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Load combination question

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Structural
Sep 5, 2007
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During a discussion in the office today a question came up.

I'm doing a cantilevered retaining wall with a building on top of it and I'm questioning the way I've looked at the "D" component in the past of the .6D + W + H load combination. I'm questioning what is included in "D?" Is it:
1. The dead weight of the objects on top of the wall/footing (like building), or
2. Is it the building and the soil setting on top of the wall/footing that helps resist my overturning, or
3. Is it both of the above PLUS the weight of the concrete in the wall/footing itself?

Thanks.




 
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I think it would be the dead weight of whatever is resisting the overturning forces. It is basically the 1.5 factor of safety for sliding/overturning on a retaining wall.

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

-R. Buckminster Fuller
 
My choice is #3 as well. But it must be noted that the building you mentioned will also act as "surcharge load" and its effect must be added to the value of "H" in your load combination.
 
I stopped at "cantilevered retaining wall with a building on top of it". The cantilevered wall will tilt, so the building will move.
 
With a building set on top of it sometimes cantilevered walls no longer are cantilevered and should be designed accordingly.

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