SSS Engineering Manual 011312

The first true gravity wall system introduced to the retaining wall industry is now becoming the new
Standard for the precast industry. Stone Strong Systems offers many advantages over other retaining wall systems. Our blocks clearly lead the industry by benefiting the owner with an economical, proportional, and aesthetically pleasing wall. Stone Strong blocks are the first in the precast industry to be fully engineered both structurally and geotechnically; more and more engineers will demand Stone Strong for their projects, because they are willing to put their stamp on it! Stone Strong Systems makes efficient use of contractor's equipment and eliminates intense labor needed to assemble average retaining walls. The use of this cutting-edge retaining wall system will create gravity walls of 9 to 18 feet in height without the use of geo-grid, eliminating a future conflict with utility easements. For those walls that require greater heights, Stone Strong Systems is engineered to achieve those needs without a mechanical connection using geogrid. Stone Strong Systems is based on two block designs; a 24 SF block for larger walls, and a 6 SF block designed to accommodate small walls. The smaller block allows for a tighter turning radius or vertical and horizontal adjustments as needed. With the use of inserts and liners in the standard forms, the producer may pour additional accessories to put the finishing touches on a wall as needed with top blocks, half blocks, end blocks and caps. The system also includes a series of extended 24 SF blocks that can be used for taller gravity walls The blocks are cast in high quality machined forms for consistency; blockouts on the doors create many advantages, namely material savings. Blocks are in-filled with specified aggregate, the area created by the blockouts forms an internal drainage system. This creates one of the only wall systems in the industry to have a drainage system integrated into the wall itself. Our system has undergone rigorous review by the Highway Innovative Technology Evaluation Center (HITEC) to verify conformance with AASHTO standards and specifications. The system design, methodologies, and testing conform with the relevant standards of AASHTO, NCMA, and ASTM. Stone Strong is also backed by technical and engineering support to provide a complete engineered solution for your project. Stone Strong Systems will benefit the owner, engineer, producer and installer throughout the project. We are looking forward to assisting you with your future retaining wall applications. Please contact us or visit our website at www.stonestrong.com.
3701 Union Drive S u i t e 1 0 1 Lincoln, NE 68516 Office: 402.434.5652 Fax: 402.434.0763 w w w. s t o n e s t r o n g . c o m
De aler locations
NEW ZEALAND
NOVA SCOTIA PUERTO RICO

alabama
Earth Retaining Solutions 402-310-5596
floriDa
Southern Precast, Inc. Alachua, Florida 386-462-2015
michiGan
Mack Industries Whitelake, Michigan 248-620-7400
new york
Lakelands Concrete Products Lima, New York 585-624-2102 LHV Precast, Inc. Kingston, New York 845-336-8880
south Dakota
Morris, Inc. Pierre, South Dakota 605-223-2585
arizona
US Concrete Precast Group - Phoenix Phoenix, Arizona 602-268-0228
GeorGia
MC Precast, Inc. 404-766-7777
minnesota
Plaisted Companies Elk River, Minnesota 763-441-1100
tennessee
CR Barger & Sons Kingston, Tennessee 888-882-5860
arkansas
illinois
ECI Concrete Oswego, Il 630-554-9570
mississippi
Lees Precast Aberdeen, Mississippi 662-369-8935
north carolina
Stay Right Precast Concrete, Inc. Franklinton, North Carolina 800-768-8265
texas
Stone Strong of Texas 940-389-7583
california
US Concrete Precast Group - San Francisco San Francisco, California 925-960-8740 US Concrete Precast Group - San Diego San Diego, California 619-240-8002
iowa
Workman Precast Louisville, Nebraska 402-234-2100
missouri
Barbour Concrete Independence, Missouri 816-796-3344 Shawnee Bend Precast 573-216-6116
utah
Stone Strong Systems 877-501-5652
ohio
Mack Industries Vienna, Ohio 330-638-7680 Mack Industries Valley City, Ohio 800-482-3111
kentucky
Carr-Mitchell Company, LLC Cadiz, Kentucky 270-522-9255
VirGinia
Americast Ashland, Virginia 804-798-6068
nebraska
Workman Precast Louisville, Nebraska 402-234-2100
coloraDo
Divide Equipment, LLC Carbondale, Colorado 970-963-5944 Mountain Park Concrete Granby, Colorado 970-887-3880 Firebaugh Precast Inc. Colorado Springs, Colorado 719-392-9036 Dacono, Colorado 303-833-7057
louisiana
oklahoma
west VirGinia
Americast Martinsburg, West Virginia 304-264-9940
maine
Precast Concrete Products of Maine Topsham, Maine 207-729-1628
new hampshire
Del R. Gilbert & Son Block Company Laconia, New Hampshire 800-464-1353
oreGon
Advantage Precast Keizer, Oregon 503-390-2048
wyominG
Wyoming Precast Products Mills, Wyoming 307-262-6881
marylanD
Modern Foundations Woodbine, Maryland 410-795-8877
new Jersey / philaDelphia

Garden State Precast, Inc. Farmingdale, New Jersey 732-938-4436
puerto rico
Puerto Rico Precast Bayamon, Puerto Rico 787-786-8108
canaDa
Shaw Group Ltd. Lantz, Nova Scotia 902-883-2201
connecticut
Arrow Concrete Products Granby, Connecticut 860-653-5063
south carolina
Americast Lexington, South Carolina 803-957-9708
massachusetts
MBO Precast Carver, Massachusetts 508-866-6900
new zealanD
Stone Strong New Zealand, Ltd Auckland, New Zealand 0800 820 8070
new mexico
Table of Contents
Technical Data and Specifications
Guide Specifications: General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 1 Guide Specifications: Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Guide Specifications: Execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6 Guide Specifications: Construction Quality Control and Assurance . . page 8 Block Dimensions & Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 Pattern Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Structural Analysis of 24SF Blocks Structural Analysis of 6SF Blocks
Engineering
Gravity Wall Height Tables - Typical - Typical (metric) - AASHTO - AASHTO (metric) - LRFD - LRFD (metric) - Vertical Face - Vertical Face (metric) Gravity Wall Design Methodology Example Calculation (no tail extension), Example Calculation (w/ tail extension) LRFD Design Methodology LRFD Example Calc (no tail extension), LRFD Example Calc (w/ tail extension) Calculation Spreadsheet User Notes Calculation Spreadsheet Example Calculation
Detail Drawings
Components Cross Sections Typical Details Miscellaneous Details Miscellaneous Applications
Interaction Testing Report ~ 24 SF Unit Interaction Testing Report ~ 6 SF Unit
Stone Strong Systems

2010. The contents of this Manual are the property of Stone Strong, LLC all rights reserved.
PART 1: General STONE STRONG SYSTEMS

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PRECAST MODULAR BLOCK RETAINING WALL SYSTEM PART 1: GENERAL 1.01 Description
A. Work includes furnishing and installing precast modular blocks (PMB) to the lines and grades shown on the plans and as specified herein. Also included is furnishing and installing appurtenant materials required for construction of the complete system. The contractor is solely responsible for safety. The Engineer and Owner shall not be responsible for means or methods of construction or for safety of workers or the public.
B.
1.02
References
note to user ASTM methods are presented w/ AASHTO comparable methods. Either set of methods may be deleted as appropriate for a given project A. ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials (AASHTO - American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials) B. ASTM C39 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (AASHTO T22) C. ASTM C136 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate (AASHTO T27) D. ASTM D4318 - Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils (AASHTO T89 & T90) E. ASTM D698 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (AASHTO T99) F. ASTM D4632 - Standard Test Method for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles G. ASTM D4595 - Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Strip Method H. ASTM D5262 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Unconfined Creep Behavior of Geosynthetics I. ASTM D6638 - Standard Test Method for Determining Connection Strength Between Geosynthetic Reinforcement and Segmental Concrete Units (Modular Concrete Blocks) J. ASTM D6916 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Shear Strength Between Segmental Concrete Units K. ASTM C33 - Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates (AASHTO M43)

June 2010 Page 1
PART 1: General
1.03 Submittals
note to user edit submittal requirements based on type of design and other project features A. If a complete design is not depicted in the plans, submit for review 2 sets of shop drawings for the retaining wall system prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in the state where the project is located. The shop drawings shall indicate the layout, height, and construction details of the retaining wall system. Design shall conform to relevant requirements and design methodologies of AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. Upon request, design calculations shall also be submitted. Minimum safety factors for design shall be as follows: note to user edit safety factors for specific project requirements, including conformance w/ AASHTO spec if required Gravity Wall Geogrid Reinforced Wall Sliding 1.5 1.5 Overturning 1.5 2.0 Bearing 2.0 2.0 B. If stain will be applied to the wall system, a sample shall be stained on site for review and approval by the Engineer. The color sample may be part of the completed wall, but shall be located in an inconspicuous area. If geogrid reinforcement is required, submit manufacturers literature and test data for geogrids to be used in the reinforced wall system if geogrid is not a standard combination with test data published on Stone Strong web site. Test data shall include connection strength data for geogrid with Stone Strong modular units determined in accordance with ASTM D6638, as well as geogrid tensile strength and creep data in accordance with ASTM D4595 and ASTM D5262. Submit grain size test results for aggregates to be used for the wall base and for unit fill. Submit test results on borrow material to be used for common backfill and for select backfill (if used) including Proctor and grain size or Atterberg limits results.
C.
D. E.
1.05
Delivery, Storage, and Handling

A. B. C. D. Contractor shall check the materials upon delivery to assure that proper materials have been received. Contractor shall protect the materials from damage. Damaged material shall not be incorporated into the wall or the reinforced soil embankments. Contractor shall prevent excessive mud, concrete, adhesives and other substances that may adhere from coming in contact with the materials. Exposed faces of precast modular block units shall be reasonably free of chips, cracks, or stains when viewed from a distance of 10 feet.

June 2010 Page 2
PART 2: Materials
2.01 Wall Units
A. B. C. D. E. Precast modular blocks shall be Stone Strong units manufactured under license from Stone Strong LLC. Dimension tolerances for precast modular blocks shall be +/- 1/8 inch for horizontal and vertical dimensions of the face and + to - inch for the face to tail width. Concrete for precast modular blocks shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 4,000 psi. Entrained air content shall be between 5 and 7%. Reinforcing steel (if used) shall be Grade 60. Minimum clear cover to reinforcement shall be 1 inches. The face pattern shall be selected from the manufacturers standard molds. The color of the units shall be natural gray. A concrete stain may be field applied to color the units if specified by the Engineer or Owner.
2.02
Geogrid
note to user this may be omitted if no geogrid reinforcement is included in the design A. If geogrid reinforcement is required, it shall be as shown in the plans or as detailed in the shop drawings. Substitution of a different type of geogrid shall not be allowed unless approved of the Architect/Engineer or Owner after submittal of shop drawings and test data.
2.03
Wall Base
note to user aggregate type and gradation should be adjusted for locally available materials, consistent with the design. Wall base should generally be a well graded aggregate with a maximum size from 1 to 1. Materials with a max size as small as and as large as 2 may be acceptable at the discretion of the engineer. Recycled concrete aggregate may also be used subject to acceptable gradation, and cracked gravel may be acceptable in some cases. Screened aggregate, such as 57 stone, may be acceptable subject to drainage and other considerations. Some agencies may specify a concrete base. The design should account for the properties of the material specified see design methodology documents. A. The wall base shall consist of dense graded crushed aggregate. A minimum of 75% of coarse material shall have 2 or more fractured faces. Wall base material shall meet the following gradation: US Standard Sieve Size Percent Passing 1-1/2 80-100 3/4" 50-90 #4 0-40 #200 0-10 B. The contractor may substitute concrete with a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3,000 psi for the granular base material. Concrete may be placed full thickness or as a topping over a compacted granular the base. If used as a topping, the concrete shall have a minimum thickness of 3 inches.

June 2010 Page 3
PART 2: Materials
2.04 Unit Fill
note to user aggregate type and gradation should be adjusted for locally available materials, consistent with the design. Unit fill should generally be a screened aggregate with a maximum size around to 1. Materials with max size up to 2 may be acceptable at the discretion of the engineer. The gradation requirements are sometimes replaced with a reference to 57 stone according to ASTM C33. Recycled concrete aggregate may also be used subject to acceptable gradation, and cracked gravel may be acceptable in some cases. The critical sieve sizes are the #4 sieve to limit spillage through the block joints and #200 to maintain a free draining condition. The design should account for the properties of the material specified see design methodology documents. A. Unit fill shall consist of a screened crushed aggregate. A minimum of 75% of coarse material shall have 2 or more fractured faces. Unit fill material shall meet the following gradation: US Standard Sieve Size Percent Passing 1-1/2 100 3/4" 50-75 #4 0-40 #200 0-5
2.05
Backfill
note to user edit acceptable backfill to reflect on-site or select backfill as appropriate. Backfill properties must be consistent with design assumptions. A. If a select granular reinforced zone is indicated, it shall consist of fill sand or other clean aggregate meeting the following gradation: note to user edit gradation for locally available materials, or replace w/ reference to DOT or ASTM gradation US Standard Sieve Size Percent Passing 3/4" 100 #200 0-5 note to user edit properties of on-site soil or borrow based on local conditions/practices B. All other backfill behind and in front of the wall shall consist of suitable on-site soil or imported borrow and shall be approved by the Geotechnical Engineer. Backfill shall generally consist of sands, silts, or lean clays with a liquid limit less than 45 and a plasticity index less than 20. Fat clay soils, cobbles, and large rock should generally be avoided unless approved by the Geotechnical Engineer based on local practices. Frozen soils, excessively wet or dry soils, debris, and deleterious materials should not be used.

June 2010 Page 4
PART 2: Materials
2.06 Drain Tile
note to user drain tile may be omitted at the discretion of the engineer where ground water is not expected and weeping through the face joints will be sufficient to prevent buildup of hydrostatic pressure A. Drain tile shall be a perforated or slotted PVC or corrugated HDPE pipe. The drain tile should be connected to storm drains or daylighted at low points and/or periodically along the wall alignment as shown on the plans.
2.07
Geotextile Fabric
note to user geotextile filter should be included when seepage from the backfill zone (due to high water table, inundation, etc) may foul the drainage aggregate inside the units or where separation from the backfill zone is required for other reasons. Geotextile may be deleted in other cases at the discretion of the engineer. A. Provide a geotextile filter for separation from backfill at the tails of the blocks. The geotextile shall be a needle punched non-woven fabric with a minimum grab tensile strength of 120 pounds. The geotextile may cover the entire back face of the blocks or may be cut in strips to cover the gaps between tail units with a minimum of 6 inches of overlap over the concrete tail on both sides.
2.08
Concrete for Tail Extensions
note to user this may be omitted if no cast in place tail extensions are included in the design A. Concrete for tail extensions shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 3,000 psi. Higher mix strength may be necessary to achieve a strength of 2,000 psi before the wall is backfilled above the level of the tail extension. B. Concrete shall have entrained air content between 5% and 7%.

June 2010 Page 5
PART 3: Execution
PART 3: EXECUTION 3.01 Excavation
A. Excavate as required for installation of the retaining wall system. Excavate to the base level for a sufficient distance behind the face to permit installation of the base. Slope or shore excavation as necessary for safety and for conformance with applicable OSHA requirements.
B.
3.02
Wall Base
A. Foundation soils shall be excavated to the dimensions shown on the plans. Foundation soil shall be observed by the Geotechnical Engineer to confirm that the bearing soils are similar to the design conditions or assumptions. Construct the wall base to the lines and grades shown on the plans. Place and consolidate concrete, strike, and finish plane and level. Overexcavated areas shall be filled with additional concrete or granular base material. Compact granular base material to provide a hard and level surface to support the wall units. Base material shall be compacted to a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density (ASTM D698, Standard Proctor). Final base elevation shall be within 0.1 feet of plan elevation. Prepare and smooth the granular material to ensure complete contact of the first course with the base. The base may be dressed with fine aggregate to aid leveling.
B.
C.
3.03
Unit Installation
A. Place the first course of units directly on the wall base. Check units for level and alignment. Units shall be within 1/8 inch of level from end to end and from front to back. Adjacent units should be in contact. If possible, begin placing units at the lowest section of the wall. Fill all voids between and within the blocks with granular unit fill. Additional unit fill is not required behind the units, but may be placed for the convenience of the contractor. Place backfill behind the units in maximum loose lifts of 8 inches and compact. Compact all backfill to a minimum of 95 percent of the maximum dry density (ASTM D698, Standard Proctor). For cohesive soils, the moisture content at the time of compaction should be adjusted to within -2 and +3 percent of optimum. Place backfill in successive lifts until level with the top of the facing unit. Remove all excess aggregate and other materials from the top of the units before laying up the next course.
B.
C.
D.

June 2010 Page 6
PART 3: Execution
3.02 Wall Base
E. For geogrid reinforced walls, place the correct geogrid at the locations and elevations shown on the plans or the shop drawings. Geogrid reinforcement shall be placed horizontally on compacted backfill. The length of the geogrid is measured from the front face of the wall. Extend the grid onto the front face flange of the facing unit. Orient the geogrid with the strong axis (machine direction) placed perpendicular to the wall face. Geogrid shall not be spliced by any means in the roll direction. Geogrids shall be placed side by side to provide complete coverage along the wall face. No overlap is required between adjacent grids on straight sections of the wall. On convex curves, place a minimum of 3 inches of backfill material between overlapping geogrid layers. Place the next course of precast modular block units in running bond with the previous course. Place the web recess over the alignment hoop protruding from the unit below, and pull the unit forward to contact the hoop. Batter should be within inch tolerance (4 inches from 24 SF unit below, 2 inches from 6 SF unit below). For geogrid reinforced walls, pull geogrids taught and stake the loose end before placing the next course of backfill. Backfill shall be placed, spread, and compacted in such a manner that minimizes the development of wrinkles in the geogrid and/or movement of the geogrid. Do not operate equipment directly on the geogrid. A minimum backfill depth of 6 inches should be placed before operating equipment over the grids. Continue placing successive courses to the elevations shown on the plans. Construct wall in level stages, placing the units at each course for the entire length of the wall, if possible. Unit fill and backfill should be placed to the level of the top of the facing unit before placing the next course. Provide temporary swales to divert runoff away from wall excavation and away from face. Final grade above and below the retaining wall shall provide for positive drainage and prevent ponding. Protect completed wall from other construction. Do not operate large equipment or store materials above the wall that exceed the design surcharge loads. Where tail extensions are indicated on the plans, concrete shall be placed in the center void between the blocks extending to the minimum width behind the blocks indicated on the drawings. Tail extensions may formed or may be placed directly against a cut embankment. Tail extensions should be placed in lifts not to exceed 4 feet until the previous lift has fully set. The tail extension should be allowed to reach 2,000 psi compressive strength before backfill is placed above the top of the extension.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J. K.
L.

June 2010 Page 7
PART 4: Construction Quality Control and Assurance

4.01 Construction Quality Control
A. B. The contractor is responsible to ensure that all installation and materials meet the quality specified in the construction drawings. The contractor shall verify that installation is in accordance with the specifications and construction drawings.
4.02
Quality Assurance
A. B. C. D. The owner is responsible to engage testing and inspection services to provide independent quality construction assurance. Compaction testing shall be done a minimum of every 1 foot of vertical fill and every 100 lineal feet along the wall. Testing shall be done at a variety of locations to cover the entire backfill zone. The independent inspection professional should perform sufficient testing and observation to verify that wall installation substantially conforms to the design drawings and specifications.

