Analysis and Design of Cantilever Retaining Wall with and Without Pressure Relief Shelf

Retaining walls are built to retain earth filled of greater height. They are widely used in the construction of basement below ground level, rail, and road projects where earth filling is required, wing wall, and many more. The cantilever retaining wall with pressure relief shelf in the side of the backfill gives more economical value than the normal cantilever retaining wall. This study aims to analyze and design the cantilever retaining wall with or without pressure relief shelf. The pressure relief shelf is provided at the mid height of the retaining wall. The analysis and design is done in conventional and soft computing method by using ETABS software. From the study it is found that the effect of lateral active earth pressure exerted on the retaining wall with pressure relief shelf is less than the retaining wall without shelf. The factor of safety against sliding and overturning is more in case of retaining wall with pressure relief shelf and also the area of reinforcement required less for the retaining wall with pressure relief shelf, hence it is more economical.