^ LIBRARY
-
UNIVERSITY Ot CALIFORNIA.
' Deceived WAR 15JR93 . i8g .
Accessions- No.
forks of Professor Mansfield Merriman.
Published by JOHN WILEY & SONS, 53 E. Tenth
Street, New York.
A TREATISE ON HYDRAULICS.
Designed as a Text- Book for Technical Schools and for the
use of Engineers. By Professor Mansfield Merriman, Lehigli
University. Fourth edition, revised 8vo, cloth, $3 50
"As a whole this book is the most valuable addition to the literature of
hydraulic science which has yet appeared in America, and we do not know
of any of equal value anywhere else." Railroad Gazette.
"With a tolerably complete knowledge of what has been written on
Hydraulics in England, France, Germany, United States, and to some extent
Italy, I have no hesitation in saying that I hold this book to be th^ best
treatise for students, young or old, yet written. It better presents the
primary essentials of the art." From CLEMENS HERSCHEL, Hydraulic
Engineer of the Holyoke Water Power Company.
A TEXT-BOOK ON THE METHOD OP LEAST SQUARES.
By Mansfield Merriman, C.E., Ph.D., Professor of Civil
Engineering in Lehigh University. Fifth revised edition.
8vo, cloth, 2 00
This work treats of the law of probability of error, the ad-
justment and discussion of observations arising in surveying,
geodesy, astronomy and physics, and the methods of compar-
ing their degrees of precision. Its rules and tables will assist
all who wish to make accurate measurements.
"This is a very useful and much needed text-book." Science.
"Even the casual reader cannot fail to be struck with the value which
such a book must possess to the working engineer. It abounds in illustra-
tions and problems drawn directly from surveying, geodesy and eugineer-
ing." Engineering Ntws.
THE MECHANICS OF MATERIALS AND OF BEAMS,
COLUMNS, AND SHAFTS.
By Professor Mansfield Merriman, Lehigh University, South
Bethlehem, Pa.
Fourth edition revised and enlarged. 8vo, cloth, interleaved, 3 50
"We cannot commend the book too highly to the consideration of all
Professors of Applied Mechanics and Engineering arid Technical Schools
and Colleges, and we think a general introduction of the work will mark an
advance in the rational of technical instruction." American Engineer.
"The mathematical deductions of the laws of strength and stiffness of
beams, supported, fixed, and continuous, under compression, tension and
torsion, and of columns, are elegant and complete. As in previous books
by the same author, plenty of practical original and modern examples are
introduced as problems." Proceedings Engineers' Club (/Philadelphia.
A TEXT-BOOK ON ROOPS AND BRIDGES.
Being the course of instruction given by the author to the
students of civil engineering in Lehigh University.
To be completed in four parts.
PART!. STRESSES IN SIMPLE TRUSSES. By Professor
Mansfield Merriman. Third edition. 8vo, cloth $250
" The author gives the most modern practice in determining the stresses
due to moving loads, taking actual typical locomotive wheel loads, and
reproduces the Phoenix Bridge Co's diagram lor tabulating wheel move-
ments. The whole treatment is concise and very clear and elegant." Rail-
road Gazette.
PART II. GRAPHIC STATICS. By Professors Mansfield Mer-
riman and Henry S. Jacoby. Second edition. 8vo, cloth, 2 50
" The plan of this book is* simple and easily understood ; and a? the treat-
ment of all problems is graphical, mathematics can scarcely be said to enter
into its composition. Judging from our own correspondence, it is a work
for which there is a decided demand outside of technical schools."
Engineering News.
PART III. BRIDGE DESIGN. In Preparation.
This volume is intended to include the design of plate girders,
lattice trusses, and pin-connected bridges, together with the
proportioning of details, the whole being in accordance with
the best modern practice and especially adapted to the needs
of students.
THE FIGURE OF THE EARTH. An Introduction to
Geodesy.
By Mansfield Merriman, Ph.D., formerly Acting Assistant
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. 12mo, cloth 1 50
" It is so far popularized, that there are few persons of ordinary intelli-
gence who may not read it with profit and certainly great interest. "Engi-
neering News.
"A clear and concise introduction to the science of geodesy. The book
is interesting and deals with the subject in a useful, and to some extent,
popular manner." London Engineering.
A TEXT-BOOK ON RETAINING WALLS AND MASONRY
DAMS.
By Professor Mansfield Merriman, Lehigh University.
8vo, cloth, 2 00
This work is designed not only as a text -book for students
but also for the use of civil engineers. It clearly sets forth
the methods of computing the thrust of earth against walls,
and the investigation and design of walls and dams in the
most economic manner. The principles and formulas are
illustrated by numerous numerical examples.
A TEXT-BOOK
ON
RETAINING WALLS
AND
MASONRY DAMS.
BY
MANSFIELD MERRIMAN,
j
PROFESSOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IN LEHIGH UNIVERSITY.
In scientiis ediscendis prosunt exempla magis quam praecepta. NEWTON.
NEW YORK:
JOHN WILEY & SONS,
53, EAST TENTH STREET.
1892.
COPYRIGHT, 1892,
BY
MANSFIELD MERRIMAN.
ROBERT DRUMMOND, FERRIS BROS.,
Electrotyper, Printers,
444 and 446 Pearl St., 326 Pearl Street,
New York. New York.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
EARTHWORK SLOPES.
PAGE
Article I. Equilibrium of Loose Earth I
2. The Cohesion of Earth 4
3. Equilibrium of Cohesive Earth q
4. Stability of Slopes in Cohesive Earth 12
5. Curved Slopes and Terraces 16
6. Practical Considerations 21
CHAPTER II.
THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH.
Article 7. Fundamental Principles 24
8. Normal Pressure against Walls 27
9. Inclined Pressure against Walls 31
** 10. General Formula for Lateral Pressure 35
**n. Computation of Pressures. ..... 36
* 12. The Centre of Pressure 39
CHAPTER III.
INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS.
Artie! e 13. Weight and Friction of Stone 42
14. General Conditions regarding Sliding. ... 44
15. Graphical Discussion of Sliding 47
16. Analytical Discussion of Sliding 50
17. General Conditions regarding Rotation 54
18. Graphical Discussion of Rotation 57
19. Analytical Discussion of Rotation 59
20. Compressi ve Stresses in the Masonry 63
iii
IV CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
* PAGE
Article 21. Data and General Considerations 68
22. Computation of Thickness. ... 71
23. Security against Sliding , 75
24. Economic Proportions 77
25. The Line of Resistance. 83
26. Design of a Polygonal Section 86
27. Design and Construction 90
CHAPTER V.
MASONRY DAMS.
Article 28. The Pressure of Water 93
29. Principles and Methods 95
30. Investigation of a Trapezoidal Dam 98
31. Design of a Trapezoidal Section 103
32. Design of a High Trapezoidal Section 107
33. Economic Sections for High Dams ... 109
34. Investigation of a Polygonal Section 112
35. Design of a High Economic Section 115
36. Additional Data and Methods 120
SLOPES, WALLS AND DAMS
CHAPTER I.
EARTHWORK SLOPES.
ARTICLE i. EQUILIBRIUM OF LOOSE EARTH.
Earthwork slopes are the surfaces formed when excava-
tions, embankments, terraces, mounds, and other construc-
tions are made in or with the natural earth. The earth is to
be regarded in discussion as homogeneous and inelastic, and
as consisting of particles more or less united by cohesion be-
tween which friction is generated whenever exterior forces
tend to effect a separation. As some kinds of earth when
dry are destitute of cohesion, these will first be considered
under the term " loose earth."
The friction of earth upon earth will be taken to be gov-
erned by the same approximate laws as for other materials,
namely: first, the force of friction between two surfaces is
directly proportional to the normal pressure ; second, it varies
2 EARTHWORK SLOPES. [CHAP. I.
with the nature of the material ; and third, it is independent of
the area of contact. These laws may be expressed by the
equation
F=fN, (i)
in which N is the normal pressure, F the force of friction
perpendicular to N, and f is a quantity called the coefficient
of friction which varies with the kind of material. As F and
N are both in pounds, f is an abstract number ; its value for
earth ranges from about 0.5 to i.o.
If a mass of earth be thoroughly loosened so as to destroy
all cohesion between its particles, and then be poured verti-
cally upon the point D in the horizontal plane BC, it will form
a cone BAG, all of whose elements AB, AC, etc., make equal
o
FIG. i.
angles with the horizontal. This angle ABC is called the
" angle of repose," or sometimes " the angle of natural slope,"
and it is found by experiment that eacli l.ind of earth has its
own constant angle. The particlepof earth on such a slope
are held in equilibrium by the forces of gravity and friction.
Let
which by virtue of (6) reduces to
=
Since sin 8 (45 -J-0) equals J(i sin0), this value becomes
Hw(i sin 0)
C =^ ' , ........ (7)
4 cos
which is the formula that was to be demonstrated.
From this formula the numerical value of c can be com-
puted when H, w, and are known. For earth weighing 100
pounds per cubic foot and whose angle of natural slope is 30
degrees, the value of c becomes i^.^H. If the vertical ruptur-
ing depth H is one foot, c is 14.4 pounds per square foot ; but
if H is ten feet, then c is 144 pounds per square foot.
