Program the formulas for active earth pressure. For a simple case with no backslope:
While dedicated geotechnical software packages offer advanced features like complex finite element analysis and automated drawing generation, they often operate as "black boxes." In a black box, the user inputs data and receives a result without necessarily understanding the intermediate calculations.
: Soil properties (phi angle, unit weight), wall geometry (height, batter), and reinforcement data (type, spacing, length). mse wall design spreadsheet
The second module handles external stability. The spreadsheet calculates the resultant force location, bearing pressure distribution, and factors of safety against sliding and overturning. By linking these cells to the input parameters, the engineer receives immediate feedback. For example, if the factor of safety against sliding is below the required threshold (typically 1.5), the engineer can instantly adjust the base width in the input cell and watch the factor of safety climb to an acceptable level.
Unit weight (γ), internal angle of friction (φ), and cohesion (c). Foundation Soil Properties: Bearing capacity, φ, γ. Program the formulas for active earth pressure
To get accurate results, you need to define three distinct soil zones:
: Ensure the connection between the reinforcement (geogrid/strips) and the facing (panels/blocks) is strong enough to handle local pressures. The second module handles external stability
Evaluating the moments around the toe of the wall to ensure the resisting moments sufficiently exceed the driving moments.
Calculations determine if the wall will slide along the base, considering the shear strength of the foundation soil.