June 2010 Page 8
Block Dimensions and Volumes
24SF Block
Block Wt. = 6,000 lbs Form Wt. = 4,600 lbs Concrete Volume = 1.5 cu. yds.
Metric Dimensions (m)

2.44x0.92x1.1
Rock In-fill for installation ~ 1.7 cu. yds. equivalent to 2.3 tons
Metric Weight (kg)

2722

June 2010 Page 9
24SF Top Block
Block Wt. = 5,400 lbs Form Wt. = 4,930 lbs Concrete Volume = 1.349 cu. yds. Rock In-fill for installation ~ 1.5 cu. yds.

2.44x0.92x1.1
Metric Weight (kg)

2449

June 2010 Page 10
24SF Mass Extender Block
Block Wt. = 10,000 lbs Form Wt. = 5,119 lbs Concrete Volume = 2.5 cu. yds. Rock In-fill for installation ~ 1.7 cu. yds. equivalent to 2.3 tons

2.44x0.92x1.42
Metric Weight (kg)

4536

June 2010 Page 13
6SF Block

1.22x0.46x1.1
Metric Weight (kg)

680

June 2010 Page 14
6SF Top Block

1.22x0.46x1.1
Metric Weight (kg)

635

June 2010 Page 15

1.22x0.46x0.6 680
End Blocks
Metric Weight (kg)
Block Wt. = 1,500 lbs Form Wt. = 1491lbs Concrete Volume = 0.375 cu. yds. Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.
End Top Blocks
Block Wt. = 1,412 lbs Concrete Volume = 0.353 cu. yds.

Produced with Insert in End form
Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.

1.22x0.46x0.6 640
Metric Weight (kg)

June 2010 Page 16
Cap Unit
Block Wt. = 1,600 lbs Form Wt. = 1,425 lbs Concrete Volume = 0.4 cu. yds. Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.

2.44x0.18x0.81
Metric Weight (kg)

726

June 2010 Page 16
Dual Face Unit
Block Wt. = 3,520 lbs Form Wt. = 2,431 lbs Concrete Volume = 0.88 cu. yds. Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.

1.22x0.46x0.71
Metric Weight (kg)

1597

June 2010 Page 18
90 Unit

1.22x0.46
Metric Weight (kg)

1179

June 2010 Page 19
45 Unit
Block Wt. = 2,000 lbs Concrete Volume = .50 cu. yds.

Produced with Insert in Column form

1.22x0.46
Insert Wt. = 870 lbs Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.
Metric Weight (kg)

907

June 2010 Page 20
Pattern Variation 24 SF Block

A
6 SF Block
B
Two Liners - A and C Turn A 180 degrees for B Turn C 180 degrees for D
Half Block

June 2010 Page 21
Page
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Project
Stone Strong Gravity Retaining Wall
Job #
Date
March 2003
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF GRAVITY RETAINING WALL MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 9 FEET USING 24 SF BLOCKS Discussion of Analysis: As the wall is constructed, granular fill is placed in the voids. This creates a blow-out force acting on the front and back faces of the block as well as on the webs which define the void. The pressure on the webs is balanced by fill on both sides. The blow-out force on the back face can be considered to be balanced by the active earth pressure of the backfill. The front face must be analyzed for an unbalanced pressure due to the blow-out force. For the fill materials specified, the blow-out force will be taken equal to the at-rest pressure of the fill material assumed to be 40 pcf equivalent fluid pressure. This pressure theoretically increases proportional to the height of the fill. However, the pressure is limited to some maximum fill height above which the granular fill becomes suspended by friction on the wall. For this analysis any friction will be ignored and the blow-out force will be calculated using the full height of the column of fill in the void. For this analysis, ACI 318-2002 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete will be used. The capacity of the block will be checked using Chapter 22 for Structural Plain Concrete. Only concrete with a 28-day compressive strength of 4000 psi or more shall be used. All concrete shall meet the quality, mixing, and placing requirements of ACI 318. Under no circumstances shall return or rejected concrete be used. See Notes on page 5 of 5 for important limitations. ANALYSIS OF FRONT FACE Thickness of front face varies due to architectural form liner. For the cantilever portions, use minimum thickness of 8 because there are no vertical reveals. For the middle portion, use minimum thickness of 6 at the vertical reveal. Critical section for moment is at face of the web.
1'-9" 8" 6" 6" Front Face Reveal
6910 Pacific Street, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68106
The upper half of the block is set back 2 from the lower half giving the appearance of two courses. For design purposes, conservatively use the pressure at midheight of the block as acting on the upper course. Consider a 9 tall wall.
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
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Pressure = 40 pcf * 7.5 = 300 psf
3 UNITS @ 3'-0" = 9'-0"
300 psf
Cantilever: Span = 1.75 (to face of web, ignoring fillets) Mu = 1.6 * 300 psf * (1.75)2 / 2 = 735 lb-ft per foot of width h = 8 S = 12*(8) / 6 = 128 in
2 3
Mn = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * 128 in3 / 12 = 1855 lb-ft > 735 lb-ft Vu = 1.6 * 300 psf * 1.75 = 840 lb per foot of width Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * 12 * 8 = 4450 lb > 840 lb OK
OK
7'-6"
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
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March 2003
Middle Span: Span = 4 center to center of webs Mu = 1.6 * 300 psf * (4)2 / 12 = 640 lb-ft per foot of width (conservatively taken at centerline of webs) h = 6 (at vertical reveal, location varies)
2 3 S = 12*(6) / 6 = 72 in
Mn = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * 72 in3 / 12 = 1040 lb-ft > 640 lb-ft Vu = 1.6 * 300 psf * 2 = 960 lb per foot of width (conservatively taken at centerline of webs) Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * 12 * 6 = 3340 lb > 960 lb OK
OK
ANALYSIS OF BACK FACE Although the back face should not see unbalanced pressure as discussed above, an analysis of the capacity will be made.
2'-0"
4'-0"
2'-0"
3 1'-18"
6"
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
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March 2003
Cantilever: h = 13.4 at face of web

2 3 S = 12*(13.4) / 6 = 359 in
Mn = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * 359 in3 / 12 = 5200 lb-ft Span = 1.75 (to face of web, ignoring fillets) Mu = 1.6 * w * (1.75)2 / 2 = 5200 lb-ft w = 2120 psf Note that this capacity far exceeds any pressure resulting from this gravity wall analysis. The geometry of the back face is designed for the high earth pressure that results from tall mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls. For the gravity wall, the back face provides additional mass for stability against overturning.
ANALYSIS OF WEBS During construction, the block is picked up by lifting devices in the webs. The webs must also be able to resist the blow-out forces on the front face. Web shear during lifting: Approximate weight of front face = 3000 lb Web height = 36 5 notch = 31 Vu = 1.4 * 3000 lb = 4200 lb Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * (2@6 webs) * 31 = 17,250 lb > 4200 lb Web tension resisting blow-out: Factored blow-out on front face = 1.6 * 300 psf * 3 * 8 = 11,520 lb Say tension capacity of web = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * (2@6 webs) * 31 = 64,700 lb > 11,520 lb OK OK
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March 2003
Notes: The analysis provided in these example calculations are for general information purposes only. Anyone making use of this information does so at their own risk and assumes all liability resulting from such use. The soil properties used in these calculations are assumed based on general soil types and may not be applicable to any given project. Site specific design should be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer who is familiar with the actual site conditions and materials, including the supporting and retained soils and ground water. Tadros Associates, LLC, disclaims any and all express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any general or particular purpose.
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
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Job #
Date
May 2003
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF GRAVITY RETAINING WALL MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 9 FEET USING 6 SF BLOCKS Discussion of Analysis: As the wall is constructed, granular fill is placed in the voids. This creates a blow-out force acting on the front and back faces of the block as well as on the webs which define the void. The pressure on the webs is balanced by fill on both sides. The blow-out force on the back face can be considered to be balanced by the active earth pressure of the backfill. The front face must be analyzed for an unbalanced pressure due to the blow-out force. For the fill materials specified, the blow-out force will be taken equal to the at-rest pressure of the fill material assumed to be 40 pcf equivalent fluid pressure. This pressure theoretically increases proportional to the height of the fill. However, the pressure is limited to some maximum fill height above which the granular fill becomes suspended by friction on the wall. For this analysis any friction will be ignored and the blow-out force will be calculated using the full height of the column of fill in the void. For this analysis, ACI 318-2002 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete will be used. The capacity of the block will be checked using Chapter 22 for Structural Plain Concrete. Only concrete with a 28-day compressive strength of 4000 psi or more shall be used. All concrete shall meet the quality, mixing, and placing requirements of ACI 318. Under no circumstances shall returned or rejected concrete be used. See Notes on page 5 of 5 for important limitations. ANALYSIS OF FRONT FACE Thickness of front face varies due to architectural form liner. Assume an average thickness of 8. Critical section for moment is at face of the web.
Varies, 91" Max. 2
Say 8" Avg.
81" 7" 2
Front Face
6910 Pacific Street, Suite 204, Omaha, Nebraska 68106 402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
Page
2/5
Project
Job #
Date
May 2003
For design purposes, use the pressure at mid height of the block as the average pressure. Consider a 9 tall wall. Pressure = 40 pcf * 8.25 = 330 psf
6 UNITS @ 1'-6" = 9'-0"
330 psf
Cantilever: Span = 8.5 (to face of web, ignoring fillets)

2 Mu = 1.6 * 330 psf * (8.5/12) / 2 = 132 lb-ft per foot of width
h = 8
2 3 S = 12*(8) / 6 = 128 in
Mn = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * 128 in3 / 12 = 1855 lb-ft > 132 lb-ft Vu = 1.6 * 330 psf * 8.5/12 = 374 lb per foot of width Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * 12 * 8 = 4450 lb > 374 lb OK
OK
8'-3"
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
Page
3/5
Project
Job #
Date
May 2003
Middle Span: Span = 2 center to center of webs Mu = 1.6 * 330 psf * (2)2 / 12 = 176 lb-ft per foot of width (conservatively taken at centerline of web) Mn = 1855 lb-ft (from above) > 176 lb-ft OK
Vu = 1.6 * 330 psf * 1 = 528 lb per foot of width (conservatively taken at centerline of web) Vn = 4450 lb (from above) > 528 lb OK
ANALYSIS OF BACK FACE The back face should not see unbalanced pressure as discussed above. However, an analysis of the capacity can be made. The short cantilever portions will not control.
63" 4
2'-0"
3'-8"
7"
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
Page
4/5
Project
Job #
Date
May 2003
Middle Span: h = 6.75

2 3 S = 12*(6.75) / 6 = 91 in
Mn = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * 91 in3 / 12 = 1320 lb-ft Span = 2 to centers of webs Mu = 1.6 * w * (2')2 / 12 at centerline of web Critical section for moment is at face of web at x = 3.5/12 = 0.292 2 2 Mu = 1.6 * w/12 * [6*2*x - (2) - 6x ) = 1320 lb-ft w = 9800 psf (Does not control. See below.) Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * 12 * 6.75 = 3757 lb Shear is checked at face of web at x = 3.5 Vu = 1.6 * w * 8.5/12 = 3757 lb per foot of width w = 3310 psf Controls over flexure
This capacity far exceeds any pressure resulting from the gravity wall analysis. Note that the mass in the back face is important for stability against overturning.
ANALYSIS OF WEBS During construction, the block is picked up by lifting devices in the webs. The webs must also be able to resist the blow-out forces on the front face. Web shear during lifting: Approximate weight of front face = 750 lb Web height = 18 5 notch = 13 Vu = 1.4 * 750 lb = 1050 lb Vn = 0.55 * 4/3 *4000 * (2@7 webs) * 13 = 8440 lb > 1050 lb OK
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
Page
5/5
Project
Job #
Date
May 2003
Web tension resisting blow-out: Factored blow-out on front face Say tension capacity of web = 1.6 * 330 psf * 1.5 * 4 = 3170 lb = 0.55 * 5 * 4000 * (2@7 webs) * 13 = 31,650 lb > 3170 lb OK
NOTES: The analysis provided in these example calculations are for general information purposes only. Anyone making use of this information does so at their own risk and assumes all liability resulting from such use. The soil properties used in these calculations are assumed based on general soil types and may not be applicable to any given project. Site specific design should be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer who is familiar with the actual site conditions and materials, including the supporting and retained soils and ground water. Tadros Associates, LLC, disclaims any and all express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any general or particular purpose.
402.553.0234 (Fax 402.553.0201)
Page Project
1/1
Stone Strong Engineering Manual
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/27/10
ENGINEERING
The Engineering section presents information necessary for design of Stone Strong retaining walls in a gravity configuration. This information includes design methodologies and example calculations for traditional allowable stress method as well as LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design) procedures. Information is also provided on computerized analysis methods. The design methodologies presented conform substantially to AASHTO specifications (Standard Specification for Highway Bridges - 2002, or LRFD Bridge Specifications - 2007). The allowable stress methodology has undergone rigorous evaluation through the HITEC review process and was judged to be in conformance with the AASHTO standard. This section includes the following documents: Gravity Wall Height Tables Typical Typical (metric) AASHTO AASHTO (metric) LRFD LRFD (metric) Vertical Face Vertical Face (metric) Gravity Wall Design Methodology Example Calculation (no tail extension) Example Calculation (w/ tail extension) LRFD Design Methodology LRFD Example Calc (no tail extension) LRFD Example Calc (w/ tail extension) Calculation Spreadsheet User Notes Calculation Spreadsheet Example Calculation Stone Strong recommends that site specific design be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer who is familiar with the site conditions. Global stability should be evaluated separately by the designer considering the site specific soil and ground water conditions. Calculation Spreadsheet None of the commercially available software packages will accommodate analysis of stepped module configurations (modular units of different width). Stone Strong has developed a powerful spreadsheet application for Microsoft Excel that will analyze stepped modules in a gravity configuration. The spreadsheet follows the design methodologies listed above, and includes options for allowable stress analysis, LRFD analysis, and metric versions of both cases. The file is compatible with Excel versions 97-2003 and later. The spreadsheet is extremely versatile and provides many design and analysis options. In order to solve complex slope and surcharge geometry including tiered walls, a trial wedge analysis method is utilized. This routine automatically iterates to evaluate the critical failure geometry and the associated load on the wall system. This feature is unique to available analysis software currently available. Geogrid Reinforced Walls There are commercially available software packages with well documented methodologies that can be used for design of geogrid reinforced walls (e.g. MSEW & SRWall). These programs require test data to define the interface shear properties of the precast modular units and the connection properties between the synthetic geogrid and the precast modular facing. Test data for these properties are included in subsequent sections of this manual.
13478 Chandler Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138 402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 psf
Overturning FS=1.5
5/28/10
Backfill Slope Level 150 psf 0g 7.5 ft. 7.5 ft. 10.5 ft. 12.0 ft. 12.0 ft. 12.0 ft. 10.5 ft. 10.5 ft. 10.5 ft. 7.5 ft. 0.15g 9.0 ft. 0g 7.5 ft. 0 psf 0 psf Level 3H:1V
Table based on minimum recommneded safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=2.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 150 psf cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 120 pcf for clay, 125 pcf for all other soils
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge 0g 9.0 ft. 10.5 ft. 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft.
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit

Level 0 psf 0g 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 18.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 10.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 10.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 16.5 ft. 0g 9.0 ft. 0.15g 12.0 ft. 0g 9.0 ft. 150 psf 0 psf 0 psf Level Level 3H:1V
24-ME (12" extenstion) base unit

Level 0 psf 0g 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft. Level 150 psf 0g 9.0 ft. 10.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. Level 0 psf 0.15g 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft. 3H:1V 0 psf 0g 9.0 ft. 10.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft.
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

Level 0 psf 0g 13.5 ft. 16.5 ft. 19.5 ft. 22.5 ft.
S T O N
24" CIP tail extension

Level 0 psf 0.15g 13.5 ft. 3H:1V 0 psf 0g 10.5 ft. Level 0 psf 0g 13.5 ft. Level 150 psf 0g 10.5 ft. Level 0 psf 0.15g 13.5 ft. 3H:1V 0 psf 0g 9.0 ft.
Backfill Slope Level 150 psf 0g 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 16.5 ft. 19.5 ft.
E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
16.5 ft. 19.5 ft. 21.0 ft.

T R O
12.0 ft. 16.5 ft. 19.5 ft.

N G S
15.0 ft. 18.0 ft. 19.5 ft.

Y S T
12.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

E M S
15.0 ft. 18.0 ft. 19.5 ft.
10.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 18.0 ft.
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations AASHTO 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 psf
Overturning FS=2.0
5/28/10
Table based on AASHTO safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=3.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 150 psf cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 120 pcf for clay, 125 pcf for all other soils
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit


Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

S T O N

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
15.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

T R O
12.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

N G S
13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

Y S T
10.5 ft. 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft.

E M S
12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft.
12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft.
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations AASHTO - LRFD 24SF & 6SF units only
Table based on AASHTO load and resistance factors clay soil includes 150 psf cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 120 pcf for clay, 125 pcf for all other soils
5/28/10
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit


Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

S T O N

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
13.5 ft. 16.5 ft. 18.0 ft.

T R O
12.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

N G S
13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.

Y S T
9.0 ft. 12.0 ft. 13.5 ft.

E M S
13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.
10.5 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft.
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations Vertical Face 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 psf
Overturning FS=1.5
5/28/10
Table based on minimum recommneded safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=2.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 150 psf cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 120 pcf for clay, 125 pcf for all other soils recess and face adjusted for zero setback
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit


Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

S T O N

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
16.5 ft. 18.0 ft. 19.5 ft.

T R O
12.0 ft. 16.5 ft. 18.0 ft.

N G S
15.0 ft. 16.5 ft. 18.0 ft.

Y S T
12.0 ft. 13.5 ft. 15.0 ft.