ART. 3.]
EQUILIBRIUM OF COHESIVE EARTH.
Problem 2. A certain bank of earth, which has a natural
slope when loose of 1.25 to i, stands by virtue of its cohesion
with a vertical face when H = 3 feet. If this bank fails, find
the slope immediately after rupture.
ARTICLE 3. EQUILIBRIUM OF COHESIVE EARTH.
If the particles of earth be united by cohesion, a slope may
exist steeper than the angle of repose. Let Figure 3 rep-
resent the practical case of an excavation ABC whose slope
AB makes an angle 6 with the horizontal greater than the
angle of repose 0. AM is the natural surface of the ground
making with the horizontal an angle tf less than 0. It is re-
quired to determine the relation between the slope 6 and the
vertical depth h in order that rupture may just occur.
Let BM be the plane along which rupture occurs, and x its
inclination to the horizontal. The weight of the prism BAM
tends to urge it down the plane, and this is resisted by the
forces of friction and cohesion actinga thfi^lane. Let Wbz
UNIVERSITY
10 EARTHWORK SLOPES. [CHAP. I.
the weight of the prism for a length unity, and P and N its.
components parallel and normal to the plane. P is the force
causing the downward sliding, fN is the resisting force of
friction, and cl that of cohesion, if / be the area, or length, of
BM. At the moment of rupture P fN-\-cl, which may be
written *P
that is, the plane of rupture bisects the angle between the
lines of natural slope and excavated slope, or
Now if (8) be expressed in terms of x y it becomes
hw sin (6 x) sin (x 0) = 2c cos sin 0,
and by virtue of (10) this reduces to
hw sin 8 J(0 0) = 2 cos sin 0;
and substituting for sin 2 (0 0) its value f(i cos(0 0)),
and fm its value from (7), there is found
( I cos (0 - 0)) = H(\ - sin 0) sin 0, . . (11)
, 4Jfc ^^0>J^\e^^^^ +&(4
If n is unity, this of course reduces to the case of rupture
as given by (i i). The value to be assigned to the factor n can
only be determined by observation and experiment on existing
slopes. Probably about 2 or 3 will prove to be sufficient.
When 6 is given, the value of h is derived at once directly
from (13), thus:
, _ H(i sin 0) sin 6
~?z(i-cos(0-0)) ......
14 EARTHWORK SLOPES. [CHAP. I
This shows that the height for security should be - of that
n
for rupture. Thus it was found in Article 3, if H 6 feet, and
= 30, jthat the limiting height for a slope of 45 would be
62 feet. Hence with a factor of security of 2 the height would
be 31 feet, and with a factor of 3 the height would be 20 feet.
When h is given and is required, the formula for stability
may be written in the form
I cos( - 0) _ H(i sin 0)
sin 6 nh
The second member is here a known quantity and may be
called a. By developing the numerator in the first member
and then substituting for sin 6 and cos 6 their values in terms
of tan#, a quadratic expression results whose solution gives
This determines the slope 6 for a factor of security n.
For example, let it be required to find the slope for a
bank 25 feet high with a factor of security of 1.5, the value of
being 30 and that of H being t feet. Here
= = - 667 '
ART. 4-] STABILITY OF SLOPES IN COHESIVE EARTH.
and then from the formula,
tan \Q 0.304 -f- V 0.0718 + 0.0922 = 0.447.
Hence %6 is about 24 and is about 48, or a slope of 0.9 to I.
The slope when built must of course be protected from the
action of the weather in order to preserve the cohesion of the
earth.
The security of a bank may be investigated by measuring
its height h and slope 6, and finding by experiment the angle
of repose ^lane, but for any
other plane its value is less than zero. Hence it must be a
maximum with respect to x or cot *, and its first derivative
must vanish. Thus, also,
cot x A) ( /) + nw(i f cot ^)i(/ 2 ) zcy co^ x = o. ( 1 8)
By eliminating cot x from (17) and (18), the following value
of A is found :
A = ~ nfWy + * c ~ 2 V2^(/a7 + 2^(i +/"), (19)
and this is the practical equation of the required curve, A
being the area between the curve and any ordinate whose
value is y.
For example, let it 'be required to construct a curve of
equal stability in a bank of 40 feet height with a factor of
security of 1.5, the earth having a natural slope of 31, a verti-
cal rupturing depth of 5 feet, and weighing 100 pounds per
Cubic foot. Here, from (2) and (7), there is first found
f = 0.6, c = 71 pounds per square foot,
1 8 EARTHWORK SLOPES. [CHAP. I.
and formula (19) becomes
A =
284-2 ^193(907 +142)].
From this are computed the following special values :
For y = 10 feet A = 27 square feet ;
For y = 20 feet, A = 159 square feet ;
For y = 30 feet, A = 421 square feet ;
For y = 40 feet, A = 809 square feet.
These are the areas between the slope and the given ordinate,
and may be practically regarded as consisting of trapezoids,
as shown in Figure 5. The first area is that of the triangle
abB, hence
. 10 . ab = 27, or ab 5.4 feet.
The second area comprises the triangle AbB and the trapezoid
bBCc, hence
In a similar manner cd = 10.5 feet and de = n.i feet, and the
four points B, C, D, and E are thus located. In Figure 5 the
portions of the slope are drawn as straight lines ; it may be so
built, or intermediate points of the curve be established by the
eye.
ART. 5.]
CURVED SLOPES AND TERRACES.
It is not difficult to deduce from (19) the co-ordinate equa-
tion giving the relation between the abscissa and ordinate for
every point of the curve, but it is of such a nature as to be of
little practical use. In the manner just explained, as many
points upon the curve may be located as required. It is seen
from (19) that A is negative for small values of y, or theoreti-
A al> c d e
FIG. 5.
cally the curve overhangs the slope. Practically, of course,
the equation should not be used for values of y less than //,
and it will usually be found advisable and necessary that the
upper part of the curve should be reversed in direction so as
to form an ogee, as shown by the broken line AB in Figure 5.
When terraces are to be constructed, it is evident that the
upper one may have the greatest slope and the lower one the
least slope. Formula (19) may be used for this purpose, since
the area A is not necessarily bounded by a curved line, but
may be disposed in any form desired.
For example, take a bank 30 feet high in which it is
desired to build three terraces, as in Figure 6, with a factor of
20
EARTHWORK SLOPES.
[CHAP. I.
safety of 1.5. The height of each terrace is 10 feet, and there
are two steps BC and DE, each 4 feet wide. Let w = 100
FIG. 6.
pounds, 0= 31, and //= 5 feet, as found by experiments.
Then/"= 0.6 and c = 71, and formula (19) becomes
A =
From this, when y = 10, ^ = 27; when jj/ = 20, ^4 = 159; and
when y = 30, -4 = 421. The abscissas are now found to be
ab = 5.4, cd 6.1, and */"= 8.9 feet. The three slopes are
hence as follows :
For aB,
For CD,
For EF,
SB 23 and
10
= - and
10
= ?2 and
ART. 6.] PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 21
To insure the permanency of these slopes they should be
protected from the weather by sodding.
Problem 5. Design a terrace of four planes, the upper one
being 6 feet in vertical height, the lowest 10 feet, and the
others 8 feet ; the steps to be 5 feet in width. The earth is
such that cot = 1.5 to i, and H = 3 feet.
ARTICLE 6. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
The preceding theory and formulas can be usually applied
to the construction of embankments as well as to excavations,
provided that care be taken to compact the earth to a proper
degree of cohesion and the slopes be protected from the action
of the elements. The height h is always given, and it is re-
quired to find the slope 0. Unless h be very large the weak-
est plane will intersect the roadway ; but if not, the application
of the formulas can only err on the side of safety. The load
upon the roadway can be regarded as a mass of earth uniformly
distributed over it and thus increasing the height h.
For instance, if w = 100 pounds per cubic foot, = 34 and
H=4 feet, let it be required to find the slope for an em-
bankment 30 feet high. For security the weight of the loco-
motive should be taken high, say 6000 pounds per linear foot
of track, or about 5CXD pounds per square foot of surface for a
12-foot roadbed, which would be equivalent in weight to a mass
of earth about 4 feet "high. Then the value of h to be used
22 EARTHWORK SLOPES. [CHAP. I.
in formula (15) is 34 feet. If the factor of security be 2, the
value of a is 0.0259, and
tan # = 0.320 + V 0.093 5+0. 1024 = 0.414.
Hence %0 is about 22^ degrees and is about 45, or the slope
is I to i. The proposed embankment with this slope contains
47 cubic yards per linear foot, while with the natural slope of
34 it would contain 62 cubic yards per linear foot. A saving
in cost of construction will hence result if the expense of pro-
tecting the slopes to preserve the cohesion be not too great.
The degree of moisture of earth exercises so great an influ-
ence upon its specific gravity and angle of repose that special
pains should be taken to ascertain the values of those quanti-
ties which are the most unfavorable to stability. In general
a high degree of moisture increases w and decreases 0. These
causes alone would tend to increase the cohesion, but at such
times H usually becomes so small that c is greatly diminished.
