Vehicular Surcharge for Concrete Retaining Walls

[MrPete70]

I have a project where I need to design a retaining wall parrallel to driveway, on the high side, that will be paved up to the face of the wall. I am informed that this drive way will be accessed by trucks for either deliveries, trash removal, etc. I typically do not come accros these situations and, as a result, do not have a copy of any AASHTO requirements. Can anyone tell me what the required surcharge for this situaction might be.

Thanks for the Help

 

[fattdad]

I use the Boussinesq equations for four, six, eight (whatever) point loads for this problem. I made a spreadsheet for this exact purpose.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[MSEMan]

AASHTO uses 250 psf (equivalent 2' retained fill).

 

[cap4000]

AASHTO uses 250psf as MSEman indicates. I have used a 300psf surcharge as Caltrans recommends. Caltrans has done extensive testing of HS20 Loading pressure diagrams which have shown 250psf to be too low. The Boussinesq horizontal stresses should be doubled when the wheel loads are close to the wall.

 

[fattdad]

I agree with cap4000 and include that in my spreadsheet.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[PEinc]

AASHTO uses 250 PSF as a MINIMUM area surcharge and says to use a greater surcharge if expected. PADOT has more important walls, so it uses 3 feet of earth surcharge or about 360 PSF.