Retaining Force Augmentation of Retaining Walls
Keywords:
Retaining wall, Concrete block, Retaining force, Horizontal re-bar.Abstract
Concrete blocks retaining walls are commonly used for landscaping projects in which the retaining force strength of the structure is of paramount importance in preserving the integrity of the project and safety of humans and property. The effect of augmenting the retaining force strength of concrete block retaining walls was investigated using interlocking and interlocking with a horizontal steel re-bar and compared with regular concrete block walls. The average maximum retaining force for regular, interlocking and interlocking with horizontal rebar walls was 16862 N, 24546 N, and 80855 N at wall deflection of 12.2 mm, 13.3 mm and 50.7 mm, respectively. The average maximum retaining force of the interlocking and the interlocking with horizontal re-bar walls increased by 45.6 % and 379.5 %, respectively, when compared to regular concrete block walls. The inclusion of a horizontal steel re-bar in the interlocking design showed an increase of 229.4 % in the retaining force strength. The wall sections without the horizontal re-bar failed abruptly beyond the maximum retaining force for both the regular and interlocking blocks. The interlocking concrete block design and the inclusion of a horizontal steel re-bar both significantly augmented the retaining force strength of concrete block retaining walls.
References
[2] Ambrose J. Simplified Design of Masonry Structures, New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1991.
[3] Crosbie M, Watson D. Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
[4] Anonymous. Commercial Installation Manual for Allan Block Retaining Walls, 13, 2011. Accessed 22 August 2016. Available: http://www.allanblock.com/literature/pdf/abcommmanual.pdf
[5] Anonymous. The Family Handyman, How to Build a Concrete Block Retaining Wall. Accessed 26 August, 2016. Available:http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/retaining-wall/how-to-build-a-concrete-block-retaining-wall/view-all
[6] Sayyed QQ, Shaikh MG. Articulated hollow concrete masonry blocks for earth-retaining structures, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. 2015:4(4):315-317.
[7] Javidan F, Safarnejad M, Shahbeyk S. Shape optimization of hollow concrete blocks using the lattice discrete particle model,” Iranica Journal of Energy & Environment - Geo-hazards and Civil Engineering. 2013:4(3):243-250.
[8] Zaretsky B. Segmental block retaining walls, The Journal of Light Construction. Accessed 26 August, 2016. Available:http://www.jlconline.com/how-to/framing/segmental-block-retaining-walls_o
[9] Huang T.“Mechanical behavior of interconnected concrete-block retaining wall. Journal of Geotechnical and Geo environmental Engineering. 1997:123(3):197-203.
[10] Anonymous. Elite precast concrete, Interlocking concrete blocks. Accessed 26 August, 2016. Available:http://www.eliteprecast.co.uk/interlocking-precast-concrete-blocks/duo-interlocking-concrete-blocks/
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors who submit papers with this journal agree to the following terms.