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Stability analysis of gravity walls

Gravity walls depend on their self

weight to achieve stability

Modes of failure to be analysed:

• Overall failure (analysis will be consideredunder topic “Slope stability”) 

• Sliding along the base

• Overturning about the toe

• Bearing capacity at the base

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Stability analysis of gravity walls

Source: HK Geoguide 1  – 

Guide to Retaining Wall Design

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Stability analysis of gravity walls

Traditional or Factor of safety approach:

Factor of safety against sliding =

= 2 (minimum)

Factor of safety against overturning =

= 2 (minimum)

Maximum bearing pressure < Allowable bearing capacity

forcesDisturbing

forcesResisting

momentsDisturbing

momentsResisting

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Stability analysis of gravity walls

To ensure that the bearing pressure is compressive

beneath the foundation, the base resultant must be

located within the middle third of the base.

RH RH RH

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Stability analysis of gravity walls

BS 8002: Limit states approach

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Stability analysis of gravity walls