The determination of H is awkward and there seem to be few
recorded experiments concerning it. Care should be taken
that the trench is long, or that transverse cuts be made at its
ends so that lateral cohesion may not prevent rupture, and a
considerable time should be allowed to elapse so that the co-
hesion may be subject to unfavorable weather.
The general conclusions of the above theory are valuable,
but it should be applied with caution to particular cases, not
only on account of the variability in the data but on account
of our ignorance of the proper factor of security. Numerical
ART. 6.] PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 2$
computations, however, may often prove useful as guides in
assisting the judgment. As shown above, a great saving in the
cost of moving material will result if slopes be built in accord-
ance with the theory, but evidently the cost of properly pro-
tecting the slopes will be increased. Should the latter cost
prove to be the smaller, the theory will ultimately become of
real practical value.
The preceding theory is not new, having long since been
set forth in many French and German books, but the author
is unaware to what extent it is practically used in those* coun-
tries. The introduction of a factor of security is, however,
believed to be novel in this connection, and by proper experi-
ments for determining its value the practical application of the
formulas here given may perhaps be rendered possible.
Problem 6. A railroad cut is to be made in material for
which w = 100 pounds per cubic foot, @)= 32, ff 5 feet.
If h is 40 feet and the roadbed 16 feet wide, find the quantity
of material necessary to excavate when the slopes have a fac-
tor of security of 3. ^4-.
24 THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH. [CHAP. II.
CHAPTER II.
THE: LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH.
ARTICLE 7. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.
A retaining wall is a structure, usually nearly vertical,
which sustains the lateral pressure of earth. In investigating
the amount of this pressure it is generally regarded best to neg-
lect the cohesion of the earth, and to consider it as loose
(Article i). This is done, partly because the effect of cohesion
is difficult to estimate and partly because the results thus ob-
tained are on the side of safety for the wall, the entire inves-
tigation in fact being undertaken for the purpose of using the
results in designing walls. The values given in Article I for
the weight of earth and for the angles of repose will be used
in this chapter, but it is again mentioned that they are subject
to much variation, and that in practical problems the values
most dangerous to stability should be selected.
The pressures against a retaining wall are least near the
top and greatest near the base. The resultant of all these
pressures is called the " resultant pressure," or simply the pres-
sure, and is designated by the letter P. The determination of
ART. 7.]
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.
formulas for the values of P for different cases is the object of
this chapter.
Let the resultant pressure P against the back of a wall be
resolved into a component N acting normal, and a component
.F acting parallel, to the back of a wall. Let z be the angle
between N and the direction of P', then
F = N tan z.
Let /be the coefficient of friction between the earth and the
wall, then for the case of incipient motion,
F=Nf.
Therefore, since /is the tangent of the angle of friction, the
angle z cannot be larger than the angle of friction between the
earth and the wall unless the earth is moving along the wall.
Various views are held by authors regarding the direction of
the pressure P, or the value of the angle z. Some take z as
zero, or regard the thrust as normal to the wall ; others take z
26 THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH. [CHAP. II.
as equal to the angle of repose of the earth, ; while a few
take z as intermediate between these values.
In Article 8 the friction of the earth against the wall will be
neglected, or the angle z will be taken as o. The value of the
pressure determined under this supposition will be called the
"normal pressure/' and will be designated by P r It is not to
be forgotten that the actual pressure against the back of a re-
taining wall cannot, like the pressure of water, be determined
with certainty. The formulas to be deduced are such that, in
general, they give limiting maximum values under the different
conditions, and the hypothesis here adopted has the practical
advantage of erring on the. side of safety for the wall. In an
unlimited mass of earth with horizontal surface, the pressure
against any imaginary vertical plane must evidently be normal
to that plane ; now if a wall is to be designed to replace the
earth on one side, the pressure against its back will also be
normal. It would seem then, that the most satisfactory de-
gree of stability of the earth will be secured by designing the
wall under the assumption of normal pressure.
The views just expressed are, howevet, not accepted by
some engineers who claim that the actual normal pressure is
usually less than the values theoretically deduced for P l , par
ticularly for walls that have been observed to fail. In Article
9 there will hence be investigated formulas for the pressure
supposing that it is inclined to the normal to the back of the
wall at an angle 0; the value of the pressure thus derived will
be called the " inclined pressure," and be designated by P v
ART. 8.]
NORMAL PRESSURE AGAINST WALLS.
Hence either P l or P^ can be used in investigating the wall as
the engineer thinks best.
Problem 7. Let the wall in Figure 7 be vertical, 12 feet in
height, its thickness uniformly 2 feet, and its weight 3600
pounds. Let the point of application of P be 4 feet above
the base. Compute the value of P to cause rotation, (a) when
the angle ft is o ; (b) when the angle ft is 30.
ARTICLE 8. NORMAJ. PRESSURE AGAINST WALLS.
In Figure 8 is shown a wall which sustains the lateral press-
ure of a bank of earth. The back of the wall BA is inclined to
the horizontal at the angle 6, an^i the surface of the earth. AM
FIG. 8.
is inclined at the angle 8. The line BCf represents the natural
slope of the earth with the inclination
.
Let Wbe the total weight of the earth in the prism BAM,
and w its weight per cubic foot. Let P^ represent the inclined
resultant pressure against the wall. In the triangle ROW, the
angle ROW'isx 0, and ORWis0 + 20 - x\ hence
= W
sin (x 0)
sin(0{ + 20 x) '
fu/-v
ART. 9.] INCLINED PRESSURE AGAINST WALLS. 33
The weight H^ for one unit in length of the wall is w X area
BAM X I. The area of BAM equals i^yi . BM . sin
the side BA is /* -r- sin 0, the angle y^J/ is #, and
sm y sin . sin *
The value of W is thus expressed in terms of # and the
given data, and P 9 becomes
P - Iwtf sin (0 - (?) sin (6 - x) sin (x - 0) , .
1 sin' sin (*-(?) sin (0 + 20 - *)'
which gives the pressure due to any prism BAM.
The greatest possible value of P 2 is to be regarded as the
actual value of the inclined pressure. By proceeding as in
Article 8 it can be shown that this obtains when
cot (6 - x) = cot (6 - 0)
+ V [cot (0 0) cotT(0 )] [cot (0 - 0) + cot 20] > (28)
and that the maximum value is
^
a / ru i -* \ / sin 2 . sin
sin 2 6^ sin (0 + 0)1 I + A / .
; y sm
lfi , ,, . , .
(0 -\- 0) sin (6 tf
which is the general formula for the so-called inclined pressure
and from which the results for all special cases can be deduced.
34 THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH. [CHAP. II.
The greatest slope 8 will be the natural slope 0. For this
case the formula reduces to
-
3 sin 2 B sin (0+0)'
which is the pressure due to a ba$k of maximum slope against
an inclined wall. If the back of the wall be vertical, = 90
and the expression takes the simple form P a %wh* cos 0.
The most common case is that where the surface AM is
horizontal ; for this d = o and (29) becomes
y~rf sin 2 (<9 0)
/^sTn20sin0 y (31)
Vsin(
sin'
which is the inclined pressure of a level bank of earth against
an inclined wall. If in this 6 90, there results the formula
for a level bank of earth retained by a vertical wall.
(32)
which is the well-known expression deduced by PONCELET.
Problem 9. In formula (27) make = 90 and d o.
Then find the value of x which renders it a maximum, and
deduce the corresponding value of P v
ART. 10.] FORMULA FOR LATERAL PRESSURE. 35
ARTICLE 10. GENERAL FORMULA FOR LATERAL
PRESSURE.
Let a wall whose back is AB sustain a bank of earth BAM
as in Figure 9. If the earth be loose, the weakest plane BM
wil be that along which rupture is about to occur, so that the
angle NOR = 0, as in the two preceding articles. Let the
resultant lateral pressure be designated by g, and let its direc-
tion make an angle z with the normal to the wall so that
LOP^ = s. By the same reasoning and methods as before
used, it is found that the expression for the pressure due to
any prism AB M and the value of cot (d x) which renders it
a maximum are the same as given by (27) and (28) if the
single term 20 be replaced by -f- z, and then results
p = _ _ f (33)
sin 2 6 sin (8 + z](i + . / sin(0 + *) sin(0 - tf)V '
\ \/ sin(0 + *)sin(0-tf)/
which is a general formula for the lateral pressure in terms of
the unknown angle z. If z = o, the direction of P is normal
to the back of the wall and (33) reduces to (23). If z 0, the
pressure is inclined to the normal at the angle of friction and
(33) reduces to (28).
From the above formula a number of theories of earth
pressure can be deduced by making different assumptions with
regard to the angle z. For instance, it seems to some authors
36 THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH. [CHAP. IL
a reasonable theory which makes the pressure upon a vertical
wall parallel to the earth surface A M; for this case 9 = 90,
and z = 90 -\- 0, and inserting these in (33) it reduces to
p __ _ cos 3 _
= "
cos
which is RANKINE'S formula for the lateral pressure against a
vertical wall. In like manner several other formulas, more or
less reasonable, can be established. But probably everything
necessary for the practical engineer is given in Articles 8 and 9.
