Understanding the soil mechanics of retaining walls

Retaining walls are common geotechnical engineering applications. Although they appear simple on the outside, there is a bit more that's going on behind them. This video dives deeper into the soil mechanics of retaining walls building on the previous video of introduction to geotechnical engineering. Soil mechanics is absolutely important for this video, our previous video provides a good introduction if you want to get a better understanding of this topic.
Geotechnical Series Videos:
1. Understanding why soils fail ( • Understanding why soil... )
2. Understanding the Soil Mechanics of Retaining Walls ( • Understanding the soil... )
3. Geotechnical Analysis of Foundations ( • Geotechnical Analysis ... )
4. The Leading Cause of Foundation Failures ( • Residential Foundation... )
References:
[1] C. Clayton, R. Woods, A. Bond and J. Milititsky, Earth Pressure and Earth-Retaining Structures, CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, 2013.
[2] D. P. Coduto, M.-c. R. Yeung and W. A. Kitch, Geotechnical Engineering Principles and Practices, Pearson, 2011.
[3] D. P. Coduto, Foundation Design: Principles and Practices, Upper Saddle River: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.

[@asiegel87]

I'm not an engineer but I took my fair share of engineering and physics classes in high school and college. Now I just binge KZbin videos and make stuff. Your video was probably recommended because I've watched a ton of Practical Engineering's videos. Your simple explanation helped me understand why the retaining wall behind my house failed more clearly than any other resource I've looked at and I'll be able to make more informed choices when we replace it. Thanks!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you so much Track (favorite comment so far, and yes I read them all😅). At some point there will be a part 2 to this video with more practical explanations about installation and drainage (possibly a bit more math/physics as well). You wouldn't believe how many failed walls I see around that (possibly) could have been avoided. I would say proper drainage and compacted good-quality backfill would have avoided more than 75% of the failures. (disclaimer these are gut feeling guesses, not based on adequate studies)

[@erdalbastin9791]

💙🇹🇷💙 selama leykim 👍 emin ol 🐝

[@TheWebstaff]

Lol the Google gods also brough me for the same reason but I do want to help my mate build his garage and that's going to require a decent retaining wallthanks for the info.

[@michaelmolter8828]

Would like to see this continued into the design calculations and the assumptions behind each failure mode

[@richardbowers3647]

They simply forgot to install the dead-man thing!!!

[@wildgraylandworks4157]

As a small business owner who has installed retaining walls and been reluctant to do it halfway, this video is both reassuring and very educational. I love content like this that is to the point and has the science provided to back it up. Thank you for the great video, please keep them coming!

[@HopALongSassidy]

Right. KZbin videos are great when the author gets straight to the point without wasting our time trying to be cute.

[@georgegr89]

I would appreciate it if you continue the geotechnical series videos. There are many interesting topics to be presented like shallow/deep foundations, slope stability or even other retaining structures and how they work. Keep up the good job!!!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Hi Giorgos, a video on shallow foundations is in the making!

[@HannahGrist-mg6ve]

agreed!!

[@kevinruss2168]

Hello, geotechnical engineer here. Can you please keep making these types of videos. This one was really useful for the younger staff. Thanks.

[@jasperlee6346]

As a civil engineering undergrad , your videos really helped a lot in visualising what I’m learning in classes , thanks a lot 😁 Keep up the good work 👍🏼👍🏼

[@hafeeznoormohamed1259]

Great Geotechnical series so far. Would love to see more

[@Lakeman3211]

As a contractor here in pa, 4 things I find that contribute to retaining wall failures, drainage, frost jacking, poor backfill stock, wall material …chiefly using soils that are poor in draining, lack of aggregate to aid in drainage, and clay soils that could be useful if utilized properly…frost typically enters a design from its face and from the top, both have forcing action, and once that is set it cannot be removed, the wall usually suffers from displacement(s), rotation, or detachment…..wall design or selection of materials for the wall itself…

[@RaiOsborne]

This presentation just touches the surface of a great topic. I want more! numbers even! geek out! 😎

[@TheEngineeringHub]

You are correct Rai, there is so much more. We didn't talk much about cohesive soils and the undrained condition. Most likely there will be a follow up video to this but possibly after we go over foundations and slopes first.