E M S
13.5 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.
12.0 ft. 15.0 ft. 16.5 ft.
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations (metric) 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 kPa
Overturning FS=1.5
5/28/10
Backfill Slope Level 7.2 kPa 0g 2.3 m 2.3 m 2.7 m 3.2 m 4.1 m 3.7 m 3.7 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 2.3 m 0.15g 2.7 m 0g 2.3 m 0 kPa 0 kPa Level 3H:1V
Table based on minimum recommneded safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=2.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 7.5 kPa cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 19 kN/m3 for clay, 20 kN/m3 for all other soils
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge 0g 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m 4.6 m 5.0 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 3.2 m 4.1 m 3.2 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 0g 2.7 m 0.15g 3.7 m 0g 2.7 m 7.2 kPa 0 kPa 0 kPa Level Level 3H:1V
24-ME (305 mm extenstion) base unit

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m Level 7.2 kPa 0g 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 2.7 m 2.7 m 3.7 m 4.6 m
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

Level 0 kPa 0g 4.6 m 5.0 m 5.9 m 6.9 m
S T O N
610 mm CIP tail extension

Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.6 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0g 4.1 m Level 7.2 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m
Backfill Slope Level 7.2 kPa 0g 3.7 m 4.1 m 5.0 m 5.9 m

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
5.0 m 5.9 m 6.9 m

T R O
3.7 m 5.0 m 5.9 m

N G S
4.6 m 5.5 m 5.9 m

Y S T
4.2 m 4.6 m 5.5 m

E M S
4.6 m 5.5 m 5.9 m
3.6 m 4.6 m 5.5 m
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations AASHTO (metric) 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 kPa
Overturning FS=2.0
5/28/10
Backfill Slope Level 12 kPa 0g 1.4 m 1.8 m 1.8 m 2.3 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 2.7 m 2.7 m 2.7 m 2.3 m 0.15g 2.3 m 0g 1.8 m 0 kPa 0 kPa Level 3H:1V
Table based on AASHTO safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=3.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 7.5 kPa cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 19 kN/m3 for clay, 20 kN/m3 for all other soils
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge 0g 2.3 m 2.7 m 2.7 m 3.2 m
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 3.2 m 4.1 m 2.7 m 3.7 m 2.3 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 0g 2.3 m 0.15g 3.2 m 0g 2.7 m 12 kPa 0 kPa 0 kPa Level Level 3H:1V

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m Level 12 kPa 0g 2.3 m 2.3 m 2.7 m 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 2.7 m 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

Level 0 kPa 0g 4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m 5.5 m
S T O N

Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0g 3.7 m Level 12 kPa 0g 2.7 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 3.7 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m
Backfill Slope Level 12 kPa 0g 3.2 m 3.2 m 4.1 m 4.1 m

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
4.6 m 5.0 m 5.5 m

T R O
3.7 m 4.6 m 5.0 m

N G S
4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m

Y S T
3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m

E M S
4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m
3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations AASHTO - LRFD (metric) 24SF & 6SF units only
Table based on AASHTO load and resistance factors clay soil includes 7.5 kPa cohesion in foundation soil
5/28/10
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
unit weight 19 kN/m3 for clay, 20 kN/m3 for all other soils
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit


Level 0 kPa 0g 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m Level 12 kPa 0g 1.4 m 1.8 m 2.3 m 2.7 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 2.1 m 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

Level 0 kPa 0g 4.1 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m
S T O N

Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0g 3.7 m Level 12 kPa 0g 1.8 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 3.7 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 2.3 m
Backfill Slope Level 12 kPa 0g 2.3 m 2.7 m 3.7 m 3.7 m

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
4.1 m 4.6 m 5.0 m

T R O
3.7 m 4.1 m 5.0 m

N G S
3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m

Y S T
2.7 m 3.2 m 3.7 m

E M S
3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m
3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Stone Strong Gravity Height Calculations Vertical Face (metric) 24SF & 6SF units only
Level 0 kPa
Overturning FS=1.5
5/28/10
Backfill Slope Level 7.2 kPa 0g 1.8 m 2.3 m 2.3 m 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 2.7 m 2.7 m 2.3 m 0.15g 2.7 m 0g 2.3 m 0 kPa 0 kPa Level 3H:1V
Table based on minimum recommneded safety factors: Sliding FS=1.5 Bearing FS=2.0 Seismic safety factors reduced by 25% clay soil includes 7.5 kPa cohesion in foundation soil unit weight 19 kN/m3 for clay, 20 kN/m3 for all other soils recess and face adjusted for zero setback
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge 0g 2.7 m 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.2 m
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-62 base unit

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.7 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 3.2 m 3.7 m 2.7 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 0g 2.7 m 0.15g 3.7 m 0g 2.7 m 7.2 kPa 0 kPa 0 kPa Level Level 3H:1V

Level 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m Level 7.2 kPa 0g 2.7 m 3.2 m 3.2 m 3.7 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 3.2 m 3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 2.7 m 2.7 m 3.7 m 4.1 m
Backfill Slope
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
24-86 & 24-62 base units

Level 0 kPa 0g 4.6 m 5.0 m 5.5 m 5.9 m
S T O N

Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.6 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0g 4.1 m Level 7.2 kPa 0g 3.2 m Level 0 kPa 0.15g 4.1 m 3H:1V 0 kPa 0g 3.2 m
Backfill Slope Level 7.2 kPa 0g 3.7 m 4.1 m 5.0 m 5.5 m

E S
Soil o Ty T pe pe
Surcharge
Seismic PGA
Clay, = 26
Sand, = 30
5.0 m 5.5 m 5.9 m

T R O
3.7 m 5.0 m 5.5 m

N G S
4.1 m 5.0 m 5.0 m

Y S T
3.7 m 4.1 m 4.6 m

E M S
4.1 m 5.0 m 5.0 m
3.2 m 4.6 m 5.0 m
Sand/Gravel, = 34
Crushed Stone, = 38
Page Project
1 / 12
Gravity Wall Design Methodology
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
GRAVITY WALL DESIGN METHODOLOGY STONE STRONG PRECAST MODULAR BLOCK Evaluate according to industry practice following AASHTO and NCMA analytical techniques refer to: AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges 2002, 17th Addition NCMA Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Wall, Second Edition Additional analytical methods and theories are taken from other AASHTO versions and other FHWA guidelines refer to: Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Slopes design and Construction Guidelines, NHI-00-043 Properties of Soil/Aggregate soil and material properties should be determined for the specific materials to be used. unit fill - a = 110 pcf max, (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2) & u leveling base aggregate base typical b & b (or concrete base may be substituted) retained soil - & by site conditions foundation soil - & c by site conditions interface angle - = (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2) Geometric Properties Effective weight of unit block weight weight of aggregate 24 SF unit 750 lb/ft of wall 6 SF unit 450 lb/ft of wall 24 SF unit 596 lb/ft of wall 6 SF unit 296 lb/ft of wall Only 80% of the weight of aggregate and soil is included in the overturning calculations, W (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2).
13478 Chandler Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
2 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Typical gravity wall configuration:
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
3 / 12
Gravity Wall Design Methodology Unit Width/Center of Mass
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
The nominal unit width is 44 inches for both 24 SF and 6 SF blocks. The combined center of mass of the concrete block and the unit fill is at 22.7 inches from the face. These values may be reduced by up to 2 inches to account for the rounding of the face. wu = 3.50 ft xu = 1.73 ft Wall batter The wall system is based around the 24 SF block that is 36 inches of height. The next block atop a 24 SF block will batter back 4 inches. The 6 SF block is 18 inches tall, and the next block atop a 6 SF block will batter 2 inches. 4 in. setback per 24 SF block (36 in. tall) 2 in. setback per 6 SF block (18 in. tall) = tan-1(4/36) = 6.34 = tan-1(4/36) = 6.34 (batter along back face matches the batter along the front) Base Thickness/Embedment The type and thickness of wall base or leveling pad and depth of embedment can vary by site requirements. A granular base with a thickness of 9 inches is commonly used, but the thickness can be adjusted to reduce the contact pressure. A concrete leveling pad or footing can also be used. The required embedment to the top of the base is related to the exposed height of the wall and by the slope at the toe, as well as other factors. The required embedment can be calculated for slopes steeper than 6H:1V using the following equation: he = H/(20*S/6) where S is the run of the toe slope per unit fall and H is the exposed height A minimum embedment of 6 to 9 inches is recommended for private projects. A minimum embedment of 20 inches or more may be required for highway applications.
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
4 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Tail Extension Adjustments The gravity wall capability can be increased by using a precast Mass Extender block (limited to approximately 12 additional inches, for a total block width of 56 inches) or a castin-place tail extension (width is not limited recommend height be at least 2 times the width to provide shear through the tail openings). If tail extensions are used, the following adjustments are made: Wall batter Wall batter is recalculated along the back of the wall from the rear of the tail extension to the rear of the top of the wall. Use in Coulomb equation and earth pressure component calculations. To calculate it is necessary to know the effective setback width, ws, which is the horizontal distance between the back edge of the top block and the back edge of the mass extender at the bottom. ws is the batter of the front face minus the length of tail extension, wte. ws is negative when the mass extender projects further than the back of the top block. Knowing this distance and the height of wall: = arctan(ws / Hw) Interface Angle = (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2) Weight of Wall The weight of the wall includes the contributions of the mass extender and the soil wedge atop the mass extender. A typical concrete unit weight is 145 pcf. Use the soil unit weight for the soil wedge. Wte = (wte * Hte) * 145 pcf where wte is the width of the tail extension and Hte is the height of the extension (both in ft) The weight of the soil triangle is calculated using the following equation: Ws = (H - Hte) * * wte/2 Note: The soil wedge is defined by the limit of the tail extension and not by the simplified batter of the back of the wall. The simplified batter is used in the earth pressure analysis. Since the minimum width of the tail extension is typically maintained, it may project beyond the extension at the first course.
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
5 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Typical gravity wall configuration with tail extension:
'
'
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Page Project
6 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Calculate Forces Coulomb active earth pressure coefficient (see AASHTO 2002 5.5.2-1)
Ka =
cos 2 ( + ' ) sin( + ) sin( ) cos (' )cos(' )1 + cos(' ) cos('+ )

2 2
Earth load components (see AASHTO 2002 5.5.2-1) Vertical Forces: Pv = 0.5 KaH2sin( - ') Qdv = KaQ*H*sin( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Horizontal Forces: Ph = 0.5 KaH2cos( - ) Qdh = KaQ*H*cos( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Qlh = KaQ*H*cos( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Note: Surcharge loads may be divided into dead and live load components. The vertical component of the live load (Qlv) is a stabilizing force and should be neglected as conservative. Resisting forces Vertical Forces: Wb Weight of wall units Wte Weight of concrete tail extension, if used Wa Weight of infill aggregate (use 80% aggregate weight for overturning) Ws Weight of soil atop tail extension (use 80% weight for overturning) The center of gravity of the components of the wall can be calculated by laying out the components of the wall and taking a weighted average of their weight and distance from the hinge point of the block (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2). Alternately, the center of mass can be calculated using the following equations:
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
The center of mass of the stack of blocks is calculated as: xb = xu + (H - hu)/2 * tan() The center of mass of the soil triangle over the tail is; xs = wu + (Hte - hu) * tan() + 2 * wte/3 - ws/3 The center of mass of the tail extension can be calculated with the following equation: xte = wu + wte/2 This leads to an overall adjusted center of mass of: xw = [[xu + (H - hu)/2 * tan()] * (Wb + Wa) + xte * Wte + xs * Ws]/(Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws) Note: the height of unit, hu, is taken as 3 ft. based on the 24 SF unit instead of 1.5 ft. based on the 6 SF unit to produce the more conservative result (units can be stacked with either unit as the bottom course). The resultants of the earth load components are calculated as follows: xPv=(H/3)*tan() + wu + wte xQdv=(H/2) )*tan() + wu + wte xPh=H/3 xQdh=H/2 xQlh=H/2 Table of Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge Ph Qdh Qlh xPh xQdh xQlh Ph*xPh Qdh*xQdh Qlh*xQlh Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws Wb + 0.8*Wa + Wte + 0.8*Ws Pv Qdv xw xw xPv xQdv (Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws) * xw (Wb + 0.8*Wa + Wte + 0.8*Ws) * xw Pv*xPv Qdv*xQdv x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
8 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Overturning For overturning, the modified weights using 80% of the aggregate weight (including the soil over the tail extension) are used for all overturning calculations. MV MH FS moments from vertical forces (using 80% Ws & Wa) moments from horizontal forces MV / MH
The overturning safety factor should be greater than 1.5 for private projects (NCMA 4.3 and ICBO 2006 1806.1). A minimum safety factor of 2.0 may be required for highway applications (AASHTO 2002 5.5.5). Check that FS > 1.5 Sliding Friction on the base of the wall is used to resist sliding failure. Frictional resistance must be determined both between the wall assembly and the base and between the base and the foundation soil (or through the foundation soil). The sliding resistance is calculated as the smaller result of the following equations: For base to foundation soil failure, use: Rs(foundation soil) = (W + Pv + Qdv) tan + Bw*c Bw = wt + wte + tb where represents foundation soils, Bw is base width (block width plus H:1V distribution through base), and c represents foundation soil cohesion For block to base material sliding, use: Rs(footing) = b (W + Pv + Qdv) where b represents a composite coefficient of friction for the base The composite friction coefficient is calculated using contributory areas. The base of the standard Stone Strong 24 SF unit is 80 percent open and 20 percent concrete. On a unit width basis, the contributory area is 0.73 sf of concrete and 2.94 sf of aggregate. If a tail extension is used, the area of the tail extension must also be calculated and the total area is also increased accordingly. Thus, the equation for composite friction coefficient across the base becomes: b = (2.94*p - unit fill/base + 0.73*p - block/base + wte*p - extension/base)/(3.67 + wte) where p is the partial friction coefficient for the indicated materials (dimensions in ft)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Partial friction coefficients can be interpreted from the following table: Coefficient of Friction
Block to Aggregate Base formed precast surface on compacted aggregate surface (includes Mass Extender) Unit Fill to Aggregate Base screened aggregate (loose to moderate relative density - dumped) on compacted aggregate surface Block to Concrete Base formed precast surface on floated concrete surface (includes Mass Extender) Unit Fill Aggregate to Concrete Base screened aggregate (loose to moderate relative density - dumped) on floated concrete surface Concrete Tail Extension to Aggregate Base cast in place concrete on aggregate surface Concrete Tail Extension to Concrete Base cast in place concrete on floated concrete surface
0.8*tan b lower tan b or tan u 0.60 0.8*tan u tan b 0.75
Concrete Tail Extension Directly on Foundation Soil (Sand) tan f cast in place concrete on granular soil Note: These typical values may be used for evaluation of base sliding at the discretion of the user. The licensed engineer of record is responsible for all design input and for evaluating the reasonableness of calculation output based upon his/her knowledge of local materials and practices and on the specific design details.
Since the unit fill aggregate is typically placed to a moderately loose state, the friction angle for the screened unit fill aggregate typically controls for the interface between the unit fill and the base aggregate. If actual test data for the project specific materials is not available, or for preliminary design, the following conservative friction angles are suggested for base material: Friction Angle (degrees) Screened Aggregate, Compacted 40 38 35 Screened Aggregate, Loose to Moderate Relative Density 36 35 32
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Crushed Hard Aggregate >75% w/ 2 fractured faces, hard natural rock Crushed Aggregate >75% w/ 2 fractured faces, medium natural rock or recycled concrete Cracked Gravel >90% w/ 1 fractured face Note:
Physical testing of specific aggregates is recommended. When test data is not available, these typical values may be used at the discretion of the user. The licensed engineer of record is responsible for all design input and for evaluating the reasonableness of calculation output based upon his/her knowledge of local materials and practices and on the specific design details.
Well Graded, Densely Compacted 42 40 36
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
The minimum value for sliding resistance is calculated as follows: FH FV Rs (footing) Rs (foundation soil) min Rs FS horizontal forces vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) b FV [FV*tan() + Bw*c] smaller of Rs (footing) or Rs (foundation soil) min Rs / FH
The safety factor for sliding should be greater than 1.5 check that FS >1.5 Bearing/Eccentricity Bf is the equivalent bearing area. This is the base block width adjusted for eccentricity, and including a H:1V distribution through granular base or 1H:1V distribution through concrete base. Bf = wu + wte + tb - 2*e FV weight of base Mv MH e Bf' (granular base) Bf' (concrete base) contact pressure qc bearing resistance qb FS or Bf = wu + wte + 2*tb - 2*e (for concrete base)
vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) tb * b moments from vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) moments from horizontal forces (wu + wte)/2 - (MV - MH)/FV wu + wte + tb - 2*e wu + wte + 2*tb - 2*e FV / Bf' + tb*b [c*Nc + (he + tb)*found*Nq+0.5*found*Bf'*N] qb / qc
The safety factor for bearing should be greater than 2 Check that FS > 2.0
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
11 / 12
Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
Seismic Design Seismic components of force are calculated according to the procedures in FHWA 4.2h. The maximum acceleration Am = (1.45 - A)*A where A is the peak horizontal ground acceleration. The seismic earth pressure coefficient is calculated with the following equation:
Kae =
cos 2 ( + ) sin( + ) sin( ) cos( ) cos 2 ( ) cos( + )1 + cos( + ) cos( + )

