Wall in a Box: How Do Retaining Walls Fail?
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The four most common wall failure modes for retaining walls are sliding, overturning, bearing capacity, and global stability.
View the failure types in action, with our unique Wall in a Box simulation set.
Download our complimentary comprehensive guide to precast modular block (PMB) walls, the Precast Modular Block Design Manual Vol. 1 - Gravity Walls.
How Do Retaining Walls Fail?
The four most common failure modes for retaining walls include sliding, overturning, bearing capacity, and global stability.
Sliding A wedge of soil forms behind the wall, and the pressure it forms pushes the wall away from the soil. The wall stays intact, but the ground behind collapses.
Overturning Similar to sliding, a soil wedge forms behind the wall but topples the structure forward.
Bearing Capacity Failure A bearing capacity failure results from the soil beneath the wall not being sufficiently strong to support the weight of the wall. Sliding or overturning typically results from a bearing capacity failure.
Global Stability Failure Global stability failures occur when the larger slope lacks stability. One type of global stability failure is a rotational failure, where the soil behind the wall rotates underneath the structure, toppling it backward. The action is similar to pulling a rug from under someone’s feet.
Being familiar with how retaining walls fail is as important as knowing how they succeed. These failures highlight the critical importance of proper engineering, construction, and maintenance in preventing structural collapse.
Learn More About Designing and Building Retaining Walls that Endure
Download your free copy of the preeminent resource for designing and constructing precast modular block (PMB) retaining walls, the Precast Modular Block Design Manual Vol. 1 - Gravity Walls.
Contributing Expert
Jamie Johnson, PE
Jamie possesses more than 30 years of design experience in civil engineering. He began as a consulting engineer working for a small civil engineering and surveying firm in northern Michigan. Jamie joined Redi-Rock International in 2006 where he held multiple roles including staff engineer, chief engineer, and director of operations. He is currently director of innovation for Redi-Rock’s parent company, Aster Brands. Jamie holds Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech University and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan.
While experiencing his mid-life crisis a few years ago, Jamie purchased an E flat tuba. He has survived the crisis and has since added a B flat tuba and a Baritone to the collection that also includes his original tenor and alto trombones. It goes without saying that he likes to toot his own horn.
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