[@jessekessler189]

Same. I really like the style you cover this material, and would love even more depth.

[@theotherserge]

Would love to see a drainage follow up. I’m a career carpenter and am fascinated how soils tests barely existed when I started and are now first order of pre-construction. For very good reasons.

[@dimitardobrev3296]

As an architect I can't thank you enough for your content.

[@ericheller9522]

As a geotechnical engineer who designs retaining walls, I found this video to be both well explained and accurate. May even share with the folks at the office...

[@russellradwanski5771]

I'm a civil engineer, but have primarily been working in aviation. This is a great refresher and a much more intuitive way of visualizing things than many of the ways I was taught, well done!

[@thornil2231]

I am a civil engineer and I want to applaud the quality of your video. I would call it simple and in good taste...

[@brianbuch1]

Thank you. I could have used this when I was in residential construction to explain to the owners the need for engineering in designing retaining walls.

[@aleksandrsnaumovs4277]

Great video! Would love to see more educational videos on the use of geosintherics, calculations, examples and casestudies of what they allow us to do now as opposed to what we had/used before.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Great suggestion! Thanks Aleksandrs

[@spagutti]

This is incredibly helpful to easily understand the mechanics and concept of geotechnical engineering. I hope there will be more of this! Thank you

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you Filip 🙏

[@aacvieira]

Thank you very much for your excellent work. You make it easy to approach topics. You make problems visual and much more intuitive. In this case, you address an important subject for the general learning and mastery of civil engineering. I appreciate your work, as professional with 30 years of civil engineering on my backs, specialized in hydraulics, and working in civil works management in general, in Municipal Public Administration. I come to here because I appreciate the continuous study (throughout my life) of all kinds of topics globally related to my profession, such as calculus, materials, physics, chemistry and mathematics, about all specialties, including programming. And here I am, reflecting on soil mechanics, recording Prof. Manuel de Matos Fernandes, in the 80's of last century, at my Alma Mater, FEUP, Porto, Portugal.

[@colvinator1611]

I spent 50 years in electronic and electrical engineering. These videos are fascinating and full of interesting information. Thanks a lot. Colin UK 🇬🇧

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wazir252]

Making such animated and upon it making our concept so clearly is very worth watching. Thanks you so much. The concepts are very basics. I like it so much.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you so much for your continual support Muhammad, we really appreciate you 🙏

[@dbackscott]

Very well presented. I’m a geotechnical engineer in Florida. I don’t see retaining wall failures often here. One that sticks out in my memory is a set of walls in a neighborhood that had trouble due to drainage problems. The poor drainage caused seepage and piping of the soils below the wall foundations. The loss of support to the foundations led to partial collapse of at least one of the walls. I don’t know too many details because it wasn’t one of my projects. It was in a neighborhood next to one of my projects, and I heard about it from the city engineer.

[@jodyjohnsen]

I’ve been thinking about retaining walls lately. This video is a particularly fortuitous discovery.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Can't even think without someone listening these days, eh? 😅

[@infinitybeyond6357]

very nice animated simulation and result. @7:45, having all four cases showing at the same time is beautiful. more retaining walls, or any other kind of failure please. your videos easily demonstrates the concepts very effectively.

[@juan9715]

Just ran into this channel. Keep up the absolutely amazing work!

[@mainer1755]

This was very helpful. A dry stone wall has natural drainage, but this video made clear to me the value of compacted backfill. I am very grateful.

[@halepauhana153]

Great explanation of the performance capabilities (or failures) of different retaining wall designs! Keep it up! (the videos, not just the wall!)

