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Wael Guirguis
You will learn the behavior of concrete retaining walls and how it resists different type of loads such as lateral earth pressure, water pressure, surcharge loads and earthquakes loads.
We will start by illustrating all the different types of retaining walls such as Gravity walls, Gabion walls, Cantilever walls and Counterfort walls and when to use each of them.
Then we will go through a detailed illustration for all the three types of earth pressures (Active, Passive and at Rest) and the different calculation methods (Rankine and Coulomb’s) and when to use each of them, then we will go through the walls design checks regarding sliding, overturning and bearing capacity.
All theories and concepts will be illustratred using very neat sketches and graphics prepared specially for this course to make it crystal clear for you during your learning.
All the above will be illustrated by many solved examples for better understating of the theories and how to apply it properly, the last chapter will deal with the seismic behavior of retaining walls during earthquakes and how to calculate the additional seismic forces acting on the walls.
After this course you will be able to analyze and design any type of Retaining walls and use earth pressure theories properly in the design process.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/dhhqm9/retaining
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
What Is A Retaining Wall
Internal Friction Angle Φ
Types of Retaining Walls
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
What Is A Retaining Wall
Internal Friction Angle Φ
Types of Retaining Walls
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores different types of retaining walls, such as gravity, cantilever, and counterfort walls, which are commonly encountered in civil engineering projects
Covers Rankine and Coulomb's theories for calculating earth pressure, which are fundamental concepts in geotechnical engineering and retaining wall design
Includes solved examples to illustrate the application of theories, which is helpful for practical understanding and problem-solving in retaining wall design
Addresses the seismic behavior of retaining walls, which is crucial for designing structures in earthquake-prone regions and ensuring their stability
Requires learners to understand the internal friction angle, which is a parameter that may require additional study for some learners
Focuses on concrete retaining walls, which may not cover other types of retaining walls such as sheet pile walls or timber walls
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Reviews summary
Retaining walls design fundamentals
According to learners, this course provides a
solid foundation in retaining wall analysis and design, particularly for cantilever walls. Students highlight the practical application through solved examples, which help clarify complex topics like Rankine and Coulomb earth pressure theories and stability checks (overturning, sliding, bearing capacity). The inclusion of seismic loads is noted as a valuable addition. While the course is praised for its clear explanations and detailed illustrations, some students suggest it assumes a basic understanding of soil mechanics prerequisites.
May require prior soil mechanics knowledge.
"Learners should have a basic understanding of soil mechanics before taking this course."
"It helps to be familiar with concepts like internal friction angle and soil properties beforehand."
"I found it easier because I already had some background in geotechnical engineering."
"While detailed, the course assumes you know fundamental soil behavior."
"Might be challenging if you are completely new to the concepts of soil pressure."
Covers key wall types, theories, and checks.
"I appreciated the overview of different retaining wall types and when to use them."
"The course covers all the essential checks: overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity."
"Including seismic load calculation was a major plus for me."
"The syllabus touches upon various important aspects of retaining wall design."
"I feel equipped to analyze and design basic cantilever retaining walls now."
Complex earth pressure theories explained well.
"The explanations of Active, Passive, and At Rest earth pressures were very clear."
"I finally understood the difference and application of Rankine and Coulomb theories thanks to this course."
"The course clarified the fundamental principles behind lateral earth pressure calculations."
"The instructor did a great job breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts."
"Understanding the theory behind stability checks like overturning and sliding was made easy."
Real-world examples aid understanding.
"The examples solved were very helpful in understanding how to apply the theories discussed."
"I found the practical examples to be the strongest part, showing step-by-step calculations."
"The course really shines when going through the detailed solved examples for stability checks."
"Applying Rankine and Coulomb methods through practical problems made them much clearer."
"This course provided me with step-by-step calculations for common retaining wall checks."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Retaining Walls Analysis & Design with these
activities:
Review Soil Mechanics Principles
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of soil mechanics, which is fundamental to calculating earth pressures on retaining walls.
