BCGBC4010A Apply structural principles to residential low-rise constructions

Structural principles - Structural members

Retaining walls

Failure of retaining walls
There are three diagrams illustrating the ways in which a retaining wall is likely to fail. In all three diagrams a retaining wall is holding back earth to its right. Arrows pointing to the left indicate the load that this earth is placing on the retaining wall.
1.	In the first diagram the retaining wall is shown tipping over to the left.
2.	In the second diagram the wall is shown as being moved to the left (while still remaining vertical).
3.	In the third diagram the wall is shown as being pushed further down into the ground.
Match the following terminology with the descriptions above.
A.	Sliding
B.	Overturning
C.	Settling
The correct answers are:
1.	The first diagram of the wall toppling over matches with B - Overturning.
2.	The second diagram of the wall moving to the left matches with A - Sliding.
3.	The third diagram of the wall sinking matches with C - Settling.

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2007