2
where = arctan [Kh/(1 - Kv)]. Kv is generally taken as 0. Kh is the maximum horizontal acceleration of the wall, and is a function of the maximum allowable displacement of the wall during a seismic event. It is calculated with the following equation: Kh = 1.66 * Am * [Am/(d*25.4)]0.25 with d = 2 inches, the conservatively assumed maximum horizontal displacement The horizontal inertia force Pir is calculated as follows: Pir = 0.5 * Kh * * H2 * H + 0.125 * Kh * * H22 * tan( ) where H2 is the height of backfill at the back of the block. The seismic thrust is calculated as follows: Pae = 0.5 * * H22 * (Kae - Ka) Paeh = 0.5 * * H22 * (Kae - Ka) * cos( - ) In overturning analysis, the inertial force is applied at half the height of the wall, while the seismic thrust is applied at 60% of the wall height. By AASHTO requirements, the full inertial force is applied along with 50% of the seismic thrust (FHWA 4.2h).
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
5/12/09
The total overturning moment is increased as shown in the following equation: MH + Pir*H/2 + (Paeh/2)*(0.6*H) The total horizontal sliding force is increased as shown in the following equation: FH + Pir + (Paeh/2) Seismic load conditions should be verified for sliding, overturning/eccentricity, and bearing. Live loads are typically excluded from seismic analysis. Internal Analysis Internal stability analysis is conducted for each segment of block. Since bearing conditions are addressed in the external stability analysis, only overturning and shearing failures are possible. Overturning is evaluated identically to external stability analysis. Sliding resistance is calculated based on the interface shear test (see interaction test reports for complete test data) Rs = [362 + (W + Pv +Qdv)* tan (35.2)] For each load case, the sliding safety factor must be greater than 1.5: FS = Rs / FH check that FS > 1.5 At a minimum, internal stability should be evaluated at each change in block width (i.e. immediately above the mass extender), any change in mass extender size and at the base of any dual-face units.
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Example Gravity Calculation
Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Note: Examples to demonstrate method of analysis only - not intended to conform w/ AASHTO safety factors
Example section 9 ft tall unreinforced wall, 4H:1V backslope, sand backfill Uniform soil (sand) - = 125 pcf = 30 Wall is composed of three 24 SF blocks = arctan((3*4)/(9ft*12/ft)) = 6.34 Granular base aggregate = 40 Unit fill aggregate = 35 Weight of Wall Wb = (3*6,000 lb)/8 ft = 2,250 lb/ft block Wa = (3*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft = 1,787 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 2,250 + 1,787 = 4,037 lb/ft W = 1,787 lb/ft*0.80 + 2,250 lb/ft = 3,680 lb/ft = *30 = 15 c = 0 psf
Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 total xw = [(1.73+0.5*(9 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(2,250 lb + 1,787 lb) ]/4,037 lb = 2.06 ft wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft Soil force components
Ka =
cos 2 (30 + 6.34) sin(30 + 15) sin(30 14.0) cos 2 (6.34) cos(6.34 15)1 + cos (6.34 15) cos(6.34 + 14.0)
2
= 0.313
Ph = 0.5*(0.313)*125pcf*(9 ft)2*cos(15 - 6.34) = 1,564 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.313)*125pcf*(9 ft)2*sin(15 - 6.34) = 238 lb/ft
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Overturning FS = [3,680 lb/ft*2.06 ft + 238 lb*(3.5 ft+9 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [1,564 lb*9 ft/3] = 1.81 > 1.5 Sliding b = [(0.8*3.67 ft*tan(35)) + (0.2*3.67 ft*0.8*tan(40))]/(3. 67 ft) = 0.69 Use the smaller of the following: Rs = 0.69*(4,037 lb/ft + 238 lb/ft) = 2,950 lb/ft Rs = (4,037 lb/ft + 238 lb/ft)*tan(30) + 0 = 2,468 lb/ft FS = 2,468 lb/ft / 1,564 lb/ft = 1.58 > 1.5 Bearing Nq = e*tan(30) * (tan(45+30/2))2 = 18.40 Nc = (18.40-1)/tan(30) = 30.14 N = 2*(18.40+1)*tan(30) = 22.40 e = [1,564 lb/ft*9 ft/3-4,037 lb/ft*(2.06 ft 3.5 ft/2)-238 lb/ft*(3.5 ft/2+9 ft/2*tan(6.34))] / [4,037 lb/ft + 238 lb/ft] = 0.69 ft Bf= 3.5 ft+0.75 ft-2*0.69 ft = 2.88 ft qc = (4,037 lb + 238 lb/ft)/2.88 ft + 0.75 ft*125 pcf= 1,580 psf qb = 0*30.14+(9+9)/12*125pcf*18.40+0.5*125pcf*2.88 ft*22.40 = 7,479 psf FS = 7,479 psf/1,580 psf = 4.73 > 2.0 OK! OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
3/4
Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Internal Analysis, Upper 2 Courses Weight of Wall Wb = (2*6,000 lb)/8 ft = 1,500 lb/ft block Wa = (2*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft = 1,191 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 1,500 lb/ft + 1,191 lb/ft = 2,691 lb/ft W = 1,191 lb/ft*0.80+1,500 lb/ft = 2,453 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 total xw = [(1.73+0.5*(6 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(1,500 lb/ft + 1,191 lb/ft) ]/2,153 lb/ft = 1.90 ft wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft Soil force components Ka = 0.313 Ph = 0.5*(0.313)*125pcf*(6 ft)2*cos(15 - 6.34) = 695 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.313)*125pcf*(6 ft)2*sin(15 - 6.34) = 106 lb/ft Overturning FS = [2,453*1.90 ft +106 lb*(3.5 ft+6 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [695 lb*6 ft/3] = 3.63 > 1.5 Interface Shear Rs = 362 lb/ft +(1,500 lb/ft + 1,191 lb/ft + 106 lb/ft)*tan(35.2)= 2,335 lb/ft FS = 2,335 lb/ft /695 lb/ft = 3.36 > 1.5 OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Internal Analysis, Top Course Weight of Wall Wb = (6,000 lb)/8 ft = 750 lb/ft block Wa = (43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft = 596 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 750 lb/ft + 596 lb/ft = 1,346 lb/ft W = 596 lb/ft*0.80+750 lb/ft = 1,227 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 ft total wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft Soil force components Ka = 0.313 Ph = 0.5*(0.313)*125pcf*(3 ft)2*cos(15 - 6.34) = 174 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.13)*125pcf*(3 ft)2*sin(15 - 6.34) = 23 lb/ft Overturning FS = [1,227 lb/ft*1.73 ft +26 lb*(3.5 ft+3 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [174 lb*3 ft/3] = 12.75 > 1.5 Interface Shear Rs = 362 lb/ft +(750 lb/ft + 596 lb/ft + 26 lb/ft)*tan(35.2)= 1,330 lb/ft FS = 1,330 lb/ft /174 lb/ft = 7.65 > 1.5 OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Note: Examples to demonstrate method of analysis only - not intended to conform w/ AASHTO safety factors Example section 10.5 ft tall wall, 150 psf surcharge, 18x3 tail extension, clay backfill Uniform soil (sand) - = 120 pcf = 26 '= arctangent(-8 in/10.5 ft) = -3.63 Granular base aggregate = 40 Unit fill aggregate = 35 Weight of Wall Wb = (3*6,000 lb)/8 ft + 1,600 lb/4 ft = 2,650 lb/ft block Wa = (3*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft + (10.75 ft3*110 pcf)/4 ft = 2,083 lb/ft aggregate fill Wte = 18 in/12*3 ft*145 pcf = 653 lb/ft Wsot = (10.5 ft-3 ft)*18 in/12/2*120 pcf = 675 lb/ft Total Wall Weight = 2,650 + 2,083 + 653 + 675= 6,061 lb/ft W = (2,033 lb/ft + 675 lb/ft)* 0.80+2,700 lb/ft+653 lb/ft = 5,509 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 total wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft ws = 2*4 in+2 in-18 in = -8 in xw = [(1.73+0.5*(10.5 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(2,650 lb + 2,083 lb)+(3.5 ft +18 in/12)/2*653 lb/ft +(3.5 ft+2/3*18 in/12+1/3*(-8 in)/12)*675 lb/ft]/6,061 lb = 2.61 ft Soil force components c = 150 psf Wall is composed of three 24 SF blocks and one 6 SF block = 3/4*26 = 19.5
Ka =
cos 2 (26 + -3.63) sin(26 + 19.5) sin(26 0) cos 2 ( 3.63) cos( 3.63 19.5)1 + cos ( 3.63 19.5) cos( 3.63 + 0)
2
= 0.372
Ph = 0.5*(0.372)*120 pcf*(10.5 ft)2*cos(19.5 - (-3.63)) = 2,265 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.372)*120 pcf*(10.5 ft)2*sin(19.5 - (-3.63)) = 967 lb/ft Qh = 0.372*150 psf*10.5 ft*cos(19.5 - (-3.63)) = 539 lb/ft
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Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Overturning FS = [5,509*2.61 ft + 967 lb*(3.5 ft+18 in/12+10.5 ft/3*tan(-3.63))] / [2,265 lb*10.5 ft/3+539 lb*10.5 ft/2] = 1.77 > 1.5 Sliding b = [(0.8*3.67 ft*tan(35))+(0.2*3.67 ft*0.8*tan(40))+0.84*18 in/12]/(3.67 ft+18 in/12) = 0.74 Use the smaller of the following: Rs = 0.74*(6,061 lb/ft + 967 lb/ft) = 5,201 lb/ft Rs = (6,061 lb/ft + 967 lb/ft)*tan(26) + 150 psf*(3.5 ft+18 in/12+9 in/12) = 4,290 lb/ft FS = 4,290 lb/ft / (2,265 lb/ft + 539 lb/ft) = 1.53 > 1.5 Bearing Nq = e*tan(26) * (tan(45+26/2))2 = 11.85 Nc = (11.85-1)/tan(26) = 22.25 N = 2*(11.85+1)*tan(26) = 12.54 e = [2,265 lb/ft*10.5 ft/3+539 lb/ft*10.5 ft/2-6,111 lb/ft*(2.61 ft3.5 ft/2-18 in/24) -967 lb/ft*(3.5 ft/2+10.5 ft/2*tan(-3.63))] / [6,061 lb/ft + 967 lb/ft] = 1.12 ft Bf= 3.5 ft+18 in/12+0.75 ft-2*1.12 ft = 3.51 ft qc = (6,061 lb + 967 lb/ft)/3.52 ft + 0.75 ft*120 pcf = 2,099 psf qb = 150 psf*22.25+(9+9)/12*120pcf*11.85+0.5*120pcf*3.52 ft*12.54 = 8,119 psf FS = 8,119 psf/2,099 psf = 3.86 > 2.0 OK! OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
3/5
Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Internal Analysis, Upper 7.5 feet Weight of Wall Wb = (2*6,000 lb)/8 ft + 1,600 lb/4 ft= 1,900 lb/ft block Wa = (2*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft+(10.75 ft3*110 pcf)/4 ft = 1,487 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 1,900 lb/ft + 1,487 lb/ft = 3,387 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 total xw = [(1.73+0.5*(7.5 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(1,900 lb/ft + 1,487 lb/ft) ]/3,387 lb/ft = 1.98 ft wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft = arctangent(2 in/18 in) = 6.34 Soil force components = 1/2*26 = 13
sin(26 + 13) sin(26 0) cos (6.34) cos(6.34 13)1 + cos (6.34 13) cos(6.34 + 0) Ph = 0.5*(0.311)*120pcf*(7.5 ft)2*cos(13 - 6.34) = 1,043 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.311)*120pcf*(7.5 ft)2*sin(13 - 6.34) = 122 lb/ft
2
Ka =
cos 2 (26 + 6.34)

2
= 0.311
Qh = 0.311*150 psf*7.5 ft*cos(13 - 6.34) = 348 lb/ft Overturning FS = [(1,900 lb/ft+0.8*1,487 lb/ft)*1.98 ft +122 lb*(3.5 ft+7.5 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [1,043 lb*7.5 ft/3+348 lb/ft*7.5 ft/2] = 1.68 > 1.5 Interface Shear Rs = 362 lb/ft +(1,900 lb/ft + 1,487 lb/ft + 122 lb/ft)*tan(35.2)= 2,837 lb/ft FS = 2,837 lb/ft /(1,043 lb/ft+348 lb/ft) = 2.04 > 1.5 OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
4/5
Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Internal Analysis, Upper 4.5 feet Weight of Wall Wb = (6,000 lb)/8 ft + 1,600 lb/4 ft= 1,150 lb/ft block Wa = (43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft+(10.75 ft3*110 pcf)/4 ft = 891 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 1,150 lb/ft + 891 lb/ft = 2,041 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 ft total xw = [(1.73+0.5*(4.5 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(1,150 lb/ft + 891 lb/ft) ]/2,041 lb/ft = 1.81 ft wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft Soil force components Ka = 0.311 Ph = 0.5*(0.311)*120 pcf*(4.5 ft)2*cos(13 - 6.34) = 376 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.311)*120 pcf*(4.5 ft)2*sin(13 - 6.34) = 44 lb/ft Qh = 0.311*150 psf*4.5 ft*cos(13 - 6.34) = 209 lb/ft Overturning FS = [(1,150 lb/ft+0.8*891 lb/ft)*1.81 ft +44 lb*(3.5 ft+4.5 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [376 lb*4.5 ft/3+209 lb/ft*4.5 ft/2] = 3.42 > 1.5 Interface Shear Rs = 362 lb/ft +(2,041 lb/ft + 44 lb/ft)*tan(35.2)= 1,833 lb/ft FS = 1,833 lb/ft /(376 lb/ft+209 lb/ft) = 3.14 > 1.5 OK! OK!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
6/28/09
Internal Analysis, Upper 1.5 feet Weight of Wall Wb = 1,600 lb/4 ft= 400 lb/ft block Wa = (10.75 ft3*110 pcf)/4 ft = 296 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 400 lb/ft + 296 lb/ft = 696 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xblock 22.7 from face, with 2 additional inches removed due to rounding 1.73 ft total wu = (44 in-2 in)/12 = 3.5 ft Soil force components Ka = 0.311 Ph = 0.5*(0.311)*120 pcf*(1.5 ft)2*cos(13 - 6.34) = 42 lb/ft Pv = 0.5*(0.311)*120 pcf*(1.5 ft)2*sin(13 - 6.34) = 5 lb/ft Qh = 0.311*150 psf*1.5 ft*cos(13 - 6.34) = 70 lb/ft Overturning FS = [(400 lb/ft+0.8*296 lb/ft)*1.73 ft +5 lb*(3.5 ft+1.5 ft/3*tan(6.34))] / [42 lb*1.5 ft/3+70 lb/ft*1.5 ft/2] = 15.23 > 1.5 Interface Shear Rs = 362 lb/ft +(696lb/ft + 5 lb/ft)*tan(35.2)= 856 lb/ft FS = 856 lb/ft /(42 lb/ft+70 lb/ft) = 7.64 > 1.5 OK! OK!
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LRFD Design Methodology
Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
GRAVITY WALL LRFD DESIGN METHODOLOGY STONE STRONG PRECAST MODULAR BLOCK Evaluate according to industry practice following AASHTO analytical techniques refer to: AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 4th Edition 2007 Additional analytical methods and theories are taken from previous AASHTO specifications and other FHWA guidelines refer to: AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges 2002, 17th Addition Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Slopes design and Construction Guidelines, NHI-00-043
Properties of Soil/Aggregate soil and material properties should be determined for the specific materials to be used. unit fill - a = 110 pcf (max, see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2) & u leveling base aggregate base typical b & b (or concrete base may be substituted) retained soil - & by site conditions foundation soil - & c by site conditions interface angle - = (see AASHTO LRFD Table C3.11.5.9-1) Geometric Properties Effective weight of unit block weight weight of aggregate 24 SF unit 750 lb/ft of wall 6 SF unit 450 lb/ft of wall 24 SF unit 596 lb/ft of wall 6 SF unit 296 lb/ft of wall Only 80% of the weight of aggregate and soil is included in the overturning calculations, W (see AASHTO LRFD 11.11.4.4).
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Typical gravity wall configuration:
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LRFD Design Methodology Unit Width/Center of Mass
Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
The nominal unit width is 44 inches for both 24 SF and 6 SF blocks. The combined center of mass of the concrete block and the unit fill is at 22.7 inches from the face. wu = 3.67 ft xu = 1.89 ft Wall batter The wall system is based around the 24 SF block that is 36 inches of height. The next block atop a 24 SF block will batter back 4 inches. The 6 SF block is 18 inches tall, and the next block atop a 6 SF block will batter 2 inches. 4 in. setback per 24 SF block (36 in. tall) 2 in. setback per 6 SF block (18 in. tall) = tan-1(4/36) = 6.34 = tan-1(4/36) = 6.34 (batter along back face matches the batter along the front) Base Thickness/Embedment The type and thickness of wall base or leveling pad and depth of embedment can vary by site requirements. A granular base with a thickness of 9 inches is commonly used, but the thickness can be adjusted to reduce the contact pressure. A concrete leveling pad or footing can also be used. The required embedment to the top of the base is related to the exposed height of the wall and by the slope at the toe, as well as other factors. The required embedment can be calculated for slopes steeper than 6H:1V using the following equation (see AASHTO LRFD Table C11.10.2.2-1): he = H/(20*S/6) where S is the run of the toe slope per unit fall and H is the exposed height A minimum embedment of 12 inches for level toe and 24 inches for toe slopes of 4H:1V or steeper is recommended for highway applications (AASHTO LRFD C.11.10.2.2)
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Tail Extension Adjustments The gravity wall capability can be increased by using a precast Mass Extender block (limited to approximately 12 additional inches, for a total block width of 56 inches) or a castin-place tail extension (width is not limited recommend height be at least 2 times the width to provide shear through the tail openings). If tail extensions are used, the following adjustments are made: Wall batter Wall batter is recalculated along the back of the wall from the rear of the tail extension to the rear of the top of the wall. Use in Coulomb equation and earth pressure component calculations. To calculate it is necessary to know the effective setback width, ws, which in the horizontal distance between the back edge of the top block and the back edge of the mass extender at the bottom. ws is the batter of the front face minus the length of tail extension, wte. ws is negative when the mass extender projects further than the back of the top block. Knowing this distance and the height of wall: = arctan(ws / Hw) Interface Angle = (see AASHTO LRFD Table C3.11.5.9-1) Weight of Wall The weight of the wall includes the contributions of the mass extender and the soil wedge atop the mass extender. A typical concrete unit weight is 145 pcf. Use the soil unit weight for the soil wedge. Wte = (wte * Hte) * 145 pcf where wte is the width of the tail extension and Hte is the height of the extension (both in ft) The weight of the soil triangle is calculated using the following equation: Ws = (H - Hte) * * wte/2 Note: The soil wedge is defined by the limit of the tail extension and not by the simplified batter of the back of the wall. The simplified batter is used in the earth pressure analysis. Since the minimum width of the tail extension is typically maintained, it may project beyond the extension at the first course.
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Typical gravity wall configuration with tail extension:
'
'
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6 / 14
Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Calculate Forces Coulomb active earth pressure coefficient (see AASHTO LRFD 3.11.5.3)
Ka =
cos 2 ( + ' ) sin( + ) sin( ) cos (' )cos(' )1 + cos(' ) cos('+ )

