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DevCo, Inc. <br />April 1, 2019 <br />Retaining Walls <br />ES-6516 <br />Page 9 <br />Retaining walls must be designed to resist earth pressures and applicable surcharge loads. The <br />following parameters may be used for design: <br />• Active earth pressure (yielding condition) <br />• At -rest earth pressure (restrained condition) <br />• Traffic surcharge (passenger vehicles) <br />• Passive earth pressure <br />• Coefficient of friction <br />• Seismic surcharge <br />* Where applicable <br />** Where H equals the retained height (in feet) <br />35 pcf (equivalent fluid) <br />50 pcf <br />70 psf (rectangular distribution)* <br />350 pcf (equivalent fluid) <br />0.40 <br />6H psf** <br />The above design parameters are based on a level backfill condition and level grade at the wall <br />toe. Revised design values will be necessary if sloping grades are to be used above or below <br />retaining walls. Additional surcharge loading from adjacent foundations, sloped backfill, or other <br />relevant loads should be included in the retaining wall design. <br />Retaining walls should be backfilled with free -draining material that extends along the height of <br />the wall and a distance of at least 18 inches behind the wall. The upper 12 inches of the wall <br />backfill may consist of a less permeable soil, if desired. A sheet drain may also be considered in <br />lieu of the free draining material. A perforated drainpipe should be placed along the base of the <br />wall and connected to an approved discharge location. A typical retaining wall drainage detail is <br />provided on Plate 3. If drainage is not provided, hydrostatic pressures should be included in the <br />wall design. <br />Drainage <br />Discrete zones of perched groundwater seepage should be anticipated in site excavations <br />depending on the time of year grading operations take place, particularly within deeper <br />excavations for utilities and below -grade stormwater facilities. Temporary measures to control <br />surface water runoff and groundwater during construction would likely involve interceptor <br />trenches and sumps. ESNW should be consulted during preliminary grading to identify areas of <br />seepage and to provide recommendations to reduce the potential for instability related to seepage <br />effects. <br />Finish grades must be designed to direct surface drain water away from structures and slopes. <br />Water must not be allowed to pond adjacent to structures or slopes. In our opinion, foundation <br />drains should be installed along building perimeter footings. A typical foundation drain detail is <br />provided on Plate 4. <br />Earth Solutions NW, LLC <br />