Retaining Force Augmentation of Retaining Walls

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.