Browse courses on
Soil Mechanics
Show steps
-
Review key concepts like effective stress and shear strength.
-
Work through practice problems related to soil properties.
-
Familiarize yourself with different soil classification systems.
Review 'Principles of Geotechnical Engineering' by Braja Das
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of soil mechanics principles, which are essential for accurate retaining wall analysis and design.
View
Principles of Geotechnical Engineering
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters related to soil properties and behavior.
-
Work through the example problems provided in the book.
-
Focus on sections covering lateral earth pressure theories.
Calculate Earth Pressure Coefficients
Show steps
Improve your proficiency in calculating active, passive, and at-rest earth pressure coefficients using Rankine and Coulomb theories.
Show steps
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Calculate Ka, Kp, and Ko for various soil properties and wall geometries.
-
Compare your results with solutions to check for accuracy.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Retaining Wall Design Checklist
Show steps
Consolidate your knowledge by creating a checklist to ensure all critical design considerations are addressed.
Show steps
-
List all the necessary steps for retaining wall design.
-
Include checks for overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity.
-
Add considerations for seismic loads and surcharge loads.
Prepare a Presentation on Retaining Wall Types
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of different retaining wall types by creating a presentation summarizing their characteristics and applications.
Show steps
-
Research different types of retaining walls (gravity, cantilever, etc.).
-
Prepare slides summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
-
Include examples of when each type is most appropriate.
-
Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
Design a Cantilever Retaining Wall
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by designing a cantilever retaining wall for a specific scenario, including all necessary calculations and checks.
Show steps
-
Define the problem: soil properties, wall height, surcharge.
-
Calculate earth pressures and design the wall components.
-
Check for stability against overturning, sliding, and bearing failure.
-
Detail the reinforcement requirements for the stem, toe, and heel.
Review 'Seismic Design of Retaining Walls' by N. Munfakh
Show steps
Expand your understanding of seismic design considerations for retaining walls, which is a critical aspect of structural engineering.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapters related to seismic earth pressures.
-
Study the examples of seismic retaining wall design.
-
Understand the different methods for calculating seismic forces.
Review Soil Mechanics Principles
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of soil mechanics, which is fundamental to calculating earth pressures on retaining walls.
Browse courses on
Soil Mechanics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key concepts like effective stress and shear strength.
- Work through practice problems related to soil properties.
- Familiarize yourself with different soil classification systems.
Review 'Principles of Geotechnical Engineering' by Braja Das
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of soil mechanics principles, which are essential for accurate retaining wall analysis and design.
View
Principles of Geotechnical Engineering
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters related to soil properties and behavior.
- Work through the example problems provided in the book.
- Focus on sections covering lateral earth pressure theories.
Calculate Earth Pressure Coefficients
Show steps
Improve your proficiency in calculating active, passive, and at-rest earth pressure coefficients using Rankine and Coulomb theories.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Calculate Ka, Kp, and Ko for various soil properties and wall geometries.
- Compare your results with solutions to check for accuracy.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Retaining Wall Design Checklist
Show steps
Consolidate your knowledge by creating a checklist to ensure all critical design considerations are addressed.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- List all the necessary steps for retaining wall design.
- Include checks for overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity.
- Add considerations for seismic loads and surcharge loads.
Prepare a Presentation on Retaining Wall Types
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of different retaining wall types by creating a presentation summarizing their characteristics and applications.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of retaining walls (gravity, cantilever, etc.).
- Prepare slides summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
- Include examples of when each type is most appropriate.
- Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
Design a Cantilever Retaining Wall
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by designing a cantilever retaining wall for a specific scenario, including all necessary calculations and checks.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the problem: soil properties, wall height, surcharge.
- Calculate earth pressures and design the wall components.
- Check for stability against overturning, sliding, and bearing failure.
- Detail the reinforcement requirements for the stem, toe, and heel.