[@billogrady882]

A perfectly understandable explanation for non-engineering types. Like me!

[@VIKASYADAV-xr4kp]

So simple and sweet language of yours sir I'm Indian, in the village living boy and studing diploma course in civil engineering. Thanks sir

[@muruganganesh3308]

Wow superb. I can't believe this Geotechnical series. Even in my college I feel difficult to understand this concepts.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you guys, comments like this make our efforts worthwhile 🙏

[@AlMai222]

Absolutely the best video out there. Good job brother, make a part 2 pls

[@jordangreen1646]

This is very helpful! I actually have issues with a retaining wall which is holding my whole garden! This is so helpful to understanding things better as I try to get it fixed! Thanks!

[@davidcaon]

These videos are great, thank you very much for the content! Part 2 please!

[@TimberTaipei]

Building a landscape block patio DIY. This is immensely helpful.

[@kylemchargue9593]

Very well done! Thank you! Simple, educational and straight to the point. I’m studying for my CEG in California and am very excited to have found your videos. Please please post more! Suggestions- geotechnical sampling equipment, extensometers, inclinometers, e-logs, understanding lab testing, anything environmental. Thanks again!! Well done.

[@2btns920]

Love your content. Please make a video on soil structure interaction.

[@ninefs1]

Good job guys! Dynamic visualisation helps so much, in contrast with the books where it is static. Thank you

[@zoccat88]

I love your videos, the way how you intuitively explain problems and adding animations, simulations and experiments. Now I can understrand the pure theory that they are trying to teach us in university. Go on :)

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Glad you think so zoccat, welcome aboard!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

If you enjoyed the video, consider writing a comment (positive or negative) 😊it doesn't cost anything, but it means the world to us🙏 You can also check out the other videos in this series below. Geotechnical Series Videos: 1. Understanding why soils fail ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5q1gIh_aZ52oNk ) 2. Understanding the Soil Mechanics of Retaining Walls ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6W0aqiYg8esqqc ) 3. Geotechnical Analysis of Foundations ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZiuiGRmnqaSatk ) 4. The Leading Cause of Foundation Failures ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4OYgaWYead2gtk )

[@mayanksingh292]

+ve

[@TheEngineeringHub]

@@mayanksingh292 hahha love it!!🤣

[@texast4076]

Very informative, I enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@skwalka6372]

Excellent video, it would be great that you made a follow-up video. Greetings from California.

[@FixItStupid]

Well Done Thank You !

[@Prando34]

Thankyou. I discovered your videos today and love them. The use of animations to communicate ideas is incredible. Would have made studying engineering a lot easier in understanding the concepts

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you Prando 🙏 comments like this give us all the motivation needed to keep going

[@cuttingcut1321]

Will definitely like a part 2. Thanks for this one.

[@mecheng1977]

I’d love a part 2, you make amazing videos!

[@New_Disciple-G3101]

Looking forward to a “Part 2” of this video

[@superzman06]

I agree with Michael, thanks for making these! Would love more technical aspects (PS. I'm a Geotech myself and love these videos) Keep going!

[@someoneelse9059]

Please keep making more videos, the more info the better.

[@fahimahmedbhuiyan2252]

just mind blowing! Please keep making videos like these and we'll definitely like part-2 of this video.

[@motsepemampuru6451]