2 2
Earth load components (see AASHTO LRFD 11.10.5.2) Vertical Forces: Pv = 0.5 KaH2sin( - ') Qdv = KaQ*H*sin( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Horizontal Forces: Ph = 0.5 KaH2cos( - ) Qdh = KaQ*H*cos( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Qlh = KaQ*H*cos( - ) where Q is the effective surcharge in psf Note: Surcharge loads may be divided into dead and live load components. The vertical component of the live load (Qlv) is a stabilizing force and should be neglected as conservative. For the example calculations, the surcharge is treated as a dead load consistent with its use in the seismic calculations. Resisting forces Vertical Forces: Wb Weight of wall units Wte Weight of concrete tail extension, if used Wa Weight of infill aggregate (use 80% aggregate weight for overturning) Ws Weight of soil atop tail extension (use 80% aggregate weight for overturning) The center of gravity of the components of the wall can be calculated by laying out the components of the wall and taking a weighted average of their weight and distance from the hinge point of the block (see AASHTO 2002 5.9.2). Alternately, the center of mass can be calculated using the following equations:
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
The center of mass of the stack of blocks is calculated as: xb = xu + (H - hu)/2 * tan() The center of mass of the soil triangle over the tail is; xs = wu + (Hte - hu) * tan() + 2 * wte/3 - ws/3 The center of mass of the tail extension can be calculated with the following equation: xte = wu + wte/2 This leads to an overall adjusted center of mass of: xw = [[xu + (H - Hu)/2 * tan()] * (Wb + Wa) + xte * Wte + xs * Ws]/(Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws) Note: the height of unit, hu, is taken as 3 ft. based on the 24 SF unit instead of 1.5 ft. based on the 6 SF unit to produce the more conservative result (units can be stacked with either unit as the bottom course). The resultants of the earth load components are calculated as follows: xPv=(H/3)*tan() + wu + wte xQdv=(H/2) )*tan() + wu + wte xPh=H/3 xQdh=H/2 xQlh=H/2 Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge Ph Qdh Qlh xPh xQdh xQlh Ph*xPh Qdh*xQdh Qlh*xQlh Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws Wb + 0.8*Wa + Wte + 0.8*Ws Pv Qdv xw xw xPv xQdv (Wb + Wa + Wte + Ws) * xw (Wb + 0.8*Wa + Wte + 0.8*Ws) * xw Pv*xPv Qdv*xQdv x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Table of Load and Resistance Factors for the relevant load cases (based on AASHTO LRFD Tables 3.4.1-1 and 3.4.1-2) Strength I-a Load Factors DL/ES LL EH EQ Resistance Factors DC EV BC 0.90 1.00 0.50 1.25 1.35 0.50 1.50 1.35 0.50 1.00 1.00 0.60 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.50 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 Strength Strength Extreme Service I-b IV I (EQ) I
For each of the 5 load cases, the unfactored vertical and horizontal forces are multiplied by the corresponding load and resistance factors for each. Table of Calculated Factored Forces and Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge Ph*EH Qdh*DL/ES Qlh*LL Ph*xPh*EH Qdh*xQdh*DL/ES Qlh*xQlh*LL
Moment (lb*ft) (Wb + Wte)*xw *DC (Wa + Ws)*xw *EV 0.8*(Wa + Ws)*xw *EV Pv*xPv*EH Qdv*xQdv*DL/ES
(Wb + Wte)*DC (Wa + Ws)*EV 0.8*(Wa + Ws)*EV Pv*EH Qdv*DL/ES
Page Project
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Overturning/Eccentricity For overturning, the modified weights using 80% of the aggregate weight (including the soil over the tail extension) are used for all overturning calculations. Although not an explicit requirement of the AASHTO specification, the driving and resisting overturning moments should be compared: MV MH factored moments from vertical forces (using 80% Ws & Wa) factored moments from horizontal forces
For each load case, the factored overturning resistance should be greater than the factored overturning load Check that MV > MH This behavior rarely controls. The AASHTO specification uses eccentricity to evaluate overturning. The resultant of the vertical forces must fall within the center of the base, so the eccentricity must be less than 1/4 times the base width B/4 = (wu + wte)/4 Eccentricity or the location of the vertical resultant is calculated as: FV Mv MH e factored vertical forces (using 80% Ws & Wa) factored moments from vertical forces (using 80% Ws & Wa) factored moments from horizontal forces e = (wu+ wte)/2 - (MV-MH)/FV
For each load case, verify that the eccentricity is less than of the base width Check that e < B/4
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
Sliding Friction on the base of the wall is used to resist sliding failure. Frictional resistance must be determined both between the wall assembly and the base and between the base and the foundation soil (or through the foundation soil). The unfactored sliding resistance is calculated as the smaller result of the following equations: For base to foundation soil failure, use: Rs(foundation soil) = (W + Pv + Qdv) tan + Bw*c Bw = wu + tb where represents foundation soils, Bw is base width (block width plus H:1V distribution through base), and c represents foundation soil cohesion For block to base material sliding, use: Rs(footing) = b (W + Pv + Qdv) where b represents a composite coefficient of friction for the base The composite friction coefficient is calculated using contributory areas. The base of the standard Stone Strong 24 SF unit is 80 percent open and 20 percent concrete. On a unit width basis, the contributory area is 0.73 sf of concrete and 2.94 sf of aggregate. If a tail extension is used, the area of the tail extension must also be calculated and the total area is also increased accordingly. Thus, the equation for composite friction coefficient across the base becomes: b = (2.94*p - unit fill/base + 0.73*p - block/base + wte*p - extension/base)/(3.67 + wte) where p is the partial friction coefficient for the indicated materials (dimensions in ft)
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Date
9/24/09
Partial friction coefficients can be interpreted from the following table: Coefficient of Friction
Block to Aggregate Base formed precast surface on compacted aggregate surface (includes Mass Extender) Unit Fill to Aggregate Base screened aggregate (loose to moderate relative density - dumped) on compacted aggregate surface Block to Concrete Base formed precast surface on floated concrete surface (includes Mass Extender) Unit Fill Aggregate to Concrete Base screened aggregate (loose to moderate relative density - dumped) on floated concrete surface Concrete Tail Extension to Aggregate Base cast in place concrete on aggregate surface Concrete Tail Extension to Concrete Base cast in place concrete on floated concrete surface
0.8*tan b lower tan b or tan u 0.60 0.8*tan u tan b 0.75
Concrete Tail Extension Directly on Foundation Soil (Sand) tan f cast in place concrete on granular soil Note: These typical values may be used for evaluation of base sliding at the discretion of the user. The licensed engineer of record is responsible for all design input and for evaluating the reasonableness of calculation output based upon his/her knowledge of local materials and practices and on the specific design details.
Since the unit fill aggregate is typically placed to a moderately loose state, the friction angle for the screened unit fill aggregate typically controls for the interface between the unit fill and the base aggregate. If actual test data for the project specific materials is not available, or for preliminary design, the following conservative friction angles are suggested for base material: Friction Angle (degrees) Screened Aggregate, Compacted 40 38 35 Screened Aggregate, Loose to Moderate Relative Density 36 35 32
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Crushed Hard Aggregate >75% w/ 2 fractured faces, hard natural rock Crushed Aggregate >75% w/ 2 fractured faces, medium natural rock or recycled concrete Cracked Gravel >90% w/ 1 fractured face Note:
Physical testing of specific aggregates is recommended. When test data is not available, these typical values may be used at the discretion of the user. The licensed engineer of record is responsible for all design input and for evaluating the reasonableness of calculation output based upon his/her knowledge of local materials and practices and on the specific design details.
Well Graded, Densely Compacted 42 40 36
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
For each load case, the minimum value for sliding resistance is calculated. A resistance factor of 0.8 is used for a cast in place interface (concrete base or a cast in place tail extension), and a factor of 0.9 is used in all other cases. FH FV Rs (footing) Rs (foundation soil) min Rs factored horizontal forces factored vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) b FV* [FV*tan() + Bw*c]* 0.8 for cast in place base or extension, 0.9 for other cases smaller of Rs (footing) or Rs (foundation soil)
For each load case, the factored sliding resistance should be greater than the sum of factored horizontal forces check that min Rs > FH Bearing Load Case Strength I-b generally controls bearing. Bf is the equivalent bearing area. This is the base block width adjusted for eccentricity, and including a H:1V distribution through granular base or 1H:1V distribution through concrete base. Bf = wu + wte + tb - 2*e FV surcharge over wall weight of base Mv MH e Bf' (granular base) Bf' (concrete base) contact pressure qc bearing resistance qb or Bf = wu + wte + 2*tb - 2*e (for concrete base)
factored vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) qDL*wu*DL/ES + qLL*wu*LL tb * b*EH factored moments from vertical forces (using 100% Ws & Wa) factored moments from horizontal forces (wu + wte)/2 - (MV - MH)/FV wu + wte + tb - 2*e wu + wte + 2*tb - 2*e (FV + qDL*wu*DL/ES + qLL*wu*LL)/Bf' + tb*b*EH [c*Nc + (he + tb)*found*Nq+0.5*found*Bf'*N]*BC
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Date
9/24/09
For each load case, the factored bearing resistance should be greater than the factored contact pressure Check that qb > qc Seismic Design Seismic components of force are calculated according to the procedures in FHWA 4.2h. The maximum acceleration Am = (1.45 - A)*A where A is the peak horizontal ground acceleration. The seismic earth pressure coefficient is calculated with the following equation:
Kae =
cos 2 ( + ) sin( + ) sin( ) cos( ) cos ( ) cos( + )1 + cos( + ) cos( + )

