2. Sizing retaining structures

2.1 Approach n° 2 of Eurocode 7

Sizing a retaining structure involves determining its geometric and structural elements so that it is stable under the action of the forces applied to it, and in particular the thrust of the earth it retains.

Most dimensioning methods are based on failure calculations, with safety factors taken into account. In the case of anchored flexible or semi-flexible walls, such as sheet-pile curtains and diaphragm walls, it is common practice to dimension the structure by means of a deformation calculation based on the reaction coefficient method, which consists in assimilating the wall retaining the soil to a beam on a continuous elasto-plastic support.

With the application of Eurocode 7, the calculation of retaining...