Thank you for visualizing this complex Geotechnical concepts. Stability of soil is arguably the greatest challenge. In addition, one can intuitively summarise the four scenarios as follows: Case 1: compaction increases the shear strength of particles as they're pushed hard against another. For instance, if you press your knucles against each other and try sliding your fists, if you press hard as you do so there is increased resistance. Hence a relatively higher factor of safety (FS) is expected. Case 2: in addition to the already compacted soil, additional strength is added by the reinforcement. Therefore it makes sense that FS2 > FS1 Case 3: The key component here, is the presence of pore water pressure (pwp), simply put the presence of water decreases the shear strength of soil. This is because pwp refers to water within the soil voids which pushes against the grains, hence alluding to the fist-knucle anology, we can see why that is the case. In comparison to the two cases, we expect FS2>FS1>FS3. Case 4: Loose soil generally has higher shear strength than wet soil but lower than compacted soil, thus, we can deduce: FS2 >FS1 >FS3 >FS4 Thank you for these informative series, would absolutely love to see more visualizations, and other concepts such as 2D seepage.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Amazing summary, thank you so much! In hindsight, something like this should have been included at the end of the video to explain the 4 cases. Very well summarized!

[@John-William_Sober]

For my work I come in contact with soil injection. This is new to me. As I live in The Netherlands, your videos help me to understand about the different soils and how they react. So these videos are very helpful for me. Thank you an keep up the good work 👍

[@jvfontenele]

This is helping me so much. Thank you from Brazil, incredible editing quality!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you so much Joao for the nice words! We are very glad!

[@cesarsierra1355]

I wish this was available when I was studying civil engineering!

[@amanchoudhary2797]

Incredibly explained the science behind RW. Kindly go on with 2nd part as the topic is vast ..

[@bobmephitis8206]

I really liked this video and would like to hear more, especially regarding soil movement and foundations in sub-arctic regions. For some reason I love listening to enginerds and sometimes even understand a bit of it.

[@akloisaac6030]

It's been a really helpful piece of information. It's really helped me understand more on the behaviour and failure of retaining walls

[@vjaceslavsverdins5174]

Awesome and informative videos! Thank you.

[@rodrigofigueiredoroma890]

very good presentation, and the results of the FEM simulations to illustrate the examples were AMAZING! Congratulations!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thanks, Rodrigo. We appreciate your support 🙏 it means so much to us!

[@nigeld8694]

I’m considering to do some alterations in my garden which involve shifting a retaining wall back by a meter or so, and to also place it against my single brick layer garage wall, but have no knowledge of what makes a retaining wall to be strong, so this video is a useful starter. I’ll dig out your first video as you suggest, and have a browse around your channel to increase my knowledge of this topic. Thanks for the video! P.S. I’m not sure if my plan is even a good idea as I don’t want my garage wall to collapse(!), so will also seek professional help if I decide to proceed

[@Shubhkesh_04]

I am a civil engineer and I just love you are videos on construction and the practical implementation of the topics we have studied in the college.❤

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Im very glad to hear that Shub. Thank you for your nice words 🙏

[@Shubhkesh_04]

@@TheEngineeringHub It is my pleasure to see this.

[@hyperboreanforeskin]

Perfect explanation for regular people!

[@fathullahzamani6868]

Thank you for the video. Love the visuals.

[@leothelion2001]

I'm a concrete superintendent and we always compact the soil before laying any concrete slab and the same should apply to elevated soil, specially if behind a retaining wall , I'd build that wall thick like a Cantilever on the bottom to avoid tipping over and water drainage system like mentioned in the video

[@piu-armalik-lamansiteteam789]

Great Explaination regarding technical issues of retaining wall. One thing I want to add that it would be good if the types of retaining walls against different factors were also breifly explained. Keep it up.

[@pcatful]

Thanks for the video. This is good for a designer like myself, who must make some decisions on approach, or preliminary assumptions, while working with structural engineers for the final design.

[@donfrancis1246]

This is really informative. Thank you.

[@mike-ology22]

This is really good, thanks for sharing. Very interesting knowing the facts

[@alifarahani878]

Love these videos and the EXCELLENT graphics! I'm a multi-family developer and need to crash course my way to soil, civil and structural engineering...would you please do a video on the most favorable to least favourable soils for low, mid and high rise residential construction??? And another very useful video would be "how to read a geotech report on a development site?!"...I think you would get a MILLION views on that!!! thank you!

