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Retaining Walls for
Non-Geotechnical Engineers
Richard Weber, P.E.
Overview
This course is intended for a wide range audience
and in particular, the non-geotechnical engineer and is not intended as an
exhaustive review of the subject. The objective of the course is to
discuss the method of calculating the active earth pressure using the Rankine
and Coulomb methods. The course also outlines the method used to calculate
the factors of safety for sliding, overturning and bearing capacity, which are
three elements required for retaining wall design. A basic example of the
calculations for the Rankine method is provided.
When this course has been completed, the reader
will be familiar with calculating the active earth pressure force and applying
it to determine the factors of safety with respect to sliding, overturning and
bearing capacity relating to retaining wall design.
The student must take a
multiple-choice quiz consisting of fourteen questions at the end of this course
to earn PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
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Definition of retaining
walls and the different types commonly used
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Categories of lateral earth pressure, including the at rest, active and
passive conditions
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Calculating lateral earth pressure coefficients using the Rankine and Coulomb
theories
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Calculating the total active earth pressure force
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Additional forces acting on a wall, including surcharge, earthquake and water
pressure
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Factors of safety for sliding, overturning and bearing capacity
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment to review
the course "Retaining Walls for Non-Geotechnical Engineers" prior to taking a
quiz for credit.
"Retaining
Walls for Non-Geotechnical Engineers" (227 KB)
Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
Then save on your desktop. To view the file, double click the icon on your
desktop and return to this page to take the quiz.
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Click on the link below to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
(To take the quiz,
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check your cookie settings.)
 
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