Problem 10. Deduce formulas for the earth pressure
under the supposition that its direction is horizontal.
ARTICLE 11. COMPUTATION OF PRESSURES.
In computing the lateral pressure of earth from the above
formulas it is customary to take h in feet and w in pounds per
cubic foot ; then the value of P will be in pounds per running
foot of the wall. On account of the uncertainty in the data
the trigonometric functions need be taken only to three or
four decimal places, or, if logarithms be used, as will be found
most convenient, a four-place table will be amply sufficient.
The values of the pressures for several cases will now be com-
pared, the walls all being 18 feet in vertical height, the earth
weighing 100 pounds per cubic foot and having a natural slope
= 34 degrees. Here the value of ^.wh* is 16200 pounds.
ART. ii.] COMPUTATION OF PRESSURES. 37
For a level bank of earth and a wall whose back slopes
backward with the inclination = 80, formulas (25) and (31)
give the pressures
PI = 3 57 ?* = 2 590 pounds.
For a level bank of earth and the back of the wall vertical, for-
mulas (26) and (32) give
P l = 4 580, P 3 4 210 pounds.
For a level bank of earth and the back of the wall sloping
forward so that = 100, formulas (25) and (31) give
P l = 5 760, P z = 5 670 pounds.
Here it must be remembered that the direction of P is
normal to the wall, while the direction of P t makes an angle of
34 with the normal to the wall.
For the same walls sustaining earth whose upper surface
has the slope # = 10 degrees, the following values are found
from formulas (23) and (29):
For 6 = 80, P, = 3 920, P 2 = 3 400 pounds.
For = 90, P l = 5 080, P 2 4 960 pounds.
For 8 = 100, P, = 6 469, P 2 = 6 480 pounds.
For the same walls sustaining earth whose upper surface
has the angle of repose 3 = 34, formulas (24) and (30) give :
For 6 80, P, = 8 780, P 2 = 9 460 pounds.
For 6 90, P, = ii 130, P z = 13 430 pounds.
For 100, P, = 14 1 60, P 2 = 19 380 pounds.
38 THE LATERAL PRESSURE OF EARTH. [CHAP. II.
A comparison of the above values shows that the pressure
increases both with and d. For a level bank of earth the
values of P^ are less than those of /J, but for a large value of
d the values of P 2 become greater than those of P r Whether
the true thrust against the wall is P l or P 2 , or some inter-
mediate value, cannot be determined theoretically, and hence
the best procedure for the engineer will be to use those
values which are the most unfavorable to stability.
For the case of water I the wall is stable and its degree of stability varies
with n ; when n = oo the highest possible state of stability
exists.
The analytical conditions of equilibrium and stability for
the case of sliding are the following. Let Figure II represent
two bodies having a plane surface of contact, N the total force
normal to that plane, F the total force parallel to it, and /the
coefficient of friction between the surfaces. Then the condi-
tion of equilibrium is, as in (i),
F = fN, ....... (39)
and the condition of stability is
F
for, it is seen that this formula is the same as (41), NF being/,
and NT being tan C if the distance ON be unity, and their
ratio being the same as these tangents whatever be the length
of ON.
ART. 15.] ' GRAPHICAL DISCUSSION OF SLIDING. 47
Problem 14. A plane surface is inclined at an angle of 40
to the horizontal, and on it is a block weighing 125 pounds,
against which, to prevent it from sliding, a horizontal force
of 300 pounds acts. If the angle of friction of the block upon
the plane is 18, compute the factor of security against sliding.
ARTICLE 15. GRAPHICAL DISCUSSION OF SLIDING.
Let Figure 12 represent the section of a wall whose dimen-
sions and weight are given. Let BC be any joint extending
through the wall, and let P be the lateral pressure of the earth
above B. It is required to investigate the security of the wall
against sliding.
The pressure Pis applied on the back of the wall at one
third of its height above B, and its direction depends on the
hypothesis adopted in its computation ; if Article 8 is used, it is
normal to the back of the wall ; if Article 9, it is inclined at an
angle equal to the angle of natural slope of the earth.
A drawing of the given cross-section is made to scale, and
its centre of gravity found : this is G in the figure. The area
of this cross-section is then determined and called A ; if this
be multiplied by ^, the weight of a cubic unit of masonry,
the product is V, the weight of a wall one unit in length, or
V= vA.
Through G a vertical line is drawn, and the direction of P
is produced to intersect this in O. Lay off OP to scale equal
4 8
INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS: [CHAP. III.
to the earth pressure P, and OV equal to the weight of the
wall, V. Complete the parallelogram of forces OPRV, thus
finding OR as the resultant of P and V.
Produce OR to meet the joint BC in T. Through O draw
ON normal to BC, and then draw OF, making the angle NOF
equal to the angle of friction of stone upon stone. This com-
pletes the graphical work.
If the point T falls between N and F, the wall will not fail
by sliding, and its stability is the greater the nearer T is to N*
If ^coincides with F 9 the wall is just on the point of sliding
along the joint BC, and much more so is this the case if T
falls beyond F. As explained in the last Article, a numerical
expression of the degree of stability can be obtained by divid-
ing the distance NF by NT, or if n be the factor of security
against sliding,
_NF
n ~ NT
ART. 15.] GRAPHICAL DISCUSSION OF SLIDING. 49
This becomes unity when NT equals NF, and infinity when
NT is zero, the first value indicating the failure of the wall
and the second the greatest possible degree of stability against
sliding., It is recommended that for first-class work n should
not be less than 3.0, and fortunately it is always easy in build-
ing a wall to make its value greater than this by properly in-
clining the joints (Article 23).
The above method applies either to the base of the wall or
to any joint that extends through it, whether the joint be hori-
zontal or inclined. Owing to the uncertainty regarding the
weight and angle of repose of the earth, the direction of P, and
the angle of friction of the stone, it will not always be possible
to obtain values of the factor of security which are perfectly
satisfactory. Still the investigation will generally determine
if danger exists, and of course unfavorable values of the data
should be used in the analysis. If the wall have no joints ex-
tending through it, an anafysis for sliding need not be made.
Problem 14. Prove that the centre of gravity of a quadri-
lateral abed can be found as follows : Draw the diagonal ac and
bisect it in e ; join be, and take ef equal to \be ; through /
draw fk parallel to bd. Draw the other diagonal bd and bisect
it in g; join gcos(# + <* + )
.and if these be inserted in (43), the value of n is expressed in
terms of the given data. The entire analytical discussion of '.
the sliding of a wall along a joint consists in computing n from
these formulas. If n is greater than 3, the security against ;
sliding is ample ; if n is less than 3, the wall does not have
proper security for first-class work; if n = I, failure will
occur.
For example, consider a sandstone wall 18 feet high, 3 feet
wide at the top and 6 feet wide at the base, the back being
vertical. The weight of the masonry is taken at 140 pounds
per cubic foot, and the coefficient of friction on the horizontal
joint at the base is 0.5. This wall supports a level bank of
earth weighing 100 pounds per cubic foot and having an angle
of natural slope of 34 degrees. It is required to find its factor
of security against sliding.
First, let the pressure P and its direction be taken from
Article 8. Here h = 18 feet, w =- 100, # = 90, 0=34,
52 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP, III.
\ 1^
d = o, and z o. Then by formula (26) there is computed
j
P = 4580 pounds. The weigut of the wall is
V= 140 X 1 8 X 44 = 11340 pounds.
Now since a = o, F= 4580 and ^V = 11340, hence the factor
of security is
11340 X 0.5
which indicates a ver low degree of stability.
Secondly, let the pressure P and its direction be taken from
Article 9. Here z = 34, and using formula (32) there is found
P= 4210 pounds. Fis 11340 pounds as before. From (44),
F = 4210 sin (90 + 34) = 3490,
N= 1 1340 4210 cos (90 + 34) = 13690,
and then from (43) there results the factor
_ 0.5 X 1 3690 _
3490
which indicates a degree of stability too low for first-class
work.
Unfortunate indeed it is that the theory of earth pressure
is not sufficiently explicit to determine the exact value and
ART. 16.] ANALYTICAL DISCUSSION OF SLIDING. 53
direction of P. He who believes the theory of Article 8 must
conclude that this wall is in a very dangerous condition and
almost about to slide ; he who defends the theory of Article 9
might conclude that it is not in great danger, and that its
degree of security is fair. It is well, however, not to forget
that the given data are liable to variations fully as serious as
the defects in the theory. Imagine a heavy rainfall to increase
w and decrease ; this causes P to become larger, and as F
usually would be smaller in wet weather, it is seen that the
degree of stability of the wall would be greatly diminished.
If the factor of security be computed for both theories as is
done above, and the variation in the data be regarded, a fair
conclusion can generally be made regarding the security of the
wall. The effect of the variable data, however, is often so
great that a ripe judgment, based upon experience, may be
more reliable than computations.
Problem 16. Owing to a heavy rainfall the earth behind
the above wall is increased in weight to 120 pounds per cubic
foot and the angle of natural slope is decreased to 32 degrees,
while the coefficient of friction at the base of the wall becomes
0.45. Compute the factor of security of the wall against
sliding, (a) using the theory of Article 8, and (b) using that of
Article o.
