Safe to say there is no rule of thumb, since there are many design factors such site slope, soil properties, surcharge, drainage. A reasonable starting point might be a backdrained wall with a footing width that is around 2/3rds the retained height and bottomed to provide 7 feet of horizontal confinement to the slope. Minimizing a footing toe, heel or key will require a more specialized wall such using piers, tiebacks or soil nailing. Considerations for a seismic increment could be an issue.
From: Michel [mailto:mblangy@satco-inc.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:54 PM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Cantilevered Retaining Wall - Rule of Thumb
From: Michel [mailto:mblangy@satco-inc.com]
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:54 PM
To: seaint@seaint.org
Subject: Cantilevered Retaining Wall - Rule of Thumb
Greetings all-
Does anyone have a rule of thumb for proportioning propertyline cantilevedered retaining walls? My clients share a property line - one on the down slope who would like to minimize the size of the toe and the other up slope who would like to minimize the heel / size of the excavation. What to do??
-Michel