Summary Sheet

Session Number : 5

Date : 09.04.2007
Subject Expert :
Dr. M.C. Nataraja
Professor
Department of Civil Engineering,
Sri Jayachamarajendra College of
Engineering,
Mysore – 570 006.
Phone:0821-2343521, 9880447742
E-mail: nataraja96@yahoo.com
1
Design and Detailing of Counterfort
Retaining wall

Dr. M.C. NATARAJA

2
Counterfort Retaining wall

• When H exceeds about 6m,

• Stem and heel thickness is more CF

• More bending and more steel

• Cantilever-T type-Uneconomical Stem
• Counterforts-Trapezoidal section
Base Slab
• 1.5m -3m c/c
CRW

3
 Parts of CRW
• Same as that of Cantilever Retaining wall Plus
Counterfort

Stem Counterforts

Toe Heel
Base slab
Cross section Plan
4
Design of Stem
• The stem acts as a continuous slab
• Soil pressure acts as the load on the
slab. BF
• Earth pressure varies linearly over
the height
• The slab deflects away from the
earth face between the counterforts
• The bending moment in the stem is
maximum at the base and reduces
towards top.
• But the thickness of the wall is kept p=Kaγh
constant and only the area of steel
is reduced.

5
Maximum Bending moments for stem

Maximum +ve B.M= pl2/16

(occurring mid-way between counterforts)
and
l
Maximum -ve B.M= pl2/12
(occurring at inner face of counterforts) -

Where ‘l’ is the clear distance between the + p

counterforts
and ‘p’ is the intensity of soil pressure

6
 Design of Toe Slab
The base width=b =0.6 H to 0.7 H
The projection=1/3 to 1/4 of base width.
The toe slab is subjected to an upward
soil reaction and is designed as a H
cantilever slab fixed at the front face of
the stem.
Reinforcement is provided on earth face
along the length of the toe slab.
In case the toe slab projection is large i.e.
> b/3, front counterforts are provided b
above the toe slab and the slab is
designed as a continuous horizontal
slab spanning between the front
counterforts.
7
 Design of Heel Slab

The heel slab is designed as a continuous slab

spanning over the counterforts and is
subjected to downward forces due to weight of
soil plus self weight of slab and an upward
force due to soil reaction.

Maximum +ve B.M= pl2/16 BF

(mid-way between counterforts)
And
Maximum -ve B.M= pl2/12
(occurring at counterforts)

8
 Design of Counterforts
• The counterforts are subjected to
outward reaction from the stem.
• This produces tension along the
outer sloping face of the counterforts.
• The inner face supporting the stem is
in compression. Thus counterforts
are designed as a T-beam of varying
depth. C T
• The main steel provided along the
sloping face shall be anchored d
properly at both ends.
• The depth of the counterfort is
measured perpendicular to the
sloping side.

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 Behaviour of Counterfort RW
-M

+M Important points
•Loads on Wall
COUNTERFORT •Deflected shape
STEM
•Nature of BMs
•Position of steel
-M
•Counterfort details
HEEL SLAB
TOE +M

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 PROBLEM
-Counterfort Retaining Wall
• A R.C.C. retaining wall with counterforts is
required to support earth to a height of 7 m above
the ground level. The top surface of the backfill is
horizontal. The trial pit taken at the site indicates
that soil of bearing capacity 220 kN/m2 is available
at a depth of 1.25 m below the ground level. The
weight of earth is 18 kN/m3 and angle of repose is
30°. The coefficient of friction between concrete
and soil is 0.58. Use concrete M20 and steel
grade Fe 415. Design the retaining wall.

11
Draw the following:
• Cross section of wall near the counterfort
• Cross section of wall between the counterforts
• L/s of stem at the base cutting the counterforts

Given:
fck = 20 N/mm2, fy = 415N/mm2, H = 7 m above G.L,
Depth of footing below G.L. = 1.25 m, γ = 18 kN/m 3,
μ = 0.58, fb =SBC= 220 kN/m2

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 a. Proportioning of Wall Components

Coefficient of active pressure = ka = 1/3

Coefficient of passive pressure= kp = 3
The height of the wall above the base
h1= H
= H = 7 + 1.25 = 8.25 m. 7m

Base width = 0.6 H to 0.7 H

(4.95 m to 5.78 m), Say b = 5.5 m 1.25 m

Toe projection = b/4 = 5.5/4 = say 1 .2 m

Assume thickness of vertical wall = 250 mm b=5.5 m

Thickness of base slab = 450 mm

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Spacing of counterforts

l = 3.5 (H/γ)0.25 = 3.5 (8.25/18)0.25 = 2.88 m

l
c/c spacing = 2.88 + 0.40 = 3.28 m say 3 m

Provide counterforts at 3 m c/c.