54
INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
ARTICLE 17. GENERAL CONDITIONS REGARDING ROTATION.
Let Figure 14 represent two bodies having the plane of
contact BC. Let M be the middle point of BC. Let R be
the resultant of all the forces which each body exerts on the
other, and let T be its point of application on BC. It is
clear that rotation or overturning will instantly occur if T falls
without BC, that equilibrium obtains if T coincides with C,
D
FIG.
and that stability, more or less secure, will result if T falls
within BC. The nearer the point of application T is to the
middle of the base M the greater is the degree of stability
against rotation.
To investigate the degree of security of a given wall
against rotation it is only necessary to find the distance MT
either graphically or analytically. Let n be the factor of
security of the wall, then
n =
MC_
MT
(45)
ART. 17.] CONDITIONS REGARDING ROTATION. 5$
If MT equals MC, the value of n is unity and failure by rota,
tion is about to occur ; if MT is less than MC, the value of n
is greater than unity and the wall is more or less stable ; if
MT is zero, n is infinity and the wall has the greatest possible
degree of stability.
The factor of security n should not have a value less than
three for proper stability. To demonstrate this, consider the
distribution of pressures in a joint as represented in Figure 15.
In the first diagram the resultant pressure R is applied at the
middle of BC\ here the pressure will be uniformly distributed
over the joint, and the unit-stress 5, at B will be equal to the
unit-stress 5 at C. In the second diagram the resultant R is
applied so that MT has a small value ; then the pressure is
56 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
not uniformly distributed over the joint, but the unit-stress
S t at B becomes smaller than in the first diagram, while the
unit-stress S at C becomes greater, and the unit-stresses be-
tween B and C are taken as varying proportionally. In the
third diagram the distance MT is such that the unit-stress at
B becomes zero ; this occurs when CT is one-third of CB
(since the line of direction of R passes through the centre
of gravity of the stress triangle) or when MT is one-third of
MC* In the last diagram MT has become greater than one-
third of MC, so that the pressure is only distributed over
CB' and the portion BB' is either brought into tension or the
joint opens. As masonry joints cannot take tension this last
is a dangerous condition. Therefore the ratio of MC to MT,
or the factor of security, should not be less than 3.0.
If the joint BC be divided into three equal parts, so that
BD = DE = EC, the portion DE is called the " middle third,"
and the above requirement is otherwise expressed by saying
that for proper security against rotation the resultant of all the
forces above any joint must be within the middle third of that
joint.
Problem 17. In Figure 15 let BC be horizontal, and let
ABCD be a cubical block weighing 625 pounds. Compute the
factor of security against rotation when a horizontal force of
250 pounds is applied at A.
ART. 18.] GRAPHICAL DISCUSSION OF ROTATION. $?
ARTICLE 18. GRAPHICAL DISCUSSION OF ROTATION.
Let Figure 12 represent the cross-section of a wall whose
dimensions and weight are given. Let BC be any joint ex-
tending through the wall, and let P be the lateral pressure of
the earth above B. It is required to investigate the security
of the wall against rotation.
The pressure P is applied on the back of the wall at one-
third of its height above B (Article 12), and its direction is
either normal to the wall (Article 8), inclined to the normal at
the angle of natural slope of the earth (Article 9), or it has a
direction between these two limits (Article 10).
A drawing of the given cross-section is made to scale, and
its centre of gravity found ; this is at G. The area of this cross-
section is next determined and called A ; then the weight of
the wall for one unit in length is V = vA y where v is the weight
of the masonry per cubic unit.
Through G draw a vertical line and produce P to intersect
it in O. Lay off OP to scale equal to the earth pressure P,
and OV equal to the weight V. Complete the parallelogram
of forces OPRV, thus finding OR as the resultant of P and V.
Produce OR to meet the joint BC in 71 Mark M as the
middle point of BC, and measure MT and MC. This com-
pletes the graphical work.
58 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
If T falls at C, the wall is on the point of rotation ; and if
at M y it has the highest possible degree of stability. If BC
be divided into three equal parts and T is found within the
middle one, the wall has proper security against rotation. If
it falls without the middle third, it is deficient in security
(Article 17). Dividing MC by MT the factor of security is
found, or
If this is unity or less, the wall fails ; if it be smaller than 3, the
wall is stable but not secure ; if it be greater than 3, the degree
of security is sufficient as far as rotation alone is concerned ; if
it be infinity, nothing more can be desired.
By this method but one construction is needed for the
investigation of a wall against both sliding and rotation. It
will usually be found for ordinary cases that the factor of
security against rotation is least for the base of the wall or for
the lowest joint. For the general discussion the base of the
wall is drawn inclined in Figure 12, but in the actual drawing
it will be best to take it as horizontal.
Problem 1 8. Let a wall with vertical .back support a level
bank of sand weighing 100 pounds per cubic foot and having
an angle of repose of 34 degrees. Let the top of the wall be
2 feet thick, its base 7.57 feet, its vertical height 20 feet, and
its weight per cubic foot 165 pounds. Determine the factors
of stability against sliding and rotation for the horizontal
base, taking the earth pressure from Article 8.-
ART. 19.] ANALYTICAL DISCUSSION OF ROTATION.
59
ARTICLE 19. ANALYTICAL DISCUSSION OF ROTATION.
Let ABCD be a cross-section of a wall with vertical back,
AB being 24 feet, the top AD being 3 feet and the base BC
being 8 feet. Let the weight per cubic foot of the masonry
be 150 pounds, and let it be required to determine the factor
of security against rotation for a horizontal earth pressure P
of 4000 pounds.
Let T be the point where the resultant pierces the base,
and let CT be represented by t ; then the factor of security is
MC_ 4
MT -t*
60 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
in which t is to be determined. To do this, drop Dd perpen-
dicular to BC, dividing the cross-section into a rectangle of
weight V l and a triangle of weight F 3 . The value of V l is
15 X 3 X 24 or 10,800 pounds, and its horizontal distance
from T is (6 t) feet. The value of V is 150 X 5 X 12 or
9000 pounds, and its horizontal distance from T is (f X 5 /)
feet. The lever arm of P with reference to T is 8 feet, and as
R passes through T its lever arm is o. Then the equation of
moments is
8000 X 8 =z io8oo(6J t) + 9000(3^ /),
from which / is found to be 1.83 feet, and then the factor of
security against rotation is
* = IT; = '
which is not sufficient for proper stability.
A general discussion applicable to any trapezoidal cross-
section will now be given. Let h be the vertical height of the
wall, a the thickness of the top AD, b the thickness of its base
BC, and v its weight per cubic foot. Let be the angle
which the back of the wall makes with the horizontal, and z the
angle which the earth pressure P makes with the normal to
the back of the wall. The point of application of P is at a
vertical height of \ h above B.
Let V be the weight of the wall acting through the centre
of gravity of the cross-section, and let 5 be the point where its
direction cuts the base. Let R be the resultant of P and V
ART. 19.] ANALYTICAL DISCUSSION OF ROTATION.
61
acting at some point T on the base. Let s represent the dis-
tance and t the distance CT. Let the point T be taken
as a centre of moments, and let the lever-arm of P with
N
FIG. 17.
reference to it be /. The lever-arm of V is b s t, and
that of R is zero. Then the equation of moments is
Pp =V (b-s- t\
(46)
which is the fundamental formula for the investigation of re-
taining walls. This may be written
which is sometimes a more convenient form for use, since Vb
and Vs can be treated like single quantities.
To investigate a wall, the factor of security n is to be de-
termined. From formula (45),
n =
MC
MT ' \b -
(48)
^x
62 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IIL
and n will be known as soon as / is found. To do this the
value of/ is expressed in terms of /, thus :
and this being inserted in (47) there is deduced
/tf cos(0 + *)
sn
In this formula F is the weight of one unit in length of the
wall, or, for a trapezoid,
(51) |
and Vs is the moment of that weight with respect to the
inner edge B of the base. By considering the trapezoid
ABCD as the difference between the rectangle AaCc and the
two triangles AaB and CcD, this is found, by the help of the
principles of statics, to be
Vs = \vh((t + 0& + P (2a + b)k cot 0), . (52)
and, dividing by F, the distance s can be determined if it
should be required. To investigate a wall, formulas (52) and
(51) are first used, then (50), and lastly (45).
ART. 20.] COMPRESSIVE STRESSES OF THE MASONRY. 63
As an example, let the following data be taken : A sand-
stone wall retaining a level bank of earth ; 034 degrees,
w = 100 pounds per cubic foot, h 18 feet, a = 2 feet, b = 5
feet, 6 =. 80 degrees, v = 140 pounds per cubic foot. The
value of P, from Article 8, is 3570 pounds, z being zero. The
weight V is found by (51) to be 8820 pounds. Vs is found by
(52) to be 4405 pounds-feet. These inserted in (50) give
t = 1.75 feet, which, being greater than one-third the base,
shows proper stability; and lastly, from (48), the factor of
security is n = 3.3.
