Large Scale Testing of Drystone Retaining Walls

There are numerous historic drystone retaining walls in the UK, but the analysis of these economically important walls is restricted by the lack of experimental data. As part of an ongoing investigation into the stability of drystone retaining structures, two full-scale walls have been constructed and tested to collapse.. Details of each test are described, including set-up, wall construction, instrumentation and data collection. Initial findings are presented and analysed, along with the continuing aims and goals of the project.