Assume width of counterfort = 400 mm
clear spacing provided = l = 3 - 0.4 = 2.6 m

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 Details of wall
250 mm

CF: 3m c/c,
400 mm

h=7.8 m
h1=7 m H=8.25 m

θ
1.25m 1.2 m 4.05m

T b=5.5 m
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 b. Check Stability of Wall
Dist. of Moment
Sr. Description of
Loads in kN e.g. from about
No. loads
T in m T in kN-m
Weight of stem 25x0.25x1x7.8 1.2 + 0.25/2
1 64.59
W1 = 48.75 =1.325

Weight of base 25x5.5x1x0.45

2 5.5/2 =2.75 170.17
slab W 2 = 61.88

Weight of earth 18x4.05x1x7.8 1.45 +4.05/2

3 1975.95
over heel slab W 3 = 568.62 = 3.475

ΣW
Total ΣW = 679.25
=2210.71

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 250 mm

W1
W3
h1= 7000 H
8250
ΣW
R
PA
PA
Df= 1250 1200 mm 4050 mm
A B C D H/3
450 W2
T ka H
X e b/2
b/3 Pressure distribution

Cross section of wall-Stability analysis

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 Stability of walls
Horizontal earth pressure on full height of wall
= Ph = ka H2 /2 =18 x 8.252/(3 x 2) = 204.19 kN

Overturning moment = M0
= Ph x H/3 = 204.19 x 8.25/3 = 561.52 kN.m.
Factor of safety against overturning
= ∑ M / M0 = 2210.71/561.52 = 3.94 > 1.55
safe.

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Check for sliding

Total horizontal force tending to slide the wall

= Ph = 204.19 kN
Resisting force = ∑µ.W = 0.58 x 679.25
= 393.97 kN
Factor of safety against sliding
= ∑µ.W / Ph = 393.97/204.19
= 1.93 > 1.55 ... safe.

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Check for pressure distribution at base

Let x be the distance of R from toe (T),

x = ∑ M / ∑ W = 2210.71 -561.52 /679.25 = 2.43 m
Eccentricity=e = b/2 - x = 5.5/2 - 2.43 = 0.32 < b/6 (0.91m)
Whole base is under compression.

Maximum pressure at toe

= pA = ∑W / b ( 1+6e/b) = 679.25/5.5 ( 1+ 6*0.32/5.5)
= 166.61 kN/m2 < f b (i.e. SBC= 220 kN/m2)

Minimum pressure at heel

= pD = 80.39 kN/m2 compression.
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Intensity of pressure at junction of stem with toe i.e. under
B
= pB = 80.39 + (166.61 - 80.39) x 4.3/5.5 = 147.8kN/m2

Intensity of pressure at junction of stem with heel i.e. under

C
=Pc= 80.39 + (166.61 - 80.39) x 4.05/5.5 = 143.9 kN/m2

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 250 mm

H
8250
ΣW
R

PA
1250 1200 mm C 4050 mm
A B D
450
T X e b/2

80.39
166.61 153.9 147.8 143.9 kN/m2
kN/m2

5500 mm
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 b) Design of Toe slab
Max. BMB = psf x (moment due to soil pressure - moment
due to wt. of slab TB]

= 1.5 [147.8 x 1.22/2 + (166.61 - 147.8) x 1.2 (2/3 x 1.2)

-(25x 1.2 x 0.45 x 1.2/2) =174.57 kN-m.

Mu/bd2= 1.14 < 2.76, URS

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 b) Design of Toe slab- Contd.,
To find steel

pt=0.34% <0.96%, A st =1326 mm2, # 16 @150

However, provide # 16 @110 from shear considerations.
Area provided =1827 mm2 , pt=0.47%
Development length= 47 x 16=750 mm
Distribution steel = 0.12 x 1000 x 450/100 = 540 mm 2
Provide #12 mm at 200 mm c/c.
Area provided = 565 mm2

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 Check for Shear
Critical section for shear: At distance d (= 390 mm)
from the face of the toe
pE = 80.39 + (166.61 - 80.39) (4.3 + 0.39)/5.5
= 153.9kN/m2 d

Net vertical shear

= (166.61 + 153.9) x 0.81/2 - (25 x 0.45 x 0.81)
=120.7 kN.
Net ultimate shear = Vu.max = 1.5 x 120.7 =181.05
kN.
ζv= 181.05x 1000/1000x390 =0.46 MPa
pt = 100 x 1827/ (1000 x 390) = 0.47 %
ζuc = 0.36 + (0.48 - 0.36) x 0.22/0.25
= 0.47N/mm2 > ζvsafe
25
Counterfort RW -M
+M

