Sample data from Engineering Database — 375 reference tables, deterministic calculators, and Engineering AI. Sign up free
Retaining Wall Design: MSE
Typical design parameters for common retaining wall types — height ranges, base width ratios, embedment depth, stability factors of safety, backfill and drainage requirements
| wall type | backfill requirement | base width to height ratio max (dimensionless) | base width to height ratio min (dimensionless) | drainage requirement | global stability fos min (dimensionless) | height max ft (ft) | height min ft (ft) | min embedment depth ft (ft) | overturning fos min (dimensionless) | reinforcement notes | sliding fos min (dimensionless) | typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSE | Well-graded compacted granular fill; D15<0.02mm (if metal reinforcement); pH 5-10; resistivity>3000 ohm-cm | 0.7 | 0.6 | Internal drainage through reinforced zone to back-of-facing; external drainage behind reinforced zone | 1.5 | 100 | 10 | 0 | 2 | Metallic strips or geosynthetic geogrid/geotextile; max vertical spacing 24 in; min H/20 or 30 in embedment | 1.5 | Highway walls and bridge abutments; walls up to 100 ft; seismically robust |
What else is in Engineering Database
Iron Engine ↗Engineering AI at ironengine.ai
AI built for engineering. Searches the engineering database, performs calculations, gives source-backed engineering insights.
Get started for free ↗Reference Data375 engineering tablesMaterial properties, pipe and shape dimensions, code tables, and electrical ratings across mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, materials, and manufacturing engineering.
Browse dataCalculatorsDeterministic engineering calculatorsSizing, checking, and conversion tools that run against the reference tables. Inputs are code-compliant, outputs are traceable to the source standard.
Browse calculators