Retaining Walls With Sloped Heel

Abstract

VerticalHorizontal soil force on the heel of cantilever retaining wall is a very significant part of the total horizontal soil force considered in the calculation for sliding. Practically, the force on heel can be from 0.15 of total horizontal force minimum to more than 0.5 of total horizontal force when retaining of small height or select fill is used above base level. This force can be drastically reduced or even completely eliminated by forming a sloped heel. Practically, it is enough to make a slope of 45° to achieve a horizontal soil force on the heel reduction from 73%–98% for the soil with internal angle of friction of 20°–40°. A sloped heel can be used as a very simple and efficient method to reduce horizontal soil pressure and thus increase retaining wall safety factor against sliding.