Multiparametric Analysis of a Gravity Retaining Wall

The design of a gravity retaining wall should be simple to construct, quick to build and the best economic solution to a problem. This can be achieved by using advanced optimization methods. Since geotechnical engineers are not always able to determine the exact soil properties and other project data, an optimal design of a gravity retaining wall should also be determined for a wide range of input parameters. Therefore, a multiparametric analysis of an optimal designed gravity retaining wall was carried out. Optimum designs of gravity retaining walls were obtained for 567 combinations of different design parameters. Diagrams were developed to help engineers determine the optimum section of the wall, based on construction costs. An exhaustive search was carried out within the available parameters (project data). The parameters were ranked according to which had the most influence on the optimum cost of the gravity retaining wall and the utilization of multiple constraints. The most important parameter for the optimal cost of a gravity retaining wall is the height of the retained ground, followed by the shear angle of the soil, the soil–wall interaction coefficient, the slope angle and the variable surcharge load. The shear angle of the soil is most relevant to the bearing capacity and eccentricity condition, while the soil–wall interaction coefficient is most relevant to the sliding condition. Since European countries apply different load, material and resistance safety factors, the optimization model was developed in a general form, where different design approaches and unit prices could be applied. The case study provides an improved optimization model for selecting the optimal design of gravity walls, for engineers.