Title : CLASSICAL CASE OF COLLAPSE OF A NEW RETAINING WALL AND ITS REHABILITATION
Authors : Jagadish, R. and Sharada Bai, H.
Publication : 13th – 16th February 2013
Volume :
Pages : 12-Jan
Price : 250
Abstract : A well-known multinational factory building on the outskirts of Bangalore had retaining walls of length > 120m constructed along its boundary. Retaining walls on east and west sides were ‘L’ shaped Cantilever type, whereas, that on north side was of Counterfort type. On a heavy rainy day, it was shocking to see that the stem of mid portion of retaining wall for a length of about 25m had collapsed, resulting in damage and collapse of the concrete block masonry constructed above it. At about mid length, the retaining wall had totally sheared off with snapping of rebars, indicating collapse of the wall at that section. Number of diagonal cracks was also noticed on the adjoining portions of the wall. This paper presents the details of the investigations carried out, namely, Physical inspection, Analysis of core test results and Proof checking of structural designs and drawings. Based on the results of investigations the possible reasons for the failure of the retaining wall were deduced and different alternatives for rectification of retaining wall were suggested. The details of the strengthening scheme that was finally adopted and executed in field restoring it back to service are included in the paper.