retaining walls Flashcards
What are retaining walls used for?
Motorways, homes, tunnels, swimming pools
Retaining walls serve to hold back soil and water in various construction and landscaping applications.
What materials can retaining walls be made from?
Sheer steel piling, bricks, reinforced concrete
Different materials are chosen based on structural requirements and aesthetic considerations.
What is the angle of repose?
The way the soil would fall naturally if the wall wasn’t there
It represents the steepest angle at which soil remains stable without sliding.
What formula is used to calculate the pressure of water on a retaining wall?
Pressure = (specific formula not provided)
The specific formula is necessary for precise calculations based on various factors.
What equations are used to find pressure behind a retaining wall?
Rankine’s equations
Rankine’s equations take into account the angle of repose to calculate earth pressure.
How do you find total pressure on a retaining wall?
Add Rankine’s equation to the water pressure
This combined approach ensures that both earth and water pressures are considered.
What is a cavalier retaining wall?
A type of retaining wall (specifics not provided)
Cavalier walls may have unique structural characteristics.
What is a mass retaining wall?
Sometimes seen in metal cages
Mass retaining walls rely on their weight to resist pressure from soil and water.
What is a counterfort retaining wall?
Made mostly of reinforced concrete, can be incredibly high
Counterfort walls are designed to provide additional support and stability.
What do all subsoils have in terms of stability during excavation?
Different abilities in remaining stable
Each type of soil reacts differently under excavation and may require support.
What is the typical angle of repose for most subsoils?
Neutral angle of repose unless given temporary support
Temporary supports can change the stability characteristics of the soil.