2 2
where = arctan [Kh/(1 - Kv)]. Kv is generally taken as 0. Kh is the maximum horizontal acceleration of the wall, and is a function of the maximum allowable displacement of the wall during a seismic event. It is calculated with the following equation: Kh = 1.66 * Am * [Am/(d*25.4)]0.25 with d = 2 inches, the conservatively assumed maximum horizontal displacement The horizontal inertia force Pir is calculated as follows: Pir = 0.5 * Kh * * H2 * H + 0.125 * Kh * * H22 * tan( ) where H2 is the height of backfill at the back of the block. The seismic thrust is calculated as follows: Pae = 0.5 * * H22 * (Kae - Ka) Paeh = 0.5 * * H22 * (Kae - Ka) * cos( - ) In overturning analysis, the inertial force is applied at half the height of the wall, while the seismic thrust is applied at 60% of the wall height. By AASHTO LRFD requirements, the full inertial force is applied along with 50% of the seismic thrust (AASHTO LRFD 11.10.7.1). The only load case affected by the seismic forces is Extreme I (EQ).
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Project #
08110.00
Date
9/24/09
The total overturning moment is increased as shown in the following equation: MH + Pir*H/2*EQ + (Paeh/2)*(0.6*H)*EQ The total horizontal sliding force is increased as shown in the following equation: FH + Pir*EQ + (Paeh/2)*EQ For load case Extreme 1, EQ = 1.0 All behaviors should be verified as for the other load cases, including sliding, overturning/eccentricity, and bearing. Internal Analysis Internal stability analysis is conducted for each segment of block. Since bearing conditions are addressed in the external stability analysis, only overturning and shearing failures are possible. Overturning is evaluated identically to external stability analysis, except that the eccentricity for block to block contact should be within the middle of the base as required for a rock foundation. For each load case: check that e < B*3/8 Sliding resistance is calculated based on the interface shear test (see interaction test reports for complete test data) Rs = [362 + (W + Pv +Qdv)* tan (35.2)]* where = 0.90 (precast to precast and aggregate to aggregate) For each load case, the factored sliding resistance must be greater than the factored horizontal force: check that Rs > FH At a minimum, internal stability should be evaluated at each change in block width (i.e. immediately above the mass extender), any change in mass extender size and at the base of any dual-face units.
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LRFD Example Calculation
Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Example section 7.5 ft tall unreinforced wall, 4H:1V slope, Sand backfill Uniform soil (sand) - = 125 pcf = 30 = arctan((2*4+2)/(7.5ft*12/ft)) = 6.34 Granular base aggregate = 40 Unit fill aggregate = 35 Weight of Wall Wb = (2*6,000 lb)/8 ft + (1,600 lb)/4 ft = 1,900 lb/ft block Wa = (2*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft + (10.75 ft3*110 pcf)/4 ft = 1,487 lb/ft aggregate fill Total Wall Weight = 1,900 + 1,487 = 3,387 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xw = [(1.89+0.5*(7.5 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(1,900 lb+1,487 lb) ]/3,387 lb = 2.14 feet Soil force components c = 0 psf = *30 = 15 Wall is composed of two 24 SF blocks and one 6 SF block
Ka =
cos 2 (30 + 6.34) sin(30 + 15) sin(30 14.0) cos (6.34) cos(6.34 15)1 + cos (6.34 15) cos(6.34 + 14.0)
2 2
= 0.314
Ph = 0.5*(0.314)*125pcf*(7.5 ft)2*cos(15 - 6.34) = 1,092 lb Pv = 0.5*(0.314)*125pcf*(7.5 ft)2*sin(15 - 6.34) = 166 lb
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08110.03
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7/10/10
Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 1,092 0 0 2.50 3.75 3.75 2,730 0 0 3,387 3,090 166 0 2.14 2.14 3.94 4.08 7,248 6,613 654 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Load & Resistance Factors Strength Strength Strength I-a Load Factors DL/ES LL EH EQ Resistance Factors DC EV BC 0.90 1.00 0.50 1.25 1.35 0.50 1.50 1.35 0.50 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.50 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 I-b IV Service I
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08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 1,092 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 1,774 0 0 1,774 0 0 1,774 0 0 1,183 0 0 1,900 1,487 1,190 166 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 1,710 1,487 1,190 249 0 2,375 2,007 1,606 249 0 2,850 2,007 1,606 249 0 1,900 1,487 1,190 166 0 Load Factor Strength I-a Strength I-b Strength IV Service I
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 2,730 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 4,095 0 0 4,095 0 0 4,095 0 0 2,730 0 0 4,066 3,191 2,552 654 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 3,659 3,191 2,552 984 0 5,083 4,307 3,446 981 0 6,099 4,307 3,446 981 0 4,066 3,191 2,552 654 0 Load Factor Strength I-a Strength I-b Strength IV Service I
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08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 3,659 + 2,552 + 984 = 7,195 lb*ft MH = 4,095 MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! Strength I-a FV MV MH E 3,149 7,195 4,095 0.85 Strength I-b 4,230 9,510 4,095 0.55 Strength IV 4,705 10,526 4,095 0.47 Service I 3,256 7,272 2,730 0.44 7,195 4,095 Strength I-b 9,510 4,095 Strength IV 10,526 4,095 Service I 7,272 2,730
Check that e < B/4 Strength Case I-a: e = (3.67)/2 (7,195 lb*ft 4,095 lb*ft)/ 3,149 lb = 0.85 ft. B/4 = (3.67)/4 = 0.92 ft. e B/4 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!!
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08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Sliding b = ((0.8*3.67*tan(35)) + (0.2*3.67*0.8*tan(40))/(3.67) = 0.69 f = tan(30) = 0.58 Strength I-a FH FV b Rs (footing) f f Rs (foundation soil) min Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs (footing) = 0.69*3,446lb*0.8 = 1,902 lb Rs (foundation soil) = 0.58*3,446 lb*0.9 = 1,799 lb min Rs = 1,799 lb > FH = 1,774 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 1,774 3,446 0.69 0.8 1,902 0.58 0.9 1,799 1,799 Strength I-b 1,774 4,631 0.69 0.8 2,556 0.58 0.9 2,417 2,417 Strength IV 1,774 5,106 0.69 0.8 2,819 0.58 0.9 2,665 2,665 Service I 1,183 3,553 0.69 0.8 1,961 0.58 0.9 1,855 1,855
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Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Bearing Nq = e*tan(30) * (tan(45+30/2))2 = 18.40 Nc = (18.40-1)/tan(30) = 30.14 N = 2*(18.40+1)*tan(30) = 22.40 Strength I-a Fv surcharge over wall MV MH e thickness of base tb Bf (granular base) weight of base contact pressure qc bearing resistance qb Check that qb > qc Strength Case I-b: weight of base = 0.75 ft*125pcf*EH = 0.75*125*1.5 = 141 psf Bf= 3.67ft+0.75ft-2*0.55 ft = 3.32 ft qc = (4,631 lb)/3.32 ft + 141 psf = 1,536 psf qb = [0*30.14+(12+9)/12*125pcf*18.40+0.5*125pcf*3.32 ft*22.40]*0.5 = 4,337 psf qb > qc OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 3,446 0 7,834 4,095 0.85 0.75 2.72 141 1,408 3,917 Strength I-b 4,631 0 10,371 4,095 0.55 0.75 3.32 141 1,536 4,337 Strength IV 5,106 0 11,387 4,095 0.47 0.75 3.48 141 1,608 4,449 Service I 3,553 0 7,911 2,730 0.44 0.75 3.54 94 1,145 4,491
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Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Internal Analysis For 4.5 ft. tall segment above the bottom course. Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 393 0 0 1.50 2.25 2.25 590 0 0 2,041 1,863 60 0 1.98 1.98 3.83 3.92 4,041 3,689 230 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 393 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 590 0 0 590 0 0 590 0 0 393 0 0 1,150 891 713 60 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 1,035 891 713 90 0 1,438 1,203 963 90 0 1,725 1,203 963 90 0 1,150 891 713 60 0 Load Factor Strength Strength I-a I-b Strength IV Service I
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Page Project
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Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 393 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 590 0 0 590 0 0 590 0 0 393 0 0 2,277 1,764 1,411 230 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 2,049 1,764 1,411 345 0 2,846 2,381 1,905 345 0 3,416 2,381 1,905 345 0 2,277 1,764 1,411 230 0 Load Factor Strength Strength Strength I-a I-b IV Service I
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 2,049 +1,411 + 345 = 3,805 lb*ft MH = 590 lb*ft MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 3,805 590 Strength I-b 5,096 590 Strength IV 5,666 590 Service I 3,918 393
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
9/12
Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Strength I-a FV MV MH e 1,838 3,805 590 0.09
Strength I-b 2,491 5,096 590 0.03
Strength IV 2,778 5,666 590 0.01
Service I 1,923 3,918 393 0.00
Check that e < B*3/8 Strength Case I-a: e = 3.67/2 (3,805 lb*ft 590 lb*ft)/ 1,838 lb = 0.09 ft. B*3/8 = 3.67*3/8 = 1.38 ft. e < B*3/8 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! Interface Shear = tan(35.2) = 0.705 Strength I-a FH FV ult Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs = (362 lb + 0.705*2,016 lb)*0.9 = 1,605 lb Rs = 1,605 lb > FH = 639 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 590 2,016 362 0.71 0.9 1,605 Strength I-b 590 2,731 362 0.71 0.9 2,059 Strength IV 590 3,018 362 0.71 0.9 2,241 Service I 393 2,101 362 0.71 0.9 1,659
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
10/12
Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Internal Analysis (continued) For 1.5 ft. tall segment representing the top block. Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 44 0 0 0.50 0.75 0.75 22 0 0 696 637 7 0 1.81 1.81 3.72 3.75 1,260 1,153 26 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 44 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 66 0 0 66 0 0 66 0 0 44 0 0 400 296 237 7 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 360 296 237 11 0 500 399 319 11 0 600 399 319 11 0 400 296 237 7 0 Load Factor Strength Strength I-a I-b Strength IV Service I
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
11/12
Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 26 0 0 EH DL/ES LL 39 0 0 39 0 0 39 0 0 26 0 0 724 536 429 27 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 652 536 429 40 0 905 723 579 40 0 1,086 723 579 40 0 724 536 429 27 0 Load Factor Strength Strength Strength I-a I-b IV Service I
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 652 + 429 + 40 = 1,121 lb*ft MH = 39 lb*ft MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 1,121 39 Strength I-b 1,524 39 Strength IV 1,705 39 Service I 1,180 26
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
12/12
Project #
08110.03
Date
7/10/10 Service I 644 1,180 26 0.04
Strength I-a FV MV MH e 608 1,121 39 0.06
Strength I-b 830 1,524 39 0.05
Strength IV 930 1,705 39 0.04
Check that e < B*3/8 Strength Case I-a: e = 3.67/2 (1,121 lb*ft 39 lb*ft)/ 608 lb = 0.06 ft. B*3/8 = 3.67*3/8 = 1.38 ft. e < B*3/8 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! Interface Shear = tan(35.2) = 0.705 Strength I-a FH FV ult Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs = (362 lb + 0.705*667 lb)*0.9 = 749 lb Rs = 749 lb > FH = 66 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 66 667 362 0.71 0.9 749 Strength I-b 66 910 362 0.71 0.9 903 Strength IV 66 1,010 362 0.71 0.9 967 Service I 44 703 362 0.71 0.9 772
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
1/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Example section 12 ft tall wall w/ 36 mass extender, rock backfill, 250 psf surcharge Retained soil (crushed rock) - = 125 pcf = 34 Foundation soil (sand) - = 125 pcf = 30 = arctan((4*(4-1)-36)/(12ft*12/ft)) = -9.46 Granular base aggregate = 40 Unit fill aggregate = 35 Weight of Wall Wb = (4*6,000 lb)/8 ft = 3,000 lb/ft block Wa = (4*43.32 ft3*110 pcf)/8 ft = 2,383 lb/ft aggregate fill Wte = 36/12*6 ft*145pcf = 2,610 lb/ft tail extension Ws = (1/2)*(12 ft-6 ft)*(36/12)*125 pcf = 1,125 lb/ft soil over mass extender Total Wall Weight = 3,000 + 2,383 + 2,610 + 1,125 = 9,118 lb/ft Forces/Geometric Properties Center of Gravity xw = [(1.89+0.5*(12 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34))*(3,000 lb+2,383 lb)+(3.67ft+36/2/12)* 2,610 lb+ (3.67ft+(6 ft-3 ft)*tan(6.34)+(2/3)*36/12+(1/3)*(-24/12))* 1,125 lb]/ 9,118 lb = 3.54 feet Soil force components c = 0 psf = *34 = 25.5 Wall is composed of four 24 SF blocks w/ 36 in. mass extender to height of 6 ft
Ka =
cos 2 (34 + 9.46) sin(34 + 25.5) sin(34 0) cos 2 ( 9.46) cos( 9.46 25.5)1 + cos( 9.46 25.5) cos( 9.46 + 0)
2
= 0.331
Ph = 0.5*(0.331)*125pcf*(12 ft)2*cos(25.5-(-9.46)) = 2,438 lb Pv = 0.5*(0.331)*125pcf*(12 ft)2*sin(25.5-(-9.46)) = 1,705 lb Qlh = 0.331*(250 psf)*12 ft*cos(25.5-(-9.46)) = 813 lb
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
2/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 2,438 0 813 4.00 6.00 6.00 9,751 0 4,875 9,118 8,416 1,705 0 3.54 3.54 4.11 4.33 32,255 29,774 7,008 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Load & Resistance Factors Strength Strength Strength I-a Load Factors DL/ES LL EH EQ Resistance Factors DC EV BC 0.90 1.00 0.50 1.25 1.35 0.50 1.50 1.35 0.50 1.00 1.00 0.50 1.50 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.75 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 I-b IV Service I
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
3/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 2,438 0 813 EH DL/ES LL 3,657 0 1,422 3,657 0 1,422 3,657 0 0 2,438 0 813 5,610 3,508 2,806 1,705 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 5,049 3,508 2,806 2,557 0 7,013 4,735 3,788 2,557 0 8,415 4,735 3,788 2,557 0 5,610 3,508 2,806 1,705 0 Load Factor Strength I-a Strength I-b Strength IV Service I
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 9,751 0 4,875 EH DL/ES LL 14,626 0 8,532 14,626 0 8,532 14,626 0 0 9,751 0 4,875 19,847 12,409 9,927 10,227 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 17,862 12,409 9,927 15,341 0 24,808 16,752 13,402 15,341 0 29,770 16,752 13,402 15,341 0 19,847 12,409 9,927 10,227 0 Load Factor Strength I-a Strength I-b Strength IV Service I
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
4/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 17,862 + 9,924 + 15,341 = 43,130 lb*ft MH = 23,158 lb*ft MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 43,130 23,158 Strength I-b 53,551 23,158 Strength IV 58,512 14,626 Service I 40,001 9,751
Strength I-a FV MV MH e 10,412 43,130 23,158 1.42
Strength I-b 13,357 53,551 23,158 1.06
Strength IV 14,760 58,512 14,626 0.36
Service I 10,121 40,001 14,626 0.83
Check that e < B/4 Strength Case I-a: e = (3.67+36/12)/2 (43,130 lb*ft 23,158 lb*ft)/10,412 lb = 1.42 ft. B/4 = (3.67+36/12)/4 = 1.67 ft. e < B/4 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!!
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
5/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Sliding b = ((0.8*3.67*tan(35)) + (0.2*3.67*0.8*tan(40)) + (36/12*tan(40))) / (3.67+36/12) = 0.76 f = tan(30) = 0.58 Strength I-a FH FV b Rs (footing) f f Rs (foundation soil) min Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs (footing) = 0.76*11,113 lb*0.8 = 6,753 lb Rs (foundation soil) = 0.58*11,113 lb*0.9 = 5,800 lb min Rs = 5,800 lb > FH = 5,079 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 5,079 11,113 0.76 0.8 6,753 0.58 0.9 5,775 5,775 Strength I-b 5,079 14,305 0.76 0.8 8,692 0.58 0.9 7,433 7,433 Strength IV 3,657 15,707 0.76 0.8 9,544 0.58 0.9 8,162 8,162 Service I 3,250 10,822 0.76 0.8 6,576 0.58 0.9 5,623 5,623
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
6/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Bearing Nq = e*tan(30) * (tan(45+30/2))2 = 18.40 Nc = (18.40-1)/tan(30) = 30.14 N = 2*(18.40+1)*tan(30) = 22.40 Surcharge over wall = wu * qLL * LL = 44/12 * 250 psf * 1.75 = 1,604 psf Strength I-a Fv surcharge over wall MV MH e thickness of base tb Bf (granular base) weight of base contact pressure qc bearing resistance qb Check that qb > qc Strength Case I-b: weight of base = 0.75 ft*125pcf*EH = 0.75*125*1.5 = 141 psf Bf= 3.67ft+36/12+0.75ft-2*1.06 ft = 5.30 ft qc = (14,305 psf + 44/12 + 250 psf *3.67ft*1.75)/5.30ft + 141 = 3,142 psf qb = [0*30.14+(12+9)/12*125pcf*18.40+0.5*125pcf*5.30ft*22.40]*0.5 = 5,723 psf qb > qc OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 11,113 1,604 45,612 23,158 1.42 0.75 4.59 141 2,914 5,223 Strength I-b 14,305 1,604 56,901 23,158 1.06 0.75 5.30 141 3,142 5,723 Strength IV 15,707 1,604 61,863 14,626 0.36 0.75 6.70 141 2,485 6,701 Service I 10,822 1,604 42,483 14,626 0.83 0.75 5.76 94 1,702 8,067
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
7/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Internal Analysis For 6 ft. tall segment above the tail extension. Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 476 0 317 2.00 3.00 3.00 952 0 952 2,691 2,453 90 0 2.06 2.06 3.89 4.00 5,551 5,059 349 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 476 0 317 EH DL/ES LL 714 0 556 714 0 556 714 0 0 476 0 317 1,500 1,191 953 90 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 1,350 1,191 953 134 0 1,875 1,608 1,287 134 0 2,250 1,608 1,287 134 0 1,500 1,191 953 90 0 Load Factor Strength Strength I-a I-b Strength IV Service I
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
8/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 952 0 952 EH DL/ES LL 1,429 0 1,667 1,429 0 1,667 1,429 0 0 952 0 952 3,094 2,457 1,966 349 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 2,784 2,457 1,966 523 0 3,867 3,317 2,654 523 0 4,640 3,317 2,654 523 0 3,094 2,457 1,966 349 0 Load Factor Strength Strength Strength I-a I-b IV Service I
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 2,784 + 1,966 + 523 = 5,273 lb*ft MH = 3,095 lb*ft MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 5,273 3,095 Strength I-b 7,043 3,095 Strength IV 7,817 1,429 Service I 5,408 1,905
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
9/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09 Service I 2,543 5,408 1,905 0.46
Strength I-a FV MV MH e 2,437 5,273 3,095 0.94
Strength I-b 3,296 7,043 3,095 0.64
Strength IV 3,671 7,817 1,429 0.09
Check that e < B*3/8 Strength Case I-a: e = 3.67/2 (5,273 lb*ft 3,095 lb*ft)/2,437 lb = 0.94 ft. B*3/8 = 3.67*3/8 = 1.38 ft. e < B*3/8 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! Interface Shear = tan(35.2) = 0.705 Strength I-a FH FV ult Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs = (362 lb + 0.705*2,676 lb)*0.9 = 2,025 lb Rs = 2,025 lb > FH = 1,270 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 1,270 2,676 362 0.71 0.9 2,025 Strength I-b 1,270 3,618 362 0.71 0.9 2,623 Strength IV 714 3,993 362 0.71 0.9 2,861 Service I 794 2,781 362 0.71 0.9 2,091
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
10/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Internal Analysis For 3 ft. tall segment representing the top course. Table of Unfactored Forces & Moments Force (lb) Vertical Forces weight of wall modified weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 119 0 159 1.00 1.50 1.50 119 0 238 1,346 1,227 22 0 1.90 1.90 3.78 3.83 2,551 2,325 85 0 x (ft) Moment about toe (lb*ft)
Table of Calculated Factored Forces (lbs) Unfactored Force Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 119 0 159 EH DL/ES LL 179 0 278 179 0 278 179 0 0 119 0 159 750 596 477 22 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 675 596 477 34 0 938 804 643 34 0 1,125 804 643 34 0 750 596 477 22 0 Load Factor Strength Strength I-a I-b Strength IV Service I
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
11/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09
Table of Calculated Factored Moments (lb*ft) Unfactored Moment Vertical Forces block weight aggregate weight modified agg weight earth pressure DL surcharge Horizontal Forces earth pressure DL surcharge LL surcharge 119 0 238 EH DL/ES LL 179 0 417 179 0 417 179 0 0 119 0 238 1,422 1,129 903 85 0 DC EV EV EH DL/ES 1,280 1,129 903 127 0 1,777 1,524 1,220 127 0 2,133 1,524 1,220 127 0 1,422 1,129 903 85 0 Load Factor Strength Strength Strength I-a I-b IV Service I
Overturning/Eccentricity Strength I-a MV MH Check that MV > MH Strength Case I-a: MV = 1,280 + 903+ 127 = 2,310 lb*ft MH = 595 lb*ft MV > MH OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 2,310 595 Strength I-b 3,124 595 Strength IV 3,479 179 Service I 2,410 357
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Page Project
12/12
Project #
08110.04
Date
9/24/09 Service I 1,249 2,410 357 0.19
Strength I-a FV MV MH e 1,185 2,310 595 0.39
Strength I-b 1,614 3,124 595 0.27
Strength IV 1,802 3,479 179 0.00
Check that e < B*3/8 Strength Case I-a: e = 3.67/2 (2,310 lb*ft 595 lb*ft)/1,185 lb = 0.39 ft. B*3/8 = 3.67*3/8 = 1.38 ft. e < B*3/8 OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! Interface Shear = tan(35.2) = 0.705 Strength I-a FH FV ult Rs Check that min Rs > FH Strength Case I-a: Rs = (362 lb + 0.705*1,304 lb)*0.9 = 1,154 lb Rs = 1,154 lb > FH = 456 lb OK!! All other Load Cases: OK!! 456 1,304 362 0.71 0.9 1,154 Strength I-b 456 1,775 362 0.71 0.9 1,453 Strength IV 179 1,963 362 0.71 0.9 1,572 Service I 278 1,368 362 0.71 0.9 1,194
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
USER NOTES
version 3.0 (6/4/10) visit www.stonestrong.com to check current version Stone Strong LLC is the owner of this computer file and retains all common law, statutory, and other reserved rights including the copyright. Limited license is granted to copy, print, or use this spreadsheet as an aid in performing design calculations for Stone Strong retaining walls. Thiele Geotech, Inc. and Stone Strong LLC make no warranties, either expressed or implied, of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and accept no responsibility for the accuracy, suitability, or completeness of information contained herein. The licensee certifies that he/she is a professional engineer (PE) licensed by a state, province, territory or recognized jurisdiction. This computer file may be used by engineer interns (EI) or other assistants working under the direct supervision and control of the licensee. Any use by anyone who is not a licensed PE or working under the direct supervision and control of a licensed PE is strictly forbidden. Licensee acknowledges that this computer file is the proprietary property of Stone Strong LLC. Licensee certifies that he/she will maintain this computer file as a confidential trade secret and will not copy or distribute the file to any person or entity that is not acting under his/her direct supervision and control. This calculation spreadsheet is provided for general information purposes only. Anyone making use of this spreadsheet and related information does so at their own risk and assumes all liability for such use. Site specific design should be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer who is familiar with the actual site conditions, materials, and local practices. 1 The conventional (non LRFD) calculation methodology generally adheres to the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (17th Edition, 2002). Additional methods and practices follow the FHWA Mechinically Stabilized Earth Walls and Reinforced Slopes Design and Construction Guidelines, NHI-00-043. Specific methods, procedures, equations, and nomenclature can be found in the Gravity Wall Design Methodology and Example Gravity Calculations in the Engineering Manual and available on the Stone Strong web site www.StoneStrong.com. The end user is responsible for all highlighted input values and changes to unhighlighted program default values. Properties for soil and other materials should be obtained through testing or from recommendations by an experienced geotechnical engineer with knowledge of local materials and practices. The backfill height defaults to the total wall height, assuming that the wall is backfilled to the top of any Cap units or Dual Face units. The backfill height may be overwritten where the Cap or Dual Face units are allowed to project above grade. The total wall height and backfill height are measured from the top of the base pad, neglecting embedment. The exposed height is the total backfill height less the embedment depth. Note that passive resistance at the toe is neglected per customary engineering practice for modular wall systems. See the Wall Height Terminology sketch located below. The lateral load above the wall will evaluate live loads such as wind loads on a fence, lateral forces on a hand-rail, or barrier loads on an above grade Dual Face section. This live load is not included in seismic calculations (if used). The height above the top of the wall is defined as the height above the blocks, not above the backfill height (where the backfill height is set at less than the wall height for a Cap or Dual Face projection above grade). See the Wall Height Terminology sketch located below. The soil parameters default to uniform conditions. The foundation soils are set to match changes in the retained soils, but can be overwritten for non-uniform soils.
The trial wedge routine will automatically solve complex slope, tier, and surcharge geometry. Sloped embankments may be defined by entering the slope value (run per foot of rise) or by entering the elevation change over the defined segment length. Entry method is toggled by entering "slope" or "elevation" in the entry field in the non-printed space to the right of the slope section. The segment lengths for the zoned slopes and surcharges are measured successively beginning from the front face of the wall. Up to 4 segments may be entered, and all segment lengths are horizontal. The total defined distance must exceed the influence distance of the trial wedges, typically beginning at approximatley 30 degrees above horizontal. The length of segment 1 is measured from the face of the wall, and the lengths of segments 2, 3, and 4 are measured from the previous segment. Tiers may be entered between segments. For purposes of the trial wedge analysis, all tiers are assumed vertical. See the Backslope & Surcharge Terminology sketch located below. A rigid boundary, such as a rock ledge or an embedded structural element, may be modeled by entering a negative tier height at the location of the rigid boundary. The boundary is assumed to be vertical. Live load surcharges may be entered for individual zone segments. Live load surcharges would include vehicle loads and other intermittent surcharges. The vertical component of LL surcharges is neglected, and LL surcharges are omitted in seismic analysis (if used). The calculations for overturning and contact pressure use a reduced block base width to account for rounding of the face (reduced by 2 inches by default). Contact pressure can be reduced by increasing the thickness of the granular base (see note #14). The recommended design procedure for Mass Extenders or tail extensions is to determine the maximum gravity height without an extension for the specific soil and loading conditions, and to apply the Mass Extender or tail extension to the entire wall section that exceeds this limiting height. Several precast extended block types are included in the Block Library, but the user should verify availabiltity of extended units. Cast in place extensions may be added to individual block courses. For blocks with a height of 3 feet (24SF units), the extender may be limited to the bottom half by placing an "X" (or any character) in the cell next to the extension width. This feature is neglected for blocks with a height of 1.5 feet (6SF units). For calculating driving forces applied to the wall, the effective batter of the back of the blocks is taken as the facing batter when a Mass Extender is not used, even if a Dual Face block or cap block is used at the top of the wall. If a Mass Extender is used, the batter on the back of the wall is recalculated following AASHTO recommendations for stepped modules, but ignoring the reduced width of the DF unit as conservative. The soil wedge that is mobilized by the tail extension is included in stability calculations. When a Mass Extender block or a cast in place tail extension is used, the interface friction angle is taken as 3/4 of the retained soil friction angle per AASHTO recommendations for stepped modules. In other cases, the interface friction angle is taken as 1/2 of the retained soil friction angle. The aggregate infill weight and the weight of the soil wedge (when Mass Extenders or tail extensions are used) are reduced to 80 percent of actual when calculating overturning resistance. If all of the block cells on the bottom course are filled with concrete (including the center void), the ratio may be increased to 100% (see variable in cell O11). Note that AASTHO recommends a maximum unit weight of 110 pounds for the unit fill. The toe embedment should typically be at least 5% of the differential wall height (exposed backfill height/20). If the grade slopes away from the toe, the embedment should be increased. The suggested minimum embedment can be expressed as H'/(20*s/6) where H' is the exposed backfill height and s is the horizontal run per unit of slope (sH:1V). For example, the embedment for a 3H:1V toe slope would be H'/10. Minimum embedment should be 6 to 9 inches for private projects, 20 inches (0.6 m) for AASHTO conventional design, and 12 to 24 inches for AASHTO LRFD design.
10
11
12
13
14
15
The base materials, configuration, and properties are entered to the right of the printable space. Sliding resistance across the surface of the base is evaluated using a composite friction coefficient based on the contributory area for each interface combination. The calculated coefficient can be overridden by entering a composite coefficient in the OVERRIDE entry cell. If ANY value is entered in this cell, it will be used to calculate the sliding resistence regardless of the other values entered. The sliding resistence routine also includes evaluation of sliding failure throught the foundation soils below the base, and the lower result is reported as the sliding resistance Rs. The aggregate base thickness may be adjusted for site and other conditions. The base thickness is typically set at 9 inches, but may be reduced to 6 inches for shorter walls (6 feet or less) or for hard and stable foundation soil conditions. In soft conditions with lower allowable bearing pressures, the contact pressure may be reduced by increasing the thickness of the granular base. The horizontal dimension of the base should be set to provide a minimum projection in front of the face equal to 1/2 of the base thickness plus 3 to 6 inches for construction tolerance. The rear projection of the base behind the tail should provide at least 3 to 6 inches for construction tolerance. The thickness of a concrete base is typically set at 6 inches unless site conditions dictate a thicker base to distribute the wall weight over soft soils. When an unreinforced concrete base is used, the front projection of the footing should be at least equal to than the concrete thickness. For calculating the equivalent bearing width and the contact pressure, a 1:1 distribution is taken through the unreinforced concrete base instead of the 1:2 distribution traditionally used for an aggregate base. If a reinforced concrete footing is used, the front projection dimension is used to calculate the equivalent bearing width regardless of the thickness. An allowable bearing pressure may be entered if specified by the geotechnical report or other requirements. This allowable bearing pressure will override the calculation of allowable bearing pressure based on the entered properties of the foundation soil. If a net allowable bearing pressure is indicated, then the overburden at the toe will be added to determine the gross allowable bearing pressure. If unsure as to whether the specified bearing pressure is net allowable, enter "g" to indicate gross allowable (conservative). If an allowable bearing pressure is not entered, bearing capacity is calculated using the Vesic equation. The calculation includes the thickness of the aggregate base and the cover depth in the embedment factor Df. Internal stability analysis can be performed at any unit interface within the wall. To switch to internal analysis, enter "internal" or any character string beginning with "i" in cell O10. At a minimum, internal stability should be checked at each change in module size (i.e. top of Mass Extender or tail extension) and for all courses where lateral loads are applied above the wall or for seismic load cases. Interface shear properties are taken from full scale testing. Seismic analysis follows pseudo-static Mononabe-Okabe methodology. Seismic loads are combined with earth loads and dead load surcharges. Live load surcharges and lateral loads at the top of the wall are omitted for the seismic load case. Required safety factors are taken as 3/4 of the indicated static condition safety factors. The seismic acceleration PGA is the peak ground acceleration, expressed as a fraction of gravity. The Block Library includes all standard Stone Strong elements. The user should verify availability of individual units from the precaster/dealer in the area of the project. The Block Library also includes cast in place concrete coping, and the dimensions may be edited by the user. A user entry section is also available to enter custom block units for unique applications.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
The LRFD version follows the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification (4th Edition, 2007). Load and Resistance Factor Design methodology applies separate factors to address the variability of the applied loads, materials, and design components that provide support. The factored loads must be less than the factored resistance to satisfy the design requirements. Specific methods, procedures, equations, and nomenclature can be found in the LRFD Design Methodology and LRFD Example Calculations in the Engineering Manual and available on the Stone Strong web site www.StoneStrong.com. A table of load and resistance factors used in the LRFD spreadsheet is included on page 2 of the program output. These are based upon tables 3.4.1-1 and 3.4.1-2 in the AASHTO LRFD specification. Calculations are provided for relevent load cases - Strength I (a & b variations), Strength II, Strength IV, Extreme Event I (seismic), Extreme Event II (collision), and Service I. For this type of Precast Modular Block (PMB) system, load cases Strength I and Extreme Event I (seismic) will typically control design. Results are summarized for load case Strength I (relevent behaviors from a or b cases) and Extreme Event I (seismic, if applicable). Detailed calculations for all of the load cases are presented in tabular form below the summary. If these additional calculations indicate stabiltiy problems, a flag occurs in the Results summary. Lateral loads at the top of the wall are assumed to be guardrail or barrier collision loads in the LRFD analysis (treated as live loads in conventional analysis). Collision loads are treated in Extreme Event II load case. If the lateral load is a different type of loading, this may be investigated by editing the load factor CT and load case designation. Note that the last 2 load case headings and the CT load factor designation are not protected and can be edited by the user, as can all of the individual load factor values.
23
24
Block Library
Conc. Wt. (lbs) 1,600 6,000 10,000 8,000 12,000 14,000 6,600 7,400 Void Vol 3 (ft ) 10.75 43.74 45.45 44.35 45.56 46.16 75.87 115.07 Length g (ft) 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Height g (ft) 1.50 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 Unit Width (in) 44 44 56 50 62 68 62 86 Lift (in) 19.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 Align g (in) 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 xc (in) 21.0 21.2 32.7 38.5 50.0 44.2 29.1 40.0 xv (in) 23.5 24.8 25.8 25.3 26.5 26.1 33.0 45.1 Special p Top
6/4/10
Block Type 6 24 24-ME 24-M6 24-M18 24-M24 24-62 24-86
Description 6SF unit (6 square feet) 24SF unit (24 square feet) 24SF Mass Extender unit 24SF w/ 6" Mass Extender (check availability) 24SF w/ 18" Mass Extender (check availability) 24SF w/ 24" Mass Extender (check availability) 24SF-62 unit 24SF-86 unit
Alternate top units (not typically used - regular 24SF top unit is used in most applications, analyzed as regular 24 SF unit) Cap Cap unit 1,600 0.00 8 0.58 32.0 DF Dual Face unit 3,500 0.00 8 1.50 28.0
14.0
16.0 14.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27.0 27 0
16.0 14.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25 0
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cast-in-place coping (overhang would be 19 inches less than the Alignment dimension entered - custom coping may be entered below) 12" cp cast-in-place concrete coping 604 1 1.00 50.0 18" cp cast-in-place concrete coping 906 1 1.50 50.0 24" cp cast-in-place concrete coping 1,208 1 2.00 50.0 30" cp cast-in-place concrete coping 1,510 1 2.50 50.0 coping custom cast in place concrete coping cast-in-place 755 1 1.25 1 25 50.0 50 0 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 4 8 1.50 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 1.50 1 50 3.00 44 44 56 50 62 68 62 86 44 44 19.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 21.0 19.0 19 0 21.0
Vertical stack units (modified recess and face to permit construction of a vertical face) V6 6SF unit (6 square feet) 1,600 10.75 V24 24SF unit (24 square feet) 6,000 43.74 V24-ME 24SF Mass Extender unit 10,000 45.45 V24-M6 24SF w/ 6" Mass Extender ( (check availability) 8,000 44.35 y) , V24-M18 24SF w/ 18" Mass Extender (check availability) 12,000 45.56 V24-M24 24SF w/ 24" Mass Extender (check availability) 14,000 46.16 V24-62 24SF-62 unit 6,600 75.87 V24-86 24SF-86 unit 7,400 115.07
17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 17.0 -4.5 -4.5
21.0 21.2 32.7 38.5 50.0 44.2 29.1 40.0 21.0 21 0 21.2
23.5 24.8 25.8 25.3 26.5 26.1 33.0 45.1 23.5 23 5 24.8
Green Wall units (increased setback - use for green wall or as isolated planter block) G6 6SF unit (6 square feet) 1,600 1 600 10.75 10 75 G24 24SF unit (24 square feet) 6,000 43.74
Custom user entered elements below (use for any dealer specific variances from above default dimensions/weights)
STONE STRONG GRAVITY CALCULATIONS - ver 3.0