Review 'Seismic Design of Retaining Walls' by N. Munfakh
Show steps
Expand your understanding of seismic design considerations for retaining walls, which is a critical aspect of structural engineering.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapters related to seismic earth pressures.
- Study the examples of seismic retaining wall design.
- Understand the different methods for calculating seismic forces.
Career center
Learners who complete Retaining Walls Analysis & Design will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
The Geotechnical Engineer deals with the behavior of earth materials. They often design retaining walls and other earth-support structures. The 'Retaining Walls Analysis & Design' course may be useful for those engineers as it illustrates the different types of retaining walls such as Gravity walls, Gabion walls, Cantilever walls, and Counterfort walls. Geotechnical Engineers regularly work with the concepts covered in this course, such as active, passive, and at-rest earth pressures, as well as Rankine and Coulomb's theories. The course may prepare a geotechnical engineer to design stable and reliable retaining structures, considering various factors like soil properties and seismic activity.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects. This course may be useful for a civil engineer because it covers the design of retaining walls, which are a common element in many civil engineering projects. The course's coverage of different types of retaining walls, earth pressure theories, and stability checks may be useful for ensuring the safety and longevity of various infrastructure projects. Civil engineers who take this course may be well-prepared to handle projects involving retaining wall design and analysis, armed with the knowledge of how to apply relevant calculations.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs and oversees the construction of structures, ensuring their safety and stability. This involves analyzing loads, stresses, and other factors that could affect a structure's integrity. This course helps a structural engineer understand the behavior of concrete retaining walls and how they resist different types of loads such as lateral earth pressure, water pressure, surcharge loads, and earthquake loads. The course, which illustrates different types of retaining walls, covers aspects like overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity, which are routinely analyzed by structural engineers. This course may be useful in preparing structural engineers for projects that involve retaining wall design and analysis.
Design Engineer
Design Engineer
The Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing engineering designs for various projects. This course may be useful for design engineers as it specifically addresses retaining wall analysis and design. The material covers the behavior of concrete retaining walls, the different types of retaining walls, and the theories behind earth pressure calculations. This knowledge may be useful for a design engineer to create safe and efficient retaining wall designs, taking into account factors like sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity. This course may be useful for a design engineer interested in specializing in retaining wall design or broadening their knowledge in this area.
Foundation Engineer
Foundation Engineer
A Foundation Engineer specializes in the design and analysis of foundations for various structures. This course may be useful for those engineers because retaining walls are often an integral part of foundation systems, particularly in situations involving sloping ground or basements. The course's discussion of earth pressure theories, stability checks, and bearing capacity may be useful for a foundation engineer when designing retaining walls as part of a comprehensive foundation system. The insights into seismic behavior and different types of retaining walls will help engineers to design safe and reliable foundations.
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineers plan, design, and maintain transportation systems. Retaining walls are often used in transportation projects, such as highways and railways, to stabilize slopes and support embankments. This course may be useful for a transportation engineer as it covers the different types of retaining walls and their design considerations. An engineer may also find that the course's coverage of seismic behavior and surcharge loads may be useful when designing retaining walls in areas prone to earthquakes or with heavy traffic loads. The material may prepare a transportation engineer to address retaining wall design in transportation infrastructure projects.
Geological Engineer
Geological Engineer
Geological Engineers apply geological principles to engineering projects, often dealing with soil and rock stability. Retaining walls are a common solution for stabilizing slopes and preventing landslides. This course may be useful for geological engineers as it covers the design and analysis of retaining walls, including considerations for different types of earth pressures and seismic loads. The course may ensure that retaining structures are designed to withstand geological challenges. By covering internal friction angle, the course provides a basis for design choices.
Municipal Engineer
Municipal Engineer
A Municipal Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of public works projects within a municipality. Because retaining walls are often needed for road construction, parks, and other municipal infrastructure, this Retaining Walls Analysis & Design course may be useful. By covering topics such as active earth pressure, passive earth pressure, and at rest earth pressure, the course may be useful for an engineer to design efficient and cost-effective retaining structures. The material on vertical and horizontal forces may be useful in the design process.
