Stepped vs Tapered Retaining Wall

[bootlegend]

I know this has come up on the forums before. Specifically, this thread addressed some concerns serious concerns with the force transfers in stepped retaining walls.

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=459064

I'm designing a wall and want to use the tapered geometry and direct lap splices for the flexural reinforcement. The contractor would prefer rectangular steps. Anyone see any issues doing something like in the attached sketch? Simply allowing the contractor to build as stepped as long as the tapered design geometry is maintained. It's some extra concrete, but if they prefer it I can't find an issue with it. looking for other thoughts though.

 

[GC_Hopi]

One item would be temp and shrinkage cracks in the extra concrete. If you keep the reinforcement cover less than 6 inches that would probably work to keep the cracks small.

 

[HTURKAK]

You did not mention the height of the wall.. It is not reasonable to build the retaining wall as stepped. IMO, the use of tapered geometry is OK and tapered face should be outer face. You should insist for the tapered construction.

 

[dik]

I'm not sure why stepped... it's easier to construct if it's tapered... both work, as hturkak notes the wall should slope into the soil so it becomes more vertical as it rotates... lots of drain holes with rodent screens and drainage... what can go wrong...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[canwesteng]

Why not step the compression side? If you can live with the look of it.

 

[bootlegend]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Wall will be 34' tall. The contractor prefer's stepped design for the forms to rest on. I don't see how that helps the front vertical face but I'm taking him at his word. I have designed it as tapered and will detail it as tapered. Will discuss with contractor and if they still push for a stepped design will consider stepping the front and adding a typical T&S reinforcement for the extra material.

 

[dik]

34' is tall... and stepping gives the opportunity to construct 'real' joints.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[MSUK90]

Wall will be 34' tall.

34'(10.2m) is a very high wall. Can you share the dimensions and reinforcement you achieved in design?
It will be a normal cantilever retaining wall?