Project Name: Engineering Manual Location: Stone Strong, Lincoln, NE Job#: 08110.00 Section: Example Calculation y Calc by: Thiele Notes This example calculation presents a complex backfill geometry including slopes, tiers, and partial surcharge. The critical loading is determined by a trial wedge analysis, and the safety factors are returned for the critical wedge. See plot of trial wedges on page 2 of the output. Wall Configuration block w (in) h (ft) batter/setback block units face (in) tail (in) Wb (lb) xb (in) unit fill Wa (lb) xa (in) soil wedge Ws (lb) xs (in) CIP Extension we (in) ht=18" 9/13/10 14:09
6 24 24 24-62 24-86 OK!
44.0 44.0 44.0 62.0 86.0 86.0
1.50 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 13.50
16.0 12.0 8.0 4.0 0.0 16.0
-26.0 -30.0 -34.0 -20.0 0.0 -26.0 = '=
400 750 750 825 925 3,650
35.00 31.20 27.20 31.10 38.00 32.50
296 601 601 1,043 1,582 4,124
37.50 34.80 30.80 35.00 43.10 37.65
26 314 629 448 0 1,416
58.93 59.71 61.43 72.14 0.00 64.39
backfill height exposed height Retained Soil
13.50 feet 12.75 feet 125 pcf 32 deg
6.34 deg -9.12 deg interface friction angle 24.0 deg base embedment base thickness agg/conc/reinf base Toe Slope LL surcharge psf psf 150 psf psf 43.27 deg 36.38 ft
R O N G L L
Aggregate Unit Fill 9 in 9 in agg b 0.69 0 69 110 pcf
Foundation allowable bearing pressure (net) n/a psf (if specified) Seismic Load PGA 0.10 G
c'
125 pcf psf 32 deg k

h
0.05
H:1V slope Tier Height 6.0 ft 6.0 ft ft 30 psf
Backfill Slope & Surcharge length 1 length 2 length 3 length 4 20 feet (horizontal) 10 feet (horizontal) 25 feet (horizontal) 30 feet (horizontal) 2.24 H:1V slope 24.0 deg
S T O N E
rise in grade 2 ft ft ft 10 ft failure plane zone of influence

S T
effective slope
avg LL q
STONE STRONG GRAVITY CALCULATIONS - ver 3.0

Project Name: Engineering Manual Location: Stone Strong, Lincoln, NE Job#: 08110.00 Section: Example Calculation y Calc by: Thiele 9/13/10 14:09 Page 2 of 2 Analysis Ka = Ph = Pv = Results 0.443 4,224 lb 2,756 lb Overturning: Sliding: Bearing Capacity: Qlh = Rs = 169 lb KAE = PIR = PAEh = 0.216 396 lb 2057 lb Actual FS= Actual FS= 7,465 lb qult = 14,479 psf Desired FS = Desired FS = 1.5 1.5 e= Bf' = eeq= Bf'eq = 2.16 1.70 1.19 ft 5.37 ft 2.02 ft 3.72 ft OK! OK! OK!
Desired FS = 2 qall = 7,240 psf Desired FS = Desired FS = 1.13 1.13
Actual FS= 6.47 qc = 2,320 psf Actual FS= Actual FS= 1.16 1.42
Seismic Overturning: Seismic Sliding: Seismic Bearing:
OK! OK! OK!
Desired FS = 1.5 qall = 9,653 psf
Actual FS= 4.49 qc = 3,309 psf
Ground Surface & Trial Wedge Plot
40 35 30 25 Height (ft) 20 15 10 5 0 0 20 40 Distance from Face (ft)

N E S T R O
6000
5000
4000 R Resultant (lb)
3000
2000
1000
0 60 80
Page Project
1/1
Stone Strong Engineering Manual
Project #
08110.00
Date
7/1/11
DETAIL LIBRARY
The Stone Strong detail library includes drawings of the various precast modular units and installation details. These details are intended to convey to the designer the common or recommended installation methods, but are not necessarily intended to convey absolute limits on the use of the components. By their nature, these typical details are preliminary and conceptual in nature, and are not necessarily applicable to any specific project or application. Design decisions should be made by a licensed engineer who is ultimately responsible for the project specific design. All of the details presented herein are available in AutoCAD format. The dwg files can be downloaded from the web site at www.stonestrong.com. The details may be revised and edited for the specific Stone Strong retaining wall application. This detail library includes the following categories: Components Cross Sections Typical Details Corner Details Miscellaneous Applications
402/556-2171 (Fax 402/556-7831)
Interaction Testing Report 24 SF Units with Synteen Geogrids Stone Strong Systems Lincoln, Nebraska
Prepared for: Stone Strong Systems 1620 South 70th Street Suite 105 Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
September 17, 2004 TG Project No. 02546.2
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

13478 Chandler Road Omaha, Nebraska 68138-3716 402/556-2171 Fax 402/556-7831 www.thielegeotech.com In association with:
TADROS ASSOCIATES, LLC

6910 Pacific Street, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045
Interaction Testing Report 24 SF Units with Synteen Geogrids

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................1 MATERIALS .........................................................................................................................................................2 TEST PROCEDURES...........................................................................................................................................3
TEST FRAME ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 INTERFACE SHEAR TESTS ............................................................................................................................................. 3 CONNECTION STRENGTH PULLOUT TESTS .............................................................................................................. 4
TEST RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................................5

INTERFACE SHEAR TESTS ............................................................................................................................................. 5 CONNECTION STRENGTH PULLOUT TESTS .............................................................................................................. 5 CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................................................. 6
APPENDIX
Interaction Testing Report TG #02546.2
September 17, 2004 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
Thiele Geotech, Inc., in association with Tadros Associates, LLC, has completed an interaction testing program to evaluate the interface shear capacity and the connection strength between Stone Strong Systems 24 SF precast concrete segmental retaining wall blocks and Synteen SF55 and SF110 geogrids used in the construction of segmental retaining walls. The results of the testing program were used to define relationships for surcharge load representing stacked Stone Strong units with facing/geogrid connection strength and with interface shear strength both with and without geogrid inclusions. Due to the large size of the Stone Strong blocks, a custom testing frame was designed by Tadros Associates, LLC. This large test frame accommodates full scale tests under conditions that reproduced field shear and connection conditions. Testing was performed by personnel from Tadros Associates and Thiele Geotech.
MATERIALS
Stone Strong Systems 24 SF blocks are precast concrete blocks used for construction of segmental retaining walls. The 24 SF unit has nominal face dimensions of 96 inches long and 36 inches tall for a total face area of 24 square feet. The unit has a depth (measured horizontally from the face to the tail) of approximately 44 inches. The units have a center void between twin webs, and the face and tail flanges extend beyond the webs. The rear flange is tapered to allow the blocks to be laid on a curve. Each unit weighs approximately 5,800 to 6,200 pounds empty, depending on the aggregate used to manufature the block. When installed in a retaining wall, the block voids are filled with aggregate. The infilled weight is approximately 10,200 to 11,000 pounds, depending on the unit weights of the concrete and aggregate fill. Synteen SF55 and SF110 geogrids are uni-directional grids composed of high strength polyester yarns coated with a PVC material. The SF55 and SF110 Geogrids have average ultimate tensile strengths of 3,774 pounds per foot and 10,212 pounds per foot, respectively, based on published test data.
TEST PROCEDURES
TEST FRAME
The apparatus used to conduct the tests consisted of a steel frame anchored to a rigid concrete mat foundation. The frame is capable of resisting 150,000 pounds of surcharge load and 100,000 pounds of shear/pullout force simultaneously. Rollers were mounted between the test frame and the loading beam to allow for block movement during shear testing. Photographs and schematics of the test frame are included in the Appendix of this report. Surcharge and shear/pullout loads were placed on the blocks using two (2) Enerpac PEJ-1301 submerged hydraulic pumps capable of delivering 20 in3 per minute at 10,000 psi each. Loads were measured by the use of Omega PX303 pressure transducers with 0 to 10,000 psig range and an accuracy of 0.25 percent FS. Mounted on each pump is a manifold to distribute hydraulic fluid to the two (2) 25 ton, 6 inch stroke (Enerpac RC256) surcharge actuators and the two (2) 25 ton, 6 inch stroke (Enerpac RC256) shear/pullout actuators and to the pressure transducers. The flow of fluid to the shear/pullout actuators is adjustable by an Enerpac V-8F needle valve. Displacements were measured by the use of two (2) 3 inch stroke and one (1) 6 inch stroke linear potentiometers with 0.15 percent maximum linearity (0.07 percent typical) and less than 0.01 mm hysteresis. Loads and displacements were continuously measured and recorded during the test by a Data Translation DT9802 date acquisition module connected to a loptop computer via USB interface. Sensor excitation was provided by an Omega 5v regulated power supply. Loads and displacements were recorded a minimum of once per second using DT Measure Foundry software.
INTERFACE SHEAR TESTS

The NCMA SRWU-2 and ASTM D6638 methods of test were used to determine the shear strength between Stone Strong Systems 24 SF concrete block units. The tests were carried out with and without a layer of geosynthetic reinforcement between layers of Stone Strong units. The bottom block was installed and braced against the front of the load frame. Portions of the top of the block were recessed with a bush hammer to control the dimension of the loaded area. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the void of the bottom block. When a geogrid layer was included, the geosynthetic reinforcement was centered over the bottom block. The top Stone Strong unit layer was centered over the bottom block. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the void of the top block. The top unit was loaded with a constant vertical surcharge load applied to the concrete webs, simulating an equivalent height of stacked blocks. The shear force was applied at a constant rate of displacement until large shear displacements were achieved. The load and displacements were
continuously measured and recorded during the test by a microcomputer/data acquisition system. The tests were continued until failure of the interface components occurred, causing a sustained loss of shearing resistance, or to a displacement of 1 inches.
CONNECTION STRENGTH PULLOUT TESTS

The NCMA SRWU-1 and ASTM D6638 methods of test were used to determine the connection strength between geosynthetic reinforcement and Stone Strong Systems 24 SF concrete block units. The tests were carried out with a layer of geosynthetic reinforcement between layers of Stone Strong units. The bottom block was installed and braced against the back of the load frame. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids of the bottom block. The geosynthetic reinforcement was centered over the bottom block and attached to a clamping device. Sacrificial pieces of geogrid were placed over the extended flanges to maintain even load distribution across the block unit. The top Stone Strong unit layer was placed over the geogrid and centered over the bottom block. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids of the top block, and the block was braced against the back of the frame. The top unit was loaded with a constant vertical surcharge load applied to the concrete webs, simulating an equivalent height of stacked blocks. A tensile force was placed on the geosynthetic reinforcement under constant rate of displacement until failure of the connection system occurred. The load and displacements were continuously measured and recorded during the test by a microcomputer/data acquisition system. Tests were continued until failure occurred as excessive deformation or slippage of the geogrid in the connection or failure of the blocks occurred, causing a sustained loss of tensile resistance recorded.
TEST RESULTS
Results of the interface shear tests are attached in tables and graphs recorded in the Appendix of this report. The peak interface shear capacity and shear capacity at the displacement criterion of inch were plotted versus the normal load. The minimum peak shear capacity recorded was 2,822 pounds per foot. The peak interface shear strength between Stone Strong Systems 24 SF units and Synteen SF55 and SF110 Geogrid for equivalent wall heights between 9.6 and 57.4 feet high ranged between 8,667 and 12,371 pounds per foot. Tests repeated using the same normal load had peak shear capacity values within 10 percent of the mean peak shear capacity of the identical tests; therefore, they are within the NCMA recommended limits for demonstrating test repeatability. The service state criterion is defined as the load at inch deflection. Lines were best fit to the test data for the individual tests series. Interface shear properties were interpolated from the data, and are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1, Interface Shear Properties

Case Block shear (no geogrid) Shear w/ SF 55 inclusion Shear w/ SF 110 inclusion Minimum (lbs/ft) 362 2,018 1,640 Ultimate Friction Angle (degrees) 35.2 22.5 19.2 Maximum (lbs/ft) 19,000 10,115 10,835 Service State Criterion Friction Minimum Maximum Angle (lbs/ft) (lbs/ft) (degrees) 360 1,901 1,640 33.0 20.5 16.6 18,000 9,450 9,500

Results of the connection strength tests are summarized in tables and graphs recorded in the Appendix of this report. The peak connection capacity and connection capacity at the displacement criterion of inch were plotted versus the normal load. The minimum peak connection capacity recorded was 2,268 pounds per foot. The recorded peak connection strengths between Stone Strong Systems 24 SF units and Synteen SF55 and SF110 Geogrid were 2,847 and 6,198 pounds per foot, respectively, for equivalent wall heights between 4.8 and 28.7 feet high. Tests repeated using the same normal load had peak shear capacity values within 10 percent of the mean peak shear capacity of the identical tests; therefore, they are within the NCMA recommended limits for demonstrating test repeatability.
Lines were best fit to the test data for the individual tests series. Interface shear properties were interpolated from the data, and are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2, Connection Strength Properties

Case Connection Strength w/ SF 55 inclusion Connection Strength w/ SF 110 inclusion Minimum (lbs/ft) 1,555 2,233 Ultimate Friction Angle (degrees) 16.6 24.3 Maximum (lbs/ft) 3,090 6,126 Service State Criterion Friction Minimum Maximum Angle (lbs/ft) (lbs/ft) (degrees) 806 1,624 15.0 22.4 2,822 4,065
CONCLUSIONS
The design curves illustrated on the graphs in the appendix are based on interpretation of the test data, based on the NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Design Manual. The design curves are controlled by the inch displacement criterion. The design values taken from the graphs should be used with caution, as shear and connection strengths may vary based on actual site conditions and construction quality.
Respectfully submitted, Thiele Geotech, Inc.
Daniel J. Thiele, P.E.
P:\02546.2\REPORT - 24 SF WITH SYNTEEN.DOC
September 17, 2004 Appendix
APPENDIX
Test Setup Photographs Interface Shear Test Results SF55 Pullout Results SF55 Interface Shear Results SF110 Pullout Results SF110 Interface Shear Results Aggregate Test Reports
PHOTO NUMBER 1
Test Frame Setup
PHOTO NUMBER 2
Geogrid Pullout System
PHOTO NUMBER 3
Pullout Test Setup

