Tensar International Corporation

Software Training Course

TensarSoil Design Example

Section to be analyzed

System Specific Information

MESA Retaining Wall System Geogrid Design Parameters
Near Vertical Structure design life = 75 yrs
DOT connector for long-term connection requirements Soil-geogrid interaction factors:
AASHTO 2002/NHI-043 Design Method Cds = 0.8
Ci = 0.8
Soil Properties = 1.0
Reinforced fill Crushed Stone: = 34, c = 0 kPa, g = 20 kN/m3
Retained fill Silty Sand: = 30, c = 0 kPa, g = 19 kN/m3
Foundation Soil Silty Sand: = 30, c = 0 kPa, g = 20 kN/m3
Maximum fill particle size = 102mm

Loading Conditions
Traffic live load = 12 kPa Static and 50% for Seismic
Earthquake loading, PGA = 0.2g with allowable external displacement = 100mm
Groundwater: At base of wall
 TensarSoil Design Example

Step1: Set up a new design case

1. Select Region
2. Select structure face angle and if seismic applies
3. Select public or private project owner
4. Select the appropriate design method
5. Select/make a new file
Step 2: Set Seismic Parmeters

1. Check to apply earthquake

acceleration box

2. Input horizontal acceleration,

permitted wall displacement and
factors of safety
3. Insert proportion of live loads for
seismic design and click Calculate
Step 2: Set Seismic Parameters (cont.)

4. Once the calculation button is clicked you

should see the above table, then click OK

You will now see the main screen above

Step 3: Define wall geometry

1. Click on the box and input the wall geometry

and hit Set
Step 4: Select wall type to be designed

1. Click on the circled button to select the type

of wall system for design

2. Select Mesa DOT connector and Near Vertical Batter

Step 4: Select wall type to be designed (Cont)

3. Review wall height, define geogrid spacing, percent

coverage and block parameters. Revise as needed. Hit
Set when finished.
Step 5: Set surcharge loadings

1. Input the location and load for surcharge. Select Live

or Dead load. Hit Set when finished.
Step 6: Set groundwater location

Groundwater
at base of wall

1. Click on Water level and founding level to set the

groundwater at base of wall.
Step 7: Input soil parameters

1. Input the soil parameters and select the maximum

particle size for reinforced fill. Hit Set when finished.
Step 8: Review and set geogrid design parameters

1. Set the correct structure design life and review the

max particle size and geogrid class. Hit OK when
finished.
2. Select Review design parameters to review the
geogrid reduction factors if needed.
Step 8: Review and set geogrid design parameters (Cont)

1. Click on Non-standard design parameters to

change installation damage and durability
reduction factors if needed. Hit OK when
finished.
Step 9: Set soil-geogrid interaction coefficient

1. Input the coefficient of direct sliding, Cds

2. Input the pullout coefficient of interactions. Click
OK when finished.
Step 10: Input cost data

1. Input the cost of geogrid and hit OK when

finished.
Step 11: Perform design and stability analysis

1. Evaluate the horizontal stress graph. Modify geogrid

type and spacing so that the allowable geogrid
strength, connection and pullout for each geogrid
layer shown fall to the right of the horizontal stress
line.
Step 11: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

1. Once the geogrid design and layout are completed,

click on Check external stability and Check internal
stability to evaluate external and internal stability.
2. Revise geogrid embedment length if the external
stability result is NO.
Step 11: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

*Cost per m = $254

Step 11: Perform design and stability analysis (Cont)

*Cost per m = $240

Step 12: Export to TensarSlope for global stability
analysis