It will be interesting to test the same wall by the pressure
theory of Article 9, where, z being 34 degrees, P is 2590
pounds. All other data being the same as before, there is
found from (50) the value / = 3.23 feet, which is more than
one-half the base, so that T in Figure 17 lies between M and
13, and the tendency to rotation about B is greater than that
about C.
Problem 19. Compute the factor of security against rota
tion for the data given in Problem 18.
ARTICLE 20. COMPRESSIVE STRESSES ON THE MASONRY.
As a general rule, the working compressive stress upon the
base of masonry walls should not exceed 150 pounds per
square inch in first-class work. A tower 150 feet in height
will produce this pressure on its base if the masonry weighs
144 pounds per cubic foot.
64 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
The total normal pressure N upon the horizontal base of a
retaining wall will be given by (44), making a = o, or
N= r-Pcos(0 + *X (53)
in which P is the earth-pressure acting at an angle z with the
normal to the back of the wall, V the weight of the wall, and
the angle which its back makes with the horizontal. If P is
computed by Article 8, the angle z is zero ; if by Article 9, its,
value is 0, the angle of repose of the earth. For any ordinary
case cos (0 + z) is a small fraction, and in most cases it is
a sufficient practical approximation to regard N as equal to V.
The compressive stresses upon the base BC (Figure 17) will
be regarded as caused by the vertical pressure N alone. N is
\ evidently the vertical component of the resultant R. The
horizontal component of R produces shearing stresses along
the base which are supposed not to increase the compressive
stresses. The distribution of the compression over the base
will then be similar to that shown in the diagrams of Figure
15, and will depend upon the position of the point in which R
cuts the base.
If the resultant cuts the base at its middle point (as in the
first diagram of Figure 15), the compression due to N is uni-
form over the area b X I square feet, and
S =J^ (54)
s**V
is the compressive stress in pounds per square foot.
ART. 20.] COMPRESSIVE STRESSES OF THE MASONRY. 65
If the resultant is applied at the limit of the middle third
(as in the third diagram of Figure 15), the unit-stress at the
edge B is zero, that at the middle is the average value given
by (54), and the greatest stress_at the tQ_6js double this aver-
age value, or
S=2y ........ (55)
If__the resultant is applied without the middle third at a
distance / from the edge C (as in the last diagram of Figure
15), the compression is distributed only over the distance 3;,
so that
(s6)
gives the stress in jpmmdsjpei^square foot.
The case where R cuts the base within the middle third
at a distance / from C (as in the second diagram of Figure 15)
remains to be considered. Let 5 be the greatest unit-stress at
(7, and 5", be the least unit-stress at B. Then the unit-stress at
the middle of the base is equal to the average unit-stress, or
and as N is applied opposite the centre of gravity of the
stress-trapezoid, the value of t is
_
~s+s, v
fa**.
:
66 INVESTIGATION OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. III.
Now eliminating ^ from these two equations, there result
v
. .
which is the greatest unit-stress, namely, that at the toe C.^ h
As N is in pounds for one foot in length of wall, and b is in
feet, these formulas give compressive stresses in pounds per
square foot, and dividing by 144 the values in pounds per
square inch are found.
^ example, take the wall of the last article, where h 18
feet, a = 2 feet, b 5 feet, 6 = 80 degrees, z = o, P= 3570
pounds, F=882O pounds, and t 1.75 feet. In (44) the
value of a is o, and N is found to be 8665 pounds. Then
from (57) the greatest compression is 22.9 pounds per square
inch, which is a low value even for inferior work.
For ordinary walls a sufficiently exact computation of the
unit-stress 5 may be made by taking V for the value of N.
Thus for the above case V= 8820, and from (57) 5= 23.3
pounds per square inch. When z = o and a = o, formula
(44) gives N = V P cos 0, which differs but little from
N = Fwhen is near 90.
If there be no pressure behind a wall, the point T coincides
with 5 (Figure 17). Then the normal pressure V produces the
greatest unit-stress at B, whose value is given by one of the
formulas,
' ' (58)
ART. 20.] COMPRESSIVE STRESSES OF THE MASONRY. 6?
according as the distance s is less or greater than one-third
of A
According to the theory here presented, the vertical com-
ponent of R alone produces compression on the base of a
retaining wall, while the horizontal component is exerted in
producing a shearing stress. This theory has defects ; but
upon it has been based the design of structures more impor-
tant than retaining walls.
Problem 20. Let the back of the wall be inclined forward
at a batter of 2 inches per foot, and let the normal pressure of
the earth be P= 22,760 pounds. Let its height be 36 feet,
the top thickness 6 feet, the base thickness 18 feet, and the
weight per cubic foot 150 pounds. Compute the greatest
compressive stress on the base.
68 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
CHAPTER IV.
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
ARTICLE 21. DATA AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.
When a retaining wall is to be designed for a particular
location the character of the earth to be supported is known
and also the height of the wall. The data then are : w the
weight per cubic foot of the earth, , cos 9
vh '
B = -- + a* - 2ah cot B,
v sin u
7 2 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
from which the base thickness can be computed for any
given data.
When the value of is 90 degrees this takes the simple
form
(61)
which is the formula for the b***e thickness of a wall with
vertical back.
In these formulas P l is the earth pressure computed by
Article 8, h the vertical height of the wall, a the thickness of
its top, 6 the angle at which the back is inclined to the hori-
zontal, v the weight of a cubic foot of masonry, and b is the
thickness of the base which gives the wall a factor of security
of 3.0 against rotation, the resultant R then cutting the base
at the limit of the middle third. For all joints above the base
the factor of security will then be greater than 3.0.
For example, let a wall with vertical back be 20 feet high,
sustaining a level bank of sand which weighs 100 pounds per
cubic foot and has a natural slope of 34 degrees. Let the
masonry be 165 pounds per cubic foot and the top of the wall
be 2 feet in thickness. It is required to find the thickness of
the base BC (Figure 16). From formula (26) the pressure of
the earth is 5650 pounds. Then from (61)
ART. 22.] COMPUTATION OF THICKNESS. 73
which gives a cross-section whose area is K 2 4~ 7-57)x or
95.7 square feet.
As a second example take the same wall except that the
back is inclined backward so that 9 is 80 degrees. Here the
value of P l is found from (25) to be 4410 pounds. Then
whence from (60) A = 229, B = 44.2, and b = 4.45 feet,
which gives a cross-section whose area is 64.5 square feet.
The advantage of inclining the wall backward is here plainly
indicated, the vertical wall requiring nearly 50 per cent more
material than the inclined one.
If the wall be of uniform thickness throughout, a equals b,
and the solution of (59) gives
(62)
in which C has the value
r _ 3/z cot 6 2/>, cosfl
2 ~~vh '
If in this 6 be 90 degrees, it becomes
which is the proper thickness for a vertical rectangular wall.
As an illustration take the same bank of sand as in the last ex-
ample ; then for 8 80, C ' = 4.81 and the required thickness
is ='4.0 feet. If, however, 6 = 90 degrees, there is found
74
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
[CHAP.
b = 8.3 feet. Here again the great advantage of inclining
the wall is seen.
Sometimes it may be desirable to assume the inclination fi
of the front of the wall, and then to compute both b and a.
For this case Figure 17 gives
a b //(cot /? cot 0), .... (63)
and inserting this in (59) and solving for b there is found
..... (64)
in which D and E are determined from
D = /Kcot 6 + j- cot ft) - -
B
vh
p
z>sm
For example, take the same bank of sand as before and let the
back be vertical, or 6 = 90, and h = 2O feet. Then P l = 5650
pounds per linear foot of wall. Now let the front of the wall
have the batter of i-J- inches per foot, or /3 = 82 52', and cot ft
= 0.1250 (Article 13). Then Z> = 1.25 and = 68.5 and
from (64) the base thickness is b = 7.12 feet ; lastly from (63)
the top thickness is a 5.87 feet.
The formulas above given can only be used when the earth
^pressure P l has a direction normal to the back of the wall.
Those who believe in the theory of earth pressure set forth in
Article 9 are referred to the latter part of Article 24 for a
formula by which they should compute the thickness.
ART. 23.] SECURITY AGAINST SLIDING. 75
Problem 22. A wall weighing 140 pounds per cubic foot
has a vertical back, is 18 feet high, and the horizontal earth
pressure on it is 4580 pounds. Compute the thickness of the
base when the cross-section is rectangular. Compute the
thickness of the base when the cross-section is triangular.
Compare the two sections with respect to amount of material.
ARTICLE 23. SECURITY AGAINST SLIDING.
(p-n//C^~a -jLl&iftr^l
The base thickness b computed in the last Article provides
proper security against the rotation of the wall under the lat-
eral pressure of the earth. The cross-section thus determined
should now be investigated and full security against sliding be
provided. This can be done in three ways.
First : the masonry "may be laid with random courses so
that no through joints will exist. If the stones are of suffi-
cient size this checks very effectually all liability to sliding.