24 SF UNITS Shear @ 3/4" displacement (lbs/ft) 3,212 3,464 6,185 6,992 7,155 6,249 5,971 7,206 10,935 13,505 19,149
Trial # Normal (lbs/ft) 1 4,500 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4,500 7,000 9,500 9,500 9,500 9,500 12,000 17,000 22,000 27,000
Approx Wall Height (ft) 9.6 9.6 14.9 20.2 20.2 20.2 20.2 25.5 36.2 46.8 57.4
Approx # of Units 3.2 3.2 5.0 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 8.5 12.1 15.6 19.1
Peak Shear (lbs/ft) 3,616 3,842 6,286 7,344 7,496 6,349 6,551 8,050 12,371 14,084 21,013
14,000
INTERFACE SHEAR STRENGTH vs. NORMAL LOAD
12,000
y = tan 35.2 + 362
10,000
y = tan 33.0 + 360

Shear Strength (lbs/ft)
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 0 4000 8000 12000 16000 20000 24000 28000 Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft)
GEOGRID PULLOUT TESTS

24 SF UNITS w/ SYNTEEN SF55 GEOGRID Tension @ 3/4" displ (lbs/ft) 1,487 2,041 1,915 2,066 2,570 2,771 2,822 0* 0*
Trial # Normal (lbs/ft) 1 2,250 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4,750 4,750 4,750 6,000 7,250 8,500 11,000 13,500
Approx Wall Height (ft) 4.8 10.1 10.1 10.1 12.8 15.4 18.1 23.4 28.7
Approx # of Units 1.6 3.4 3.4 3.4 4.3 5.1 6.0 7.8 9.6
Peak Tension (lbs/ft) 2,268 3,049 2,797 2,923 3,427 3,099 3,124 3,049 2,847
* - geogrid ruptured before reaching 3/4" displacement
7,000
CONNECTION STRENGTH vs. NORMAL LOAD
6,000
5,000
Connection Strength (lbs/ft)
4,000
3,000
y = tan 16.6 + 1555
y = 3090 y = 2822
2,000
y = 15.0 + 806
1,000

24 SF UNITS w/ SYNTEEN SF55 INCLUSION Shear @ 3/4" displacement (lbs/ft) 3,779 4,938 4,586 5,619 4,586 10,255 9,096 8,063 10,834
Approx # of Units 3.2 5.0 6.7 6.7 6.7 12.1 15.6 19.1 19.1
Peak Shear (lbs/ft) 4,082 5,518 4,686 5,820 5,039 11,968 9,499 8,667 11,565

14,000
12,000
y = 10115
10,000
y = tan 22.4 + 2018

8,000
y = 9450
y = tan 20.5 + 1901

6,000
4,000
2,000

24 SF UNITS w/ SYNTEEN SF110 GEOGRID Tension @ 3/4" displ (lbs/ft) 2,242 2,771 3,301 4,308 3,830 3,779 4,787 5,140 4,107 4,031
Trial # Normal (lbs/ft) 1 2,250 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2,250 3,500 6,000 6,000 6,000 7,250 8,500 11,000 13,500
Approx Wall Height (ft) 4.8 4.8 7.4 12.8 12.8 12.8 15.4 18.1 23.4 28.7
Approx # of Units 1.6 1.6 2.5 4.3 4.3 4.3 5.1 6.0 7.8 9.6
Peak Tension (lbs/ft) 2,822 3,805 3,930 4,787 4,737 4,510 5,971 6,148 6,022 6,198

7,000
y = 6126
6,000
y = tan 24.3 + 2233
5,000
4,000
y = 4065
3,000
y = tan 22.4 + 1624
2,000
1,000
0 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft) 10000 12000 14000

24 SF UNITS w/ SF110 INCLUSION Shear @ 3/4" displacement (lbs/ft) 2,444 3,250 5,392 4,913 4,888 5,089 5,795 5,820 7,886 8,516 9,499
Approx # of Units 3.2 5.0 6.7 6.7 6.7 8.5 10.3 12.1 13.8 15.6 19.1
Peak Shear (lbs/ft) 2,822 3,754 5,619 5,089 5,064 5,719 6,652 7,407 8,844 9,171 10,834
14,000
INTERFACE SHEAR vs. NORMAL FORCE
12,000
y = tan 19.2 + 1640

10,000
8,000
y = tan 16.6 + 1640

6,000
4,000
2,000
0 0 4000 8000 12000 16000 Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft) 20000 24000 28000
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

Project Location
AGGREGATE REPORT
Job No. Date
Stone Strong Systems Lincoln, NE
02546.0 7/31/03
US Standard Sieve No. 1 1/2" 3/4" 3/8" #4 # 10 # 20 # 40 # 100 # 200
Cumulative Percent Retained Passing 0.3 39.4 96.3 96.9 97.1 97.3 97.5 97.9 98.2 99.7 60.6 3.7 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.1 1.8
Specification Percent Retained Passing 0 to 40 60 to 100 60 to 100 0 to 40
95 to 100
0 to 5
Sample of Sampled at Source Date Received Remarks
Limestone Unit Fill Workman Precast from stockpile
7/22/03 Dry Unit Weight by Rodding ASTM C29 90.5 pcf
Lab No.
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

Project Location
AGGREGATE REPORT
Job No. Date
02546.0 8/6/03
95 to 100
0 to 5
Sample #2
Lab No.
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

Project Location
AGGREGATE REPORT
Job No. Date
02546.0 3/11/04
95 to 100
0 to 5
Sample #3
Lab No.
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

Project Location
AGGREGATE REPORT
Job No. Date
02546.0 6/1/04
95 to 100
0 to 5
5/25/04 Sample #4
Lab No. G825
Interaction Testing Report 6 SF Units with Synteen Geogrids Stone Strong Systems Lincoln, Nebraska
Prepared for: Stone Strong Systems 1620 South 70th Street, Suite 105 Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
May 27, 2005 TG Project No. 02546.2
13478 Chandler Road Omaha, Nebraska 68138-3716 402/556-2171 Fax 402/556-7831 www.thielegeotech.com In association with:
THIELE GEOTECH, INC
TADROS ASSOCIATES, LLC

6910 Pacific Street, Suite 204 Omaha, Nebraska 68106-1045
Interaction Testing Report 6 SF Units with Synteen Geogrids

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................1 MATERIALS .........................................................................................................................................................2 TEST PROCEDURES...........................................................................................................................................3
TEST FRAME ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 INTERFACE SHEAR TESTS ............................................................................................................................................. 3 CONNECTION STRENGTH PULLOUT TESTS .............................................................................................................. 4
TEST RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................................5

INTERFACE SHEAR TESTS ............................................................................................................................................. 5 CONNECTION STRENGTH PULLOUT TESTS .............................................................................................................. 5 CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................................................. 6
APPENDIX
May 27, 2005 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
Thiele Geotech, Inc., in association with Tadros Associates, LLC, has completed an interaction testing program to evaluate the interface shear capacity and the connection strength between Stone Strong Systems 6 SF precast concrete segmental retaining wall blocks and Synteen SF55 and SF110 geogrids used in the construction of segmental retaining walls. The results of the testing program were used to define relationships for surcharge load representing stacked Stone Strong units with facing/geogrid connection strength and with interface shear strength both with and without geogrid inclusions. Due to the large size of the Stone Strong blocks, a custom testing frame was designed by Tadros Associates, LLC. This large test frame accommodates full scale tests under conditions that reproduced field shear and connection conditions. Testing was performed by personnel from Tadros Associates and Thiele Geotech.
May 27, 2005 Page 2
MATERIALS
Stone Strong Systems 6 SF blocks are precast concrete blocks used for construction of segmental retaining walls. These units are typically used as accessories with the 24 SF blocks to make elevation transitions, but they are sometimes used as a stand-alone product to construct tight radius curves or for other special applications. The 6 SF unit has nominal face dimensions of 48 inches long and 18 inches tall for a total face area of 6 square feet. The unit has a depth (measured horizontally from the face to the tail) of approximately 44 inches. The units have dual center webs, and the face and tail flanges extend beyond the webs. The rear flange is tapered to allow the blocks to be laid on a curve. Each unit weighs approximately 1,450 to 1,550 pounds empty, depending on the aggregate used to manufacture the block. When installed in a retaining wall, the block voids are filled with aggregate. The infilled weight is approximately 2,550 to 2,850 pounds, depending on the unit weights of the concrete and aggregate fill. Synteen SF55 and SF110 geogrids are uni-directional grids composed of high strength polyester yarns coated with a PVC material. The SF55 and SF110 Geogrids have average ultimate tensile strengths of 3,774 pounds per foot and 10,212 pounds per foot, respectively, based on published test data.
May 27, 2005 Page 3
TEST PROCEDURES
TEST FRAME
The apparatus used to conduct the tests consisted of a steel frame anchored to a rigid concrete mat foundation. The frame is capable of applying 150,000 pounds of surcharge load and 100,000 pounds of shear/pullout force simultaneously. Rollers were mounted between the test frame and the loading beam to allow for block movement during shear testing. Photographs and schematics of the test frame are included in the Appendix of this report. Surcharge and shear/pullout loads were placed on the blocks using two (2) Enerpac PEJ-1301 submerged hydraulic pumps capable of delivering 20 in3 per minute at 10,000 psi each. Loads were measured by the use of Omega PX303 pressure transducers with 0 to 10,000 psig range and an accuracy of 0.25 percent FS. Mounted on each pump is a manifold to distribute hydraulic fluid to the two (2) 25 ton, 6 inch stroke (Enerpac RC256) surcharge actuators and the two (2) 25 ton, 6 inch stroke (Enerpac RC256) shear/pullout actuators and to the pressure transducers. The flow of fluid to the shear/pullout actuators is adjustable by an Enerpac V-8F needle valve. Displacements were measured by the use of two (2) 3 inch stroke and one (1) 6 inch stroke linear potentiometers with 0.15 percent maximum linearity (0.07 percent typical) and less than 0.01 mm hysteresis. Loads and displacements were continuously measured and recorded during the test by a Data Translation DT9802 date acquisition module connected to a laptop computer via USB interface. Sensor excitation was provided by an Omega 5v regulated power supply. Loads and displacements were recorded a minimum of once per second using DT Measure Foundry software.

The NCMA SRWU-2 and ASTM D6638 methods of test were used to determine the shear strength between Stone Strong Systems 6 SF concrete block units. The tests were carried out with and without a layer of geosynthetic reinforcement between layers of Stone Strong units. Six bottom blocks were installed and braced against the front of the load frame. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids between the bottom blocks. When a geogrid layer was included, the geosynthetic reinforcement was centered over the bottom blocks. Three Stone Strong units were stacked in a running bond and centered over the bottom blocks. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids between the top blocks. The top unit was loaded with a constant vertical surcharge load applied to the concrete webs, simulating an equivalent height of stacked blocks. The shear force was applied at a constant rate of displacement until large shear displacements were achieved. The load and displacements were
May 27, 2005 Page 4
continuously measured and recorded during the test by a microcomputer/data acquisition system. The tests were continued until failure of the interface components occurred, causing a sustained loss of shearing resistance, or to a displacement of 1 inches.

The NCMA SRWU-1 and ASTM D6638 methods of test were used to determine the connection strength between geosynthetic reinforcement and Stone Strong Systems 6 SF concrete block units. The tests were carried out with a layer of geosynthetic reinforcement between layers of Stone Strong units. Four bottom blocks were installed and braced against the back of the load frame. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids between the bottom blocks. The geosynthetic reinforcement was centered over the bottom blocks and attached to a clamping device. The top layer of Stone Strong units was placed over the geogrid and centered over the bottom block layer. Crushed limestone infill was placed in the voids between the top blocks, and the blocks were braced against the back of the frame. The top units were loaded with a constant vertical surcharge load applied to the concrete webs, simulating an equivalent height of stacked blocks. A tensile force was placed on the geosynthetic reinforcement under constant rate of displacement until failure of the connection system occurred. The load and displacements were continuously measured and recorded during the test by a microcomputer/data acquisition system. Tests were continued until failure occurred as excessive deformation or slippage of the geogrid in the connection or failure of the blocks occurred, causing a sustained loss of tensile resistance recorded.
May 27, 2005 Page 5
TEST RESULTS
Results of the interface shear tests are attached in tables and graphs recorded in the Appendix of this report. The peak interface shear capacity and shear capacity at the displacement criterion of inch were plotted versus the normal load. The peak interface shear strength between Stone Strong Systems 6 SF units and Synteen SF110 Geogrid for equivalent wall heights between 4.3 and 32.6 feet high ranged between 2,100 and 12,228 pounds per foot. Tests repeated using the same normal load had peak shear capacity values within 10 percent of the mean peak shear capacity of the identical tests; therefore, they are within the NCMA recommended limits for demonstrating test repeatability. The service state criterion is defined as the load at inch deflection. Lines were best fit to the test data for the individual tests series. Interface shear properties were interpolated from the data, and are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1, Interface Shear Properties Case

Block shear (no geogrid) Shear w/ SF110 inclusion Minimum (lbs/ft) 1,309 1,271 Ultimate Friction Angle (degrees) 36.4 20.2 Maximum (lbs/ft) 12,228 7,038 Service State Criterion Friction Minimum Maximum Angle (lbs/ft) (lbs/ft) (degrees) 1,257 1,036 35.0 17.0 12,000 6,198
The peak interface shear strength between Stone Strong Systems 6 SF units and Synteen SF55 Geogrid was not tested. During testing of the Stone Strong Systems 24 SF units, it was found that interface shear strengths were generally better with the Synteen SF55 Geogrid than with the Synteen SF110 Geogrid. Therefore, when using the 6 SF units with Synteen SF55 Geogrid, the interface shear test data for 6 SF units with Synteen SF110 Geogrid should be used for analysis.

Results of the connection strength tests are summarized in tables and graphs recorded in the Appendix of this report. The peak connection capacity and connection capacity at the displacement criterion of inch were plotted versus the normal load. The recorded peak connection strengths between Stone Strong Systems 6 SF units and Synteen SF55 and SF110 Geogrid were 2,428 and 4,690 pounds per foot, respectively, for equivalent wall heights between 4.3 and 36.2 feet high. Tests repeated using the same normal load had peak shear capacity values within 10 percent of the mean peak shear capacity of
May 27, 2005 Page 6
the identical tests; therefore, they are within the NCMA recommended limits for demonstrating test repeatability. Lines were best fit to the test data for the individual tests series. Interface shear properties were interpolated from the data, and are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2, Connection Strength Properties Case

Connection Strength w/ SF55 Geogrid Connection Strength w/ SF110 Geogrid Minimum (lbs/ft) 1,743 1,765 Ultimate Friction Angle (degrees) 9.5 12.1 Maximum (lbs/ft) 2,210 4,690 Service State Criterion Friction Minimum Maximum Angle (lbs/ft) (lbs/ft) (degrees) 993 1,238 9.4 9.5 1,390 3,614
CONCLUSIONS
The design curves illustrated on the graphs in the appendix are based on interpretation of the test data, based on the NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Design Manual. The design curves are controlled by the inch displacement criterion. The design values taken from the graphs should be used with caution, as shear and connection strengths may vary based on actual site conditions and construction quality. Respectfully submitted, Thiele Geotech, Inc.
Daniel J. Thiele, P.E.
P:\02546.2\REPORT - 6 SF WITH SYNTEEN.DOC
May 27, 2005 Appendix
APPENDIX
Test Setup Photographs Interface Shear Test Results SF55 Pullout Results SF110 Pullout Results SF110 Interface Shear Results Aggregate Test Reports
PHOTO NUMBER 1
Front View of Test Setup
PHOTO NUMBER 2
Side View of Test Setup
T H I E L E G E O T E C H , I N C

6 SF UNITS Shear @ 3/4" displacement (lbs/ft) 2,284 3,561 5,190 6,316 6,383 6,517 6,887 7,945 7,609 9,306 10,767 12,000
Trial # Normal (lbs/ft) 1 2,000 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

18,000
Approx Wall Height (ft) 4.3 7.8 11.3 14.9 14.9 14.9 14.9 18.4 22.0 25.5 29.1 32.6
Approx # of Units 1.4 2.6 3.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.1 7.3 8.5 9.7 10.9
Peak Shear (lbs/ft) 2,385 3,763 5,543 6,316 6,500 6,668 7,156 7,945 8,634 9,944 11,304 12,228
3,667 5,333 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 8,667 10,333 12,000 13,667 15,333
16,000
14,000
12,000
y = 12228 y = N tan 36.4 + 1309 y = 12000
10,000
y = N tan 35.0 + 1257

8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000
Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft) T H I E L E G E O T E C H , I N C

6 SF UNITS w/ SYNTEEN SF55 GEOGRID Tension @ 3/4" displ (lbs/ft) 1,324 1,600 1,214 1,186 1,268 1,462 1,352 1,352 1,628
Approx # of Units 1.4 2.6 3.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.1 7.3 9.7
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
y = 2210
2,000
y = N tan 9.5 + 1743 y = 1390

1,000
y = N tan 9.4 + 993
0 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 18000
Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft)

T H I E L E G E O T E C H , I N C

6 SF UNITS w/ SYNTEEN SF110 GEOGRID Tension @ 3/4" displ (lbs/ft) 1,821 2,124 1,987 1,961 2,314 2,262 2,952 3,807 3,614
Approx # of Units 1.4 2.6 3.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 7.3 9.7 12.1
6,000
5,000
y = 4690 y = N tan 12.1 + 1765

4,000
y = 3614
3,000
y = N tan 9.5 + 1238
2,000
1,000
0 0 3000 6000
Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft)

G E O T E
9000
12000
15000
18000

6 SF UNITS w/ SF110 INCLUSION Shear @ 3/4" displacement (lbs/ft) 1,814 2,352 2,721 3,611 3,595 3,410 4,199 4,115 5,493 5,896 6,198
Approx # of Units 1.4 2.6 3.8 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.1 7.3 8.5 9.7 10.9
Peak Shear (lbs/ft) 2,100 2,520 3,225 3,796 3,914 3,460 5,039 4,922 5,677 6,249 7,038
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
y = 7038
6,000
y = 6198 y = N tan 20.2 + 1271
4,000
y = N tan 17.0 + 1036

2,000
0 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000
Normal Surcharge Load (lbs/ft) T H I E L E G E O T E C H , I N C
THIELE GEOTECH, INC

Project Location
AGGREGATE REPORT
Job No. Date
02546.0 6/1/04
95 to 100
0 to 5
5/25/04 Sample #4
Lab No. G825

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The first true gravity wall system introduced to the retaining wall industry is now becoming the new

NOVA SCOTIA PUERTO RICO

new Jersey / philaDelphia

Technical Data and Specifications

Components Cross Sections Typical Details Miscellaneous Details Miscellaneous Applications

Interaction Testing Report ~ 24 SF Unit Interaction Testing Report ~ 6 SF Unit

Stone Strong Systems

PART 1: General STONE STRONG SYSTEMS

Technical Data and Specifications

Delivery, Storage, and Handling

Technical Data and Specifications

Technical Data and Specifications

Technical Data and Specifications

Concrete for Tail Extensions

Technical Data and Specifications

Technical Data and Specifications

Technical Data and Specifications

PART 4: Construction Quality Control and Assurance

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

24SF Top Block

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

24SF Mass Extender Block

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

6SF Top Block

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

End Top Blocks

Block Wt. = 1,412 lbs Concrete Volume = 0.353 cu. yds.

Rock In-fill for installation ~ 0 cu. yds.

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Dual Face Unit

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)

Technical Data and Specifications

Block Dimensions and Volumes

Metric Dimensions (m)

Metric Weight (kg)