
have: shall be as follows:
– maximum permeability of 2 mm/minute;
Maximum Rear face Front face
– efflorescence potential not more than slight; Wall face shell to vertical to vertical
– characteristic lateral modulus of rupture thickness plus taper bar centre bar centre
of 0.8 MPa; (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
– H-Block or Double-U configuration; 190 35 65 125
– If blocks with webs flush with the ends
290 35 65 225
are to be used, horizontal reinforcement
shall be suspended above the webs on
15-mm mortar pack on the centre web If using flush ended blocks, leave 10-mm weep
only. holes between all clean-out blocks.

40
 Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Subsequent courses shall consist of H-Block or Element

Double-U Block. Horizontal reinforcement placed Facings and Footings and
centrally on the webs during the laying of the Aspect Soil surface wall structures supports
blockwork. If blocks with webs flush with the ends
are to be used, horizontal reinforcement shall be Vertical
suspended above the webs on 15-mm mortar pack position ± 100 mm ± 50 mm ± 50 mm
on the centre web only. Horizontal
position – ± 50 mm ± 50 mm
Mortar joints shall be 10 mm thick and shall be
face-shell bedded and ironed (unless a flush joint is Vertical
specified for aesthetic reasons). Control joints shall alignment – ± 20 mm in 3 m ± 20 mm in 3 m
be built into the masonry at joints in the footing, at Horizontal
significant changes in wall profile or at centres not alignment – ± 20 mm in 3 m ± 20 mm in 3 m
exceeding 16 m.
If the retaining wall consists of two leaves of cavity
construction, suitable cavity ties shall be built in at Drainage System
centres such that the wet grout pressure does not The drainage system shall consist of:
cause spreading of the cavity. Ties shall incorporate
■ Weep holes through the impermeable wall facing.
100 cogs at each end that shall bear snugly against
the rebate in the blocks and shall be securely fixed ■ A permeable drainage layer not less than 300 mm
by embedment in mortar. The following wide adjacent to the stem of the wall.
combinations are deemed to meet this requirement: ■ A 100-mm slotted PVC agricultural pipe with
Maximum geofabric sock, or equivalent system, draining to the
grout height Tie/Maximum spacing stormwater system
(m) (Vertical x Horizontal)
Drainage Pipe
1.8 R6 (Grade 250)/400 mm x 400 mm
The drainage pipe shall be a 100-mm diameter
slotted PVC agricultural pipe with geofabric sock.
Where a retaining wall consists of a single-leaf stem
supported by a cavity stem, links shall be provided Drainage Fill
in the first joint below the junction of cavity stem
and single leaf stem to prevent widening of the Drainage fill material shall be a nominal 10–20 mm
cavity. The following reinforcement is deemed to GP (poorly-graded gravel) complying with the
meet this requirement: following specified grading:

Maximum height of Required Sieve Percent Passing

single-leaf stem (m) shear reinforcement 26.5 mm 100
1.8 N10 at 400-mm centres 19.00 mm 70–100

Debris and mortar fins shall be removed by rodding 13.20 mm 0–100

and hosing out the cores.
Vertical steel reinforcement shall be positioned
towards the rear of the cores to provide at least
20 mm clear cover to the inside of the face shell,
allowing for shell taper.
It shall be tied through clean-out openings with wire
ties to the steel starter bars and fixed in position at
the top of the wall by plastic clips before the
placing of any grout.
When cleaning out and tying of steel are complete,
the opening shall be blanked off with a timber form
suitably propped to prevent movement.
Concrete grout shall be placed in the cores either
by pumping or, for small projects, by bucket.
Compact the grout so that there are no voids, using
either a high frequency pencil vibrator or by
rodding. (The main vertical bars shall not be moved
to compact the grout.)
On completion of the grouting, capping blocks shall
be installed (if required) and any control joints
finished.
Unless specified otherwise for reasons of aesthetics
or by the client or architect, all construction shall be
within the following tolerances:
9.52 mm 0
Installing Drainage Fill
Drainage fill shall be placed around the drainage
pipe and up the wall, to a minimum thickness of
300 mm.
Installing the Drainage System
The drainage pipe shall be positioned in the
drainage fill at a minimum uniform grade of 1 in 100
over a length not exceeding 15 m. It shall be
connected to the storm-water system at the lower
end of each run and shall drain positively away from
base of the retaining wall. The drainage pipe shall
be brought to the surface at the upper end of each
run (to facilitate future flushing) capped and its
position marked.
Bulk Fill Material
Bulk fill material shall be uniform and of the type
shown on the drawings. The maximum particle size
is 100 mm. It is permissible to replace material of a
lower design type with properly-compacted material
of a higher design category.

41
Reinforced Concrete Masonry
Cantilever Retaining Walls

Installing Bulk Fill Material

Unless required otherwise to support external loads,
bulk filling material shall be placed and compacted
behind the drainage material in layers not
exceeding 200 mm at a moisture content within 2%
of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) to achieve
85% Standard Proctor density.

Surface Sealing Material

The material used to seal the surface of the fill shall
be compacted clay.

Installation of Surface Sealing Material and

Catch Drain
The whole of the disturbed fill surface shall be
sealed and drained by compacting a layer of
surface sealing material at least 150 mm thick and
incorporating a 100 mm deep catch drain which
drains to the site drainage system at a minimum
slope of 1 in 100.

Inspections and Tests

All new work shall remain open until it has been
inspected and approved by the Engineer. The
following inspections shall be performed.

Inspection Acceptance Hold/

Item or product required criteria Witness
Footing dimensions:
Width Spot check + 10%, - 2% Hold
Length Spot check + 10%, - 2% Hold
Edge forms Check all edges ± 20 mm Hold
Footing reinforcement:
Grade Spot check markings As specified Hold
Diameter Spot check diameter As specified Hold
Spacing Spot check ± 10% Hold
Laps Spot check ± 10% Hold
Cover Check chairs As specified Hold
Weep holes Spot check In position Hold
Concrete:
Strength Spot check dockets Per AS 3600 Witness
Curing Spot check As specified Witness
Masonry units:
Type Spot check As specified Witness
Dimensions Spot check As specified Witness
Strength Spot check dockets As specified Witness
Mortar mix Spot check As specified Witness
Stem reinforcement:
Grade Spot check markings As specified Hold
Diameter Spot check diameter As specified Hold
Spacing Spot check ± 10% Witness
Laps Spot check ± 10% Witness
Cover Spot check As specified Hold
Concrete grout strength Spot check dockets As specified Witness
Cleaning Visual Per test panel Witness
Drainage system Flush pipes Positive 1:100 Hold
Granular fill Visual Grading Witness
Surface sealing and
surface drains Visual Per drawings Witness

42
 Structures
Concrete Retaining

Concrete Masonry Association of Australia

PO Box 572 St Leonards NSW 1590
Telephone 02 9903 7760
Facsimile 02 9437 9703
For details of masonry manufacturers, see CMAA Web Site:
www.cmaa.com.au

ISBN 0 909407 49 5
CMAA MA51

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