COUNTERFORT
STEM

-M

HEEL SLAB
TOE +M

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 (c) Design of Heel Slab

Continuous slab.
Consider 1 m wide strip near the outer edge D
The forces acting near the edge are
Downward wt. of soil=18x7.8xl= 140.4 kN/m
Downward wt. of heel slab = 25 x 0.45 x 1= 11.25 kN/m
Upward soil pressure 80.39 kN/m 2= 80.39 x 1= 80.39 kN/m
Net down force at D= 140.4 + 11.25 - 80.39 = 71.26 kN/m
Also net down force at C = 140.4 + 11.25 - 143.9 = 7.75 kN/m

Negative Bending Moment for heel at junction of counterfort

Mu= (psf) pl2 /12 = 1.5 x 71.26 x 2.62/12 = 60.2 kN-m (At the junction of CF)

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 80.39
166.61 153.9 147.8 143.9 kN/m2
kN/m2

5500
mm

7.75
kN/m Forces on heel slab
71.26
kN/m
C D

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To find steel
Mu/bd2=60.2x106/(1000x3902)= 0.39 < 2.76, URS
To find steel
pt=0.114% <0.12%GA (Min. steel), <0.96%(pt,lim.)
Provide 0.12% of GA

Ast= 0.12x1000x450/100 = 540 mm2

Provide # 12 mm @ 200 mm c/c,
Area provided = 565 mm2

pt= 100 x 565/ (1000 x 390) = 0.14 %

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Check for shear (Heel slab)
Maximum shear = Vu,max = 1.5 x 71.26 x 2.6/2 = 139 kN
For Pt, = 0.14 % and M20 concrete, ζuc= 0.28 N/mm2

ζv= Vumax/bd =0.36 N/mm2 ,

ζuc < ζv, Unsafe, Hence shear steel is needed

Using #8 mm 2-legged stirrups,

Spacing=0.87x415x100/[(0.36-0.28)x1000]
= 452 mm < (0.75 x 390 = 290 mm or 300 mm )
Provide #8 mm 2-legged stirrups at 290 mm c/c.

Provide for 1m x 1m area as shown in figure

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 R
1250 1200 C 4050
A B
mm mm
450
X e b/2
Area for
4050 stirrups
mm
C D
TOE
3000

2600 HEEL

x1
139
SFD
y1
71.28 Shear analysis and
7.75
kN/m kN/m Zone of shear steel
Net down force dia.
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Area of steel for +ve moment
(Heel slab)

Maximum +ve ultimate moment = psf x pl2/16

= 3/4 Mu = 0.75 x 60.2= 45.15 kN-m.
Mu/bd2=Very small and hence provide minimum steel.
Ast,min= 540 mm2
Provide # 12 mm bars at 200 mm c/c.
Area provided = 565 mm2 > 540 mm2

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Check the force at junction of heel slab with stem
The intensity of downward force decreases due to
increases in upward soil reaction. Consider m width of
the slab at C
Net downward force= 18 x 7.8 +25 x 0.45 - 143.9 = 7.75
kN/m. Provide only minimum reinforcement.

Distribution steel
Ast = 0.12 x 1000 x 450/100 = 540 mm 2
Using # 12 mm bars, spacing = 1000 x 113/468 = 241 mm.
Provide # 12 mm at 200 mm c/c.
Area provided = 565 mm2

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(d) Design of Stem (Vertical Slab).
Continuous slab spanning between the counterforts and
subjected to earth pressure.
The intensity of earth pressure
= ph = ka γh =18 x 7.8/3=46.8 kN/m2
Area of steel on earth side near counterforts :
Maximum -ve ultimate moment,
Mu = 1.5 x ph l2/12 = 1.5 x 46.8 x 2.62/12 = 39.54 kN.m.
Required d = √ (39.54 x 106/(2.76 x 1000)) = 119 mm
However provide total depth = 250 mm
Mu/bd2= 39.54x106/1000x3902=1.1 < 2.76, URS

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To find steel: Pt=0.34% <0.96%,
Ast=646 mm2, #12 mm @ 170 mm c/c,
However provide #12 mm @ 110 mm c/c,
Area provided = 1027.27 mm2,Pt= 0.54 %.

As the earth pressure decreases towards the top, the

spacing of the bars is increased with decrease in height.

Max.ult. shear = Vumax = 1.5 x 46.8 x 2.6/2 = 91.26 kN

For Pt, = 0.54 % and M20 concrete ζuc= 0.5 N/mm2

ζv= Vumax/bd =91.28 x1000/(100X190)=0.48 N/mm 2,

Shear steel is not needed and hence safe.

