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In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is not satisfied, which of the following would serve the better in meeting the check? 
  • a)
    increasing the heel slab span
  • b)
    decreasing the toe slab span
  • c)
    providing a sloping backfill
  • d)
    providing a shear key
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is n...
Retaining wall:
  • The retaining wall is used to retain earth and resist the lateral pressure of soil at a place with a sudden change in elevation.
  • Cantilever type retaining wall is used for heights up to 6m.
  • Cantilever type retaining wall has the following components:
    • Stem
    • Toe slab
    • Heel slab 
  • The stability of a cantilever-type retaining wall against overturning can be obtained by taking moment about the toe of the retaining wall.
  • Due to backfill pressure overturning moment is generated which causes the overturning of the retaining wall about the toe of the wall.
  • Resisting moment against overturning is generated due to the:
    • Self-weight of the wall
    • Backfill over the heel slab
  • Let Mr = Resisting moment against overturning and Mo = Overturning moment
  • If Mr > MO⇒ Retaining wall is safe against overturning
  • If the Heel slab length increases, the Resisting moment also increases as more backfill over the heel slab tends to increase the resistance of the wall against overturning thus wall becomes safe against overturning.
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Community Answer
In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is n...
Increasing the heel slab span would serve better in meeting the check for overturning in a R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall.

Overturning is a critical limit state that needs to be checked in the design of a retaining wall. It refers to the potential of the wall to rotate or tip over due to the forces acting on it. To ensure stability, the overturning moment generated by the soil pressure on the wall must be resisted by the moment of the retaining wall itself.

Here's why increasing the heel slab span is the better option:

1. Understanding the concept of overturning: Overturning occurs when the sum of the moments acting to rotate the wall exceeds the resisting moment provided by the wall itself. The overturning moment is calculated by multiplying the soil pressure acting on the wall by the lever arm, which is the distance between the point of application of the pressure and the point of rotation.

2. Effect of heel slab on overturning: The heel slab of a cantilever retaining wall acts as a counterweight to resist overturning forces. It increases the lever arm and provides additional resisting moment against overturning. By increasing the span of the heel slab, the lever arm is effectively increased, thus enhancing the overall stability of the wall.

3. Decreasing the toe slab span: Decreasing the toe slab span would have a negligible effect on overturning. The toe slab primarily acts as a support for the base of the wall and provides resistance against sliding. Its span does not significantly contribute to the resisting moment against overturning.

4. Providing a sloping backfill: A sloping backfill can help in reducing the lateral earth pressure acting on the wall and can improve the overall stability of the system. However, it does not directly address the issue of overturning. The primary function of the sloping backfill is to minimize the lateral pressure on the wall and prevent sliding.

5. Providing a shear key: A shear key is a structural element incorporated at the base of the retaining wall to enhance its stability. While it can improve the overall performance of the wall, it does not specifically address the issue of overturning. The shear key primarily helps in preventing sliding and shear failure.

In summary, increasing the heel slab span is the most effective way to meet the check for overturning in a R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall. It increases the lever arm and provides additional resisting moment against overturning, thus enhancing the stability of the wall.
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In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is not satisfied, which of the following would serve the better in meeting the check?a)increasing the heel slab spanb)decreasing the toe slab spanc)providing a sloping backfilld)providing a shear keyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is not satisfied, which of the following would serve the better in meeting the check?a)increasing the heel slab spanb)decreasing the toe slab spanc)providing a sloping backfilld)providing a shear keyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for Civil Engineering (CE) 2024 is part of Civil Engineering (CE) preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Civil Engineering (CE) exam syllabus. Information about In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is not satisfied, which of the following would serve the better in meeting the check?a)increasing the heel slab spanb)decreasing the toe slab spanc)providing a sloping backfilld)providing a shear keyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Civil Engineering (CE) 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for In R.C.C. cantilever retaining wall, if the check for overturning is not satisfied, which of the following would serve the better in meeting the check?a)increasing the heel slab spanb)decreasing the toe slab spanc)providing a sloping backfilld)providing a shear keyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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