Coastal Engineer
Coastal Engineer
Coastal Engineers focus on managing and protecting coastlines, often employing retaining walls to defend against erosion and wave action. This course, by covering how retaining walls resist different types of loads such as lateral earth pressure, water pressure, and surcharge loads, may be useful for a coastal engineer to understand the behavior of concrete retaining walls in coastal settings. By illustrating different types of retaining walls, the course may be useful when considering design choices in coastal defense projects. A Coastal Engineer may find this course to be particularly helpful when dealing with coastal stability issues.
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydraulic Engineer
Hydraulic Engineers design and manage systems for controlling and utilizing water resources. Retaining walls are often used in hydraulic structures, such as dams and canals, to support embankments and prevent soil erosion. This course may be useful as it covers the design and analysis of retaining walls, including the effects of water pressure and surcharge loads. The understanding of earth pressure theories and stability checks may be useful for an engineer when designing retaining walls for hydraulic applications. The course content builds a foundation for designing stable and effective hydraulic structures.
Project Engineer
Project Engineer
A Project Engineer assists in the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects. This course may be useful for project engineers involved in projects that include retaining walls. The course covers different types of retaining walls, such as gravity walls, cantilever walls, and counterfort walls. The Project Engineer may find the course to be useful for comprehending the design principles and stability checks involved in retaining wall construction. This can help facilitate smoother project execution and better communication with design teams.
Site Engineer
Site Engineer
A Site Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of a construction site, ensuring that the project is completed according to the design and specifications. This course may be useful for a site engineer who wants to gain a deeper understanding of retaining wall design and construction. The course touches on types of retaining walls, earth pressure theories, and stability checks, providing a foundation for making informed decisions on site. The content on lateral earth pressures, surcharge, and seismic considerations may be especially helpful for a site engineer as it relates to ensuring that the retaining wall is built in accordance with the design parameters.
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineer
A Mining Engineer designs, develops, and manages mining operations. Retaining walls are often used in mining to stabilize slopes, prevent landslides, and contain materials. This course may be useful for a Mining Engineer as it covers the design and analysis of retaining walls, including considerations for different types of loads and earth pressures. The knowledge gained may be useful when designing retaining structures in challenging mining environments. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior of concrete retaining walls under various conditions.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager oversees construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Understanding the principles of retaining wall design, as covered in this course, can be exceedingly helpful for a construction manager. While the Construction Manager him or herself does not design the retaining wall, understanding active earth pressure, passive earth pressure, and at rest earth pressure may be useful when discussing design choices with the design engineers. The course material may help the construction manager to coordinate the construction process, resolve any issues related to retaining wall construction, and communicate effectively with engineers and other stakeholders.
Lecturer
Lecturer
The lecturer is an expert in their field, and delivers lectures to students at tertiary institutions. The candidate usually holds a Master of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy degree. This course may be useful as the lecturer can learn all the concepts and theories behind the design of retaining walls and how to calculate the forces acting on them. In particular, this course covers lateral earth pressure due to surcharge, rankine theory, and coulomb theory. By covering the types of retaining walls and the forces acting on them, this course provides a comprehensive background for delivering lectures on the topic of retaining walls.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dhhqm9/retaining
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Retaining Walls Analysis & Design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of geotechnical engineering principles, including soil mechanics and foundation design. It is particularly helpful for understanding the behavior of soils under different loading conditions, which is crucial for retaining wall design. The book serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles and assumptions used in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook in geotechnical engineering courses.
Focuses specifically on the seismic design of retaining walls, which is covered in the last chapter of the course. It provides detailed guidance on calculating seismic forces and designing walls to resist earthquake loads. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material. It useful reference for engineers working in seismically active regions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dhhqm9/retaining
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