Chapter 64: Geotechnical design of retaining walls

This chapter outlines the design approach for retaining walls, following from the principles of retaining wall design outlined in Chapter 63 Principles of retaining wall design. The mechanisms that typically require consideration in the design of gravity, reinforced soil and embedded retaining walls are identified and the design process for each type of wall is explained. The design basis is in accordance with BS EN 1997-1:2004 (Eurocode 7). Using the methods outlined in this chapter the reader will be able to size retaining walls to ensure adequate stability and calculate load effects for the structural design of the wall.