Stability of granite drystone masonry retaining walls: I. Analytical design

A limit-equilibrium-based technique is proposed for the design and analysis of drystone masonry retaining walls, focusing particularly on granite walls as traditionally constructed in Galicia in northwest Spain. To date, walls have typically been designed on the basis of past experience and rigid wall approaches. The method presented analyses wall stability, at different heights associated with block rows, against sliding and against two overturning mechanisms. As a result, design widths are obtained for different wall depths. The method can also be applied to estimates of the stability of existing walls with known dimensions and properties. The analytical method was applied experimentally to the design of a 20 m high wall. A sensitivity analysis of the design was also performed, with results presented in the form of a spider diagram. Estimates of the most relevant parameters for this type of design and some back-analyses to assess the technique are addressed in an accompanying paper.