The Evaluation Applying Limit State Method for the Concrete Retaining Wall Structures

Nowadays, some studies are performed in order to introduce the Limit State Design method widely used in foreign work sites. LRFD (Load Resistance Factor Design) method is widely used in the fields in which the data accumulation is possible such as deep foundations, and shallow foundations, etc. The limit state design in the retaining walls is insufficient in the country owing to difficulties applying load tests. The limit state design method for retaining wall structures are studied based upon the National Retaining wall Design Standard legislated in 2008 by Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs. In this paper several retaining walls were calculated according to LRFD design criteria analysis using the general program with limit state design method and the factor of safety for sliding and overturning. Comparing with their results, the Taylor's series simple reliability analysis was performed. In the analysis results of retaining wall section, safety factors calculated by LRFD were found to be lowered than those calculated in current WSD, and it is possibly judged to be economic design by changing wall dimensions. In the future, pre-assessment of the geotechnical data for ensuring the reliability and the studies including reinforced retaining walls with ground anchor are needed.