Second : all through joints may be inclined backward at an
angle a (Fig. 13) so that the resultant R shall be as nearly nor-
mal to them as possible. This will occur when Fin formula
(44) is zero, or when
/>, sin (# + )= Fsin a,
and this reduces to
cot a = V - cot 0, .... (65)
P. sm 6
7 6 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
from which a can be computed for any joint, V being the
weight of the wall above that joint, P l the earth pressure above
it, and the inclination to the horizontal of the back of the
wall. As b is computed for a horizontal base, the value of Fis
a little less than \vh (a -f- b). For example, take the wall de-
signed above where B = 90 degrees, // = 20 feet, P^ = 5650
pounds, ^=165 pounds per cubic foot, a 5.9 feet, and
b= 7.1 feet. Then Fis a little less than 21 450 pounds, say
21 ooo pounds, and cot a = 2.7, which gives a =. 20 degrees
nearly. This backward inclination should be made less for
joints above the base, becoming nearly zero for those near the
top of the wall.
Third : for cases where a through horizontal joint cannot
be avoided, as when a wall is built on a platform, the thickness
of the base which will give a required factor of security against
sliding can be computed from (43). To do this make both z
and a equal to zero in (44), and substitute the values of F and
TV from (43), giving
*/> 1 sin0=./(F-/>cos0).
Now in this let the value of V be inserted, namely,
V= kvh(a+ b\
and the equation be solved for b, thus :
*2f*l, ... (66)
ART. 24.] ECONOMIC PROPORTIONS. 77
in which a is the top thickness, h the vertical height, the in-
clination of the back of the wall to the horizontal, P^ the nor-
mal pressure of the earth, v the weight of the masonry per
cubic unit, /the coefficient of friction of the masonry on the
through horizontal joint, and b the base thickness for a factor
of security of n against sliding, It would be desirable that n
should be about 3.0, but to secure this the wall must be thicker
than is required for rotation. Accordingly, this method of
obtaining security against sliding should be used only when all
other methods are impracticable. Thus in the last article a
vertical rectangular wall is determined to be 8.34 feet thick
when k=. 20 feet and P l = 5650 pounds, v = 165 pounds per
cubic foot; now, if n =3.0 and /= 0.5, formula (66) gives
a = b 10.3 feet.
Problem 23. Compute the proper inclination of the joints
in the rectangular wall of Problem 22 at distances of 6, 12 and
1 8 feet from the top.
ARTICLE 24. ECONOMIC PROPORTIONS.
By the help of the formulas of Article 22 the thicknesses
of several trapezoidal walls will now be computed in order to
compare the quantities of masonry required, and thus obtain
knowledge regarding the most economical forms of cross-sec-
tion. All the walls will be 18 feet in vertical height, and
sustain a level bank of earth whose angle of repose is 34 de-
grees and which weighs 100 pounds per cubic foot. The
7% DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
weight of the masonry will be taken as 150 pounds per cubic
foot.
Case I. Let the back of the wall be inclined forward at a
batter of two inches per foot, or 6= 99 28' (Fig. 18). From
formula (25) the normal earth pressure P l is found to be 5690
pounds. Then assuming the top thickness a at o.o, i.o, 2.0
feet, etc., the proper base thickness for each is computed from
formula (60) and given in the table below.
Case II. Let the back of the wall be vertical, as in Fig. 19,
or 6 = 90. From formula (26) the earth pressure P l is found
FIG. 18.
to be 4580 pounds. Then assuming thicknesses of the top, the
corresponding base thicknesses are computed and inserted in
the following table.
In this table the column headed "cubic yards" gives the
quantity of masonry in one linear foot of the wall, and it is
seen that in each case this is least for the wall with the thin-
nest top. It is also seen that the vertical walls require less
masonry than the corresponding ones with forward batters.
The columns headed " per cent " show these facts more clearly,
the standard of comparison being the vertical rectangular wall
which is taken as 100.
ART. 24.]
ECONOMIC PROPORTIONS.
79
Assumed
T*/\f\
Case I. 9 = 99 28'.
Case II. 9 = 90.
1 Op
Thickness.
a.
Base
Thickness.
*.
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent.
Base
Thickness.
b
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent.
Feet.
Feet.
Feet.
0.0
9.6
3.20
62
7.8
2.60
50
I.O
9-5
3-50
67
7-3
2.77
53
2.0
9-4
3.80
73
7-1
3-03
58
3-0
9-5
4.17
80
7-1
3-37
65
4.0
9.6
4-57
88
7-1
3-70
71
5-o
9.9
4-97
96
7-1
4-03
77i
6.0
10.2
5-40
104
7.2
4.40
85
7.0
10.5
5.83
112
7-5
4.83
93
7.8
7-8
5.20
IOO
7-9
lO.g
6.27
120
Case III. Let the back of the wall be inclined backward
at a batter of ij inches per foot, or = 82 53' (Fig. 20).
Here the earth pressure P l is found to be 3850 pounds. Then
FIG. 20.
FIG. ax.
assuming values of the top thickness a, the corresponding
values of the base thickness b are computed from (60) and
given below in the tabulation.
Case IV. Lastly, let the back of the wall be inclined still
more backward, the batter being 3 inches per foot, or B =?$ 58',
as in Fig. 21. Then the earth pressure is found to be 3200
8o
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
[CHAP. IV.
pounds, and as before values of b are computed for assumed
values of a.
The following table gives the results of these computations
for Cases III and IV, the columns "cubic yards" and "per
cent " having the same signification as before. It is seen that
the general laws of economy of material are the same, namely,,
Assumed
Case III. = 82 53'.
Case IV. = 75 58'.
Top
Thickness,
a.
Base
Thickness.
b.
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent.
Base
Thickness.
b
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent.
Feet.
Feet.
Feet.
0.0
6.6
2.20
42
5-1
1.70
33
1.0
5-9
2-30
44
4.2
1-73
33
2.0
5-4
2.47
47*
3-4
1. 80
35
2. 9
2. 9
1-93
37
3-0
5-1
2.70
52
4-0
4-9
2.97
57
4-9
4.9
3-30
63
the thinner the top and the greater the backward batter of
the wall the less is the quantity of masonry. The considera-
tion of these principles in connection with the local circum-
stances of an actual case will hence tend toward economy of
construction. Chief among these local circumstances is the
price of land, and where this is very high a wall with a verti-
cal front and a forward batter of back is often used, al-
though this requires more masonry than any other form, for
the saving in cost of the land may more than balance the
extra expense for masonry. In all cases of design the first
consideration is stability, and the second economy not econ-
ART. 24.] ECONOMIC PROPORTIONS. 8 1
omy in the cost of material, but in the total expenditure of
money.
Those who believe in the theory of earth pressure set forth
in Article 9 may ask if its use would lead to the same conclu-
sions regarding economic proportions. To decide this it *is
necessary to deduce a formula for the thickness of a trape-
zoidal wall under such pressure, and then to make the same
computations for the four cases with the same data.
The fundamental formula (47) is good for all cases. In
this let the values of/, F, and Vs be inserted from (49), (51)
and (52), making z = and t = \b. Then results
P a [2& cos (9+ 0) + ^-- ] = \vh(P + a b-a i + bh cot -f 2ah cot 6),
\ sin 6 /
arid solving this with respect to b there is found
b = -A+ VB + A*, (67)
in which the values of A and B are
2P~ COS . ,
B = H-- jr- + # 2 2^ cot 0,
z/ sin
and from this the base thickness b can be computed for any
values of the given data, namely, the angle of repose of the
earth 0, its inclined pressure P a as found by Article 9, the
82
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
[CHAP. IV.
angle of inclination of the back of the wall 6, the top thick-
ness a, the vertical height 7z, and its weight per cubic unit v.
Using the same data, the inclined pressure P^ has been
computed for each case, and the base thicknesses found from
formula (67) for the same assumed top thicknesses. The
cubic yards in one linear foot of wall are next obtained, and
an inspection of these shows that the same general laws hold
as before, namely, the thinner the wall and the less the angle
6 the less is the quantity of masonry required.
The subjoined table gives the quantities of masonry for
Case I, Case II, and Case IV, and by comparing them with
Assumed
Top
Thickness.
a.
Case I. = 99 28'.
Case II. = 90.
Case IV. = 75 58'.
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent
Difference.
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent
Difference.
Cubic
Yards.
Per cent.
Difference.
Feet,
o.o
2.43
24
1-77
32
1.38
19
1.0
2.77
21
2.00
28
1.40
J 9
2.0
3.10
19
2-30
24
1-45
19
3-0
3-50
16
2.63
22
4.0
3-97
13
3-00
19
5-o
4-50
9
3-40
15
6.0
5-07
6
those previously deduced it is seen that they are all less, the
difference being greatest for the triangular walls and least for
those of uniform thickness. The column "per cent difference"
shows in each case the percentage of material which the walls
designed under inclined pressure are less than the correspond-
ART. 25.] THE LINE OF RESISTANCE. 83*
ing ones designed under normal pressure. As in practice
walls are not built with a top thickness less than two feet, it
may be said as a rough rule that the hypothesis of inclined
earth pressure (Article 9) gives a wall from 10 to 20 per cent
less in size than that of normal earth pressure (Article 8).
Problem 24. Deduce a formula for the thickness of a wall
under inclined earth pressure when a = b. Compute the
thickness and quantity of material of such a wall for Case I,
for Case II, and for Case IV.