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(e) Design of Counterfort
At any section at any depth h below the top, the total
horizontal earth pressure acting on the counterfort
= 1/2 kay h2x c/c distance between counterfort
= 18 x h2 x 3 x 1/6 = 9 h2

B.M. at any depth h = 9h2xh/3 = 3h3

B.M. at the base at C= 3 x 7.83 = 1423.7 kN.m.

Ultimate moment = Mu= 1.5 x 1423.7 = 2135.60 kN.m.

Counterfort acts as a T-beam.

Even assuming rectangular section,
d =√(2135.6 x 106(2.76 x 400)) = 1390 mm
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The effective depth is taken at right
angle to the reinforcement.
tan θ = 7.8/4.05 =1.93, θ = 62.5°,
d = 4050 sin θ - eff. cover
= 3535 mm > > 1390 mm h =7.8 m
Mu/bd2=2135.6x106/(400x35352)
=0.427, pt=0.12%, Ast=1696mm2
d
Check for minimum steel 4.05m θ

37
Ast.min = 0.85 bd/fy = 0.85 x 400 x 3535/415 = 2896 mm 2

Provided 4- # 22 mm + 4 - # 22 mm,
Area provided = 3041 mm2
pt = 100 x 3041/(400 x 3535) = 0.21 %

The height h where half of the reinforcement can be

curtailed is approximately equal to √H= √7.8=2.79 m

Curtail 4 bars at 2.79-Ldt from top i.e, 2.79-1.03 =1.77m

from top.

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 Design of Horizontal Ties
The direct pull by the wall on counterfort for 1 m height at
base
= kaγh x c/c distance =1/3x18 x 7.8 x 3 = 140.4 kN
Area of steel required to resist the direct pull
= 1.5 x 140.4 x 103/(0.87 x 415) = 583 mm2 per m height.
Using # 8 mm 2-legged stirrups, Ast = 100 mm2
spacing = 1000 x 100/583 = 170 mm c/c.
Provide # 8 at 170 mm c/c.
Since the horizontal pressure decreases with h, the
spacing of stirrups can be increased from 170 mm c/c to
450 mm c/c towards the top.

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 Design of Vertical Ties
The maximum pull will be exerted at the end of heel slab
where the net downward force = 71.26 kN/m.

Total downward force at D

= 71.26 x c/c distance bet. CFs = 71.28 x 3 = 213.78 kN.

Required Ast = 1.5 x 213.78 x 103/(0.87 x 415) = 888 mm2

Using # 8 mm 2-legged stirrups , Ast = 100 mm2
spacing = 1000 x 100/888 = 110 mm c/c.

Provide # 8 mm 2-legged stirrups at 110 mm c/c.

Increase the spacing of vertical stirrups from 110 mm c/c to
450 mm c/c towards the end C
40
DRAWING AND DETAILING

COUNTERFORT RETAINING WALL

41
 250 mm 0-200mm

STEM COUNTERFORT

7000

#12@200 8250 mm

#12@200

1250 1200 mm 4050 mm

450
TOE HEEL
#16@120 #12@200 #12@200

Cross section between counterforts

42
 250 mm

8-#22 1.77m
#12@400

#12@200 #8@110-450, VS 8250

#12@ 8 - # 22
110-300
#8@170-450, HS

1250 1200 mm
450

#16@120 #12@200 #12@200

Cross section through counterforts

43
 STRAIGHT
BARS STEM

Backfill Backfill
0.3l

0.25 l

With straight bars

With cranked
bars
Section through stem at the junction of Base slab.
44
 Backfill
Backfill

Cross section of heel slab

45
 Examination Problems

July 2006
• Single bay Fixed Portal Frame
• Combined footing (Beam and slab type)

December 2006
• T-shaped Cantilever Retaining wall
• Combined footing (Type not mentioned)
46
Exam Problem (Dec. 2006)
Design a T shaped cantilever retaining wall to retain earth
embankment 3.2 m high above the ground level. The
unit weight of the earth is 18 kN/m2 and its angle of
repose is 30 degrees. The embankment is horizontal
at it top. The SBC of soil is 120 kN/m2 and the co-
efficient of friction between soil and concrete is 0.5.
Use M20 concrete and Fe 415 steel. Draw the
following to a suitable scale:
1. Section of the retaining wall
2. Reinforcement details at the inner face of the stem.
60 Marks
Data: h1=3.2 m, µ=0.5, γ=18 kN/m2, ө=30º, SBC= 120
kN/m2,
M20 Concrete and Fe 415 steel
Find H= h1 + Df
47
48