DHARMLATERAL EARTH PRESSURE AND STABILITY OF RETAINING WALLS 505
Buttress Retaining Wall
This type is similar to the Counterfort type with the difference, that the counterforts, called
‘buttresses’ in this case, are provided on the side opposite to the fill. They are thus exposed to
view and may not contribute to the elegance or aesthetic appearance. This is also constructed
in reinforced concrete and may appear somewhat as shown in Fig. 13.47.
FillBase slabVertical slabButtressFig. 13.47 Buttress retaining wallCrib Retaining Wall
This is a box-like structure or crib made up of usually wood members with fill in between the
members. The fabricated precast concrete or steel members may also form cribs. This type
occupies too much of space and is used only under certain special circumstances. It appears
somewhat as shown in Fig. 13.48.
Fig. 13.48 Crib retaining wall13.8.2Stability Considerations for Gravity Retaining Walls
Figure 13.49 shows in a general way the forces that act upon a gravity retaining wall. The
bearing force or the reaction from the base of the wall resists the weight of the wall plus the
vertical components of other forces.