[@andressoto3639]

i´ll wait for the 2nd part. Great video

[@domingo2977]

Please continue to go into more detail I love the analysis

[@buckw65]

Very interesting. We have some failing retaining wall around where I live.

[@ArchitectScarlet-Macaw]

Thank you. I would like to see a drainage solutions video.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thanks for the feedback Susan, based on the comments so far a part 2 video on retaining walls has to happen! Thank you!

[@jvfontenele]

@@TheEngineeringHub me too!!!

[@jesusrenemedinasanchez689]

Man, keep on this subject, got instantly hooked on your chanel

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thank you Jesus, more to come!

[@user-ur2xv3lf7g]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@malikdaniyel146]

Great video on soil mechanics and retaining walls.

[@user-kb6xf6yc5e]

This video is amazing, thanks a lot !!

[@a.a.a1795]

Thank you for your amazing explanation

[@davemaglish247]

excellent video I enjoyed it certainly hope there is a part two

[@whathappenswhenyou2377]

This is great stuff, thanks for putting it out there.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SimonPlatt]

Part 2 would be great, please! 👍

[@mrfishworld]

Practical info from Knowledgeable Presenter!

[@guillermotorrejonc9084]

Excelente calidad de informacion. Gracias

[@hamidanghaie2852]

Great content, thanks for sharing

[@marcelnowakowski945]

Fascinating! A great, great video!

[@savvasathanasiadis4410]

Great video!! Keep up the good work!

[@jonnyhifi]

Fascinating ! Thank you for making this.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Thanks for taking the time to express your support jonnyhifi. We appreciate you!

[@wisnuprabawa2907]

part 2 please.. thanks so much for this video.😃

[@michaelrichardson8078]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@sudharsanraghavendrarao1162]

Thanks Sir for this nice presentation. Would love to view more of your contents.

[@TheEngineeringHub]

More to come!

[@divinenonbinary]

This is super interesting and i would definitely love to learn abut these different cases in more detail!

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Coming soon!

[@narendrakumarreddypadala799]

Great video sir..liked the way of explaination...

[@charlesviner1565]

Thanks for the great videos 👍

[@bernardkinsky1637]

Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@omribgg]

Great explanation thank you

[@eduardocortes854]

gracias. me encanto tu video, es de lo mejor en youtube

[@mrmerkin6203]

Good stuff. Thanks!!

[@digitalcarpenter4224]

Super helpful/informative as always. Thanks! 🙏 Very curious how you would build a retaining wall with only "basic" materials: concrete + rebar.

[@ahmedbenlarbi2348]

I do would like a second part of this video . Thanks first of all .

[@larsstrong3426]

very nicely done!

[@arundcz]

Yes post a video for each type of failure with calculations.

[@markturner2971]

Keen to hear more about retaining walls.

[@falfield]

Very interesting and thought-provoking video. A question that's been intriguing me is whether sheet piling, when used as retaining walls, needs to be given a greater safety factor because of the impossibility of draining behind the wall. And whether, if used in fairly impervious clay soils, one ends up creating a pond, so reducing further the bearing capacity of the soils retained behind the sheet piling wall. If these surmises are correct, they would greatly reduce the usefulness of this method for stabilising a downslope on which dwellings are to be, or have already been built.

[@mohanmv934]

Very nicely explained!! Thanks

[@TheEngineeringHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miketurany2082]

Nice video I am not an engineer, so this video was very helpful and comprehensive thanks.

[@dennisschott2352]

Most of the small town that I live in is on the Ohio River and is a sand plateau. My property has what was the end of a dragline set up for mining sand. I've lived here for about 25 years. The whole time I've tried to figure out how to solve br bracing for about a 20 degree off vertical thirty-foot drop that is within 10 feet of the neighboring property at the top. So, I'm very interested in your lecture on retaining walls. Thank you very much! This is in a residential neighborhood of mostly single-family homes.