ARTICLE 25. THE LINE OF RESISTANCE.
Let a be the top thickness and b the base thickness of a
trapezoidal wall whose height is h. Then the thickness b 1 at a
vertical distance y below the top is
a), ..... (68)
and this is represented by B'C' in Figure 22. Let P be the
* a-
FIG
pressure of the earth, and V the weight of the wall above
B'C. Let T' be the point where the resultant of P and V
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.
[CHAP.
cuts B 'C '; as y varies T' describes a curve called the line of
resistance. When y is zero T' coincides with the middle of the
top. When y equals h the point T' coincides with T as de-
termined by (50).
The line of resistance is the locus of the point of intersec-
tion of the resultant of the forces above any horizontal joint
with the plane of that joint. This is a general definition
applicable to triangular and curved sections as well as to trape-
zodial ones.
For a rectangular vertical wall under normal earth pressure
the line of resistance is the common parabola. To prove this
let the origin of coordinates be taken at the corner A in Figure
-24, and let AB' =y and B'T' = x. Now P' = cy\ in which c
FIG. 23.
is a function of w, and d (Article 8), and its lever-arm with
respect to T' is \y. The value of Fis vby, and its arm with
respect to T' is x \b. Then the equation of moments is
or
ART. 25.] THE LINE OF RESISTANCE. 8$
which represents a parabola with its vertex at the middle of
the top of the wall.
For a triangular wall with a vertical back the line of resist-
ance is a straight line drawn from the top to the point where
the resultant cuts the base. The proof of this is purposely
omitted in order that it may be worked out by the student.
For a trapezoidal section the position of the line of resist-
ance can be computed from (50), (51) and (52), making z = o
for normal earth pressure, putting P= rj/ a , h = y and b = b f .
For example, take a wall for which = 34, d = o, w = 100,
h 1 8, 9 '80, v 140, a = 2 and b 5 feet. Here from
formula (25) P is found to be 11.027". From (68)
and this inserted in (51) and (52) gives the values of Kand Vs
in terms of/. Then substituting all in (50) there is found
280 + 67.487- 2.393?'
28o + 9-757-
From this equation the curve is now easily constructed, thus-*
y = o, t i.oo, and b' = 2.00
y= 6, =1.77, and ' = 3.00
y ~ 12, 7=1.88, and ^ = 4.00
718, *=i.8i, and ' = 5.00
and it is seen that the line, while lying always within the mid-
dle third, departs most widely from the middle at the base of
the wall.
86 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
Whatever be the form of cross-section the line of resist-
ance can always be located by first determining the earth
pressure and the weight of the wall for several values of y and
then for each making a graphical construction as in Figure 12.
The curve joining the points thus found on the several hori-
zontal joints will be the line of resistance, and to insure proper
stability against rotation it should lie within the middle third
of the wall (Article 17).
Problem 25. Locate graphically the line of resistance in
one of the walls of Case II, Article 24, determining points at
depths of 6, 12 and 18 feet below the top.
ARTICLE 26. DESIGN OF A POLYGONAL SECTION.
Retaining walls with curved front are now and then built.
The advantages claimed for such a profile are, first, finer
architectural effect, and second, that the line of resistance
may be made to run nearly parallel to the central line of the
wall, thus making it a form of uniform strength and insuring
economy of material.
The determination of the equation of a curved profile to
fulfil the condition that the line of resistance shall cut every
joint at the same fractional part of its length from the edge is
of very great mathematical difficulty, if not impossibility, be-
cause the weight of the wall above any joint and its lever-arm
are unknown functions of the coordinates of the unknown
curve. By considering the curve to be made up of a number
ART. 2C.] DESIGN OF A POLYGONAL SECTION. 87
of straight lines, however, it is easy to arrange a profile to sat-
isfy the imposed conditions which will not practically differ
from the theoretical curve. The method of doing this will
now be illustrated by a numerical example.
A wall 30 feet in vertical height is to be designed to sup-
port a level bank of earth whose angle of natural slope is 34
degrees and which weighs 100 pounds per cubic foot. The
back of the wall is to be plane and to have an inclination of 80
degrees. The top of the wall is to be 2 feet thick, and the
weight of the masonry is to be 165 pounds per cubic foot. It
A p
FIG. 24.
is required to design the wall so that the line of resistance
shall cut the base B* at its middle point, and also cut the
lines Bi and BC at their middle points, B 1 C 1 being 20 feet
and BC 10 feet from the top. This insures a factor of infinity
against rotation (Article 17) which is a greater degree of sta-
bility than is usually required in practice, but the method em-
ployed is general, and the example will serve to show how a
wall may be designed to satisfy any imposed condition
DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
First, take the upper part ABCD and consider it as a sim-
ple trapezoidal wall, upon which the normal earth pressure is
found by (25) to be 1410 pounds. In the general formula (47)
the values of /, V and Vs are now to be substituted from (49),
(51) and (52), making z = o and putting / equal to \b. This
gives an equation in which all quantities but b are known, and
by its solution there is found the value b = 4.47 feet. This
completely determines the cross-section ABCD so that it is
easy to find the weight V = 5240 pounds, and from (52) its
lever-arm s = 1.55 feet.
Second, take the trapezoid BCC^B^ and consider it as acted
upon by four forces, the weight of the upper part 5240 pounds,
its own weight V, the normal pressure of 20 feet of earth
which is 5650 pounds acting at 6f feet vertically above B l ,
and the reaction R of the wall below it which by the hypoth-
esis passes through M, the middle point of B r Let s be
the lever-arm of Fwith respect to >, and let B l C l be denoted
by b. With respect to the centre M the lever-arm of V is
ART. 26.] DESIGN OF A POLYGONAL SECTION. 89
\b s, that of the 5240 pounds is \b + 0.21, and that of the
earth pressure is 6.77 -f- 0.087$. Then the equation of mo-
ments is
5650(6.77 + 0.087$) = V(kb - s) + 524o(i$ + 0.21).
Inse/ting in this the values of Fand Vs in terms of b, and
then solving, there is found b 8.70 feet. This determines the
cross-section so that its weight V is found to be 108.50 pounds,
and the lever-arm of this with respect to B l to be 2.62 feet.
Lastly, the trapezoid B^Cf^JB^ is treated in a similar man-
ner, as acted upon by five forces, the weights 5240 and 10850
pounds, the pressure of 30 feet of earth which is 12 720 pounds
applied at B l , its own unknown weight F, and the reaction R
which passes through the middle of Bf v The lever-arms of
the known forces with respect to that centre being found, the
equation of moments is
12720(10.15 + 0.087^) = V(\b s) + 5240^ + 1.97) -}- 10850(1^ 0.86),
in which b is the base JB 9 C 99 and s is the lever-arm of Fwith re-
spect to B v From (51) and (52) the values of Fand Vs are to
be expressed in terms of b and inserted ; then by solution
there is found b 13.6 feet.
The points C, C l and C^ in the profile of the cross-section
are now known, and a curve may be drawn through them, or
the front may be built with straight lines. The economy of
the curved profile is indicated by the fact that the cross-section
as determined is 209 square feet, whereas a trapezoidal section,
90 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
designed under the same conditions has a base thickness of
15.2 feet and a cross-section of 257 square feet.
Problem 26. Design a curved wall for the same data as
above, but under the condition that the line of resistance shall
cut each of the bases BC, B^C^Bf^ at one-third its length from
the outer edge.
ARTICLE 27. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
When a retaining wall is to be designed its vertical height
will be given. The inclination of its back and the thickness of
its top are to be assumed, in accordance with the principles of
Article 24, so as to result in the least total expenditure for
land, labor and material. The form of section selected will be
usually trapezoidal.
The normal earth pressure is now computed by the proper
formula of Article 8.
The thickness at the base is then computed by formula (60),.
and thus the cross-section of a trapezoidal wall is determined.
The batter of the front of the wall is known by (63), and if
this proves to be greater or less than is thought advisable new
proportions are assumed and another cross-section determined.
By the help of formula (65) the approximate inclination of
a few of the joints should next be found so that the wall may
be built with full security against sliding. It is not always
ART. 27.] DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. gi
necessary to give the joints the full inclination thus computed,
however, since this implies a factor of security of infinity.
As a check on the computations it is well to make a graph-
ical investigation of the proposed wall and determine the fac-
tors of security at the base against rotation (Article 18) and
also against sliding (Article 15). These will, in general, be
less for the base than for any joint above the base.
Lastly, the maximum pressure per square inch at the edge
of the base joint may be computed (Article 20). If this is less
than the allowable working strength of the stone, the wall is
safe against crushing. Only for very high walls will this com-
putation be necessary.
The computed thickness b is the horizontal thickness of the
wall at the top of the foundation, as BC in Figure 22. This
foundation should be built with care, not only to bear the
weight of the wall and prevent it from sliding, but also to pro-
92 DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS. [CHAP. IV.
tect it from the action of the rain and frost. Provision should
be made for the drainage of the bank by longitudinal ditches
and by weep-holes through the wall, so that water may not col-
lect and increase the pressure.
It is good practice to batter the back of the wall slightly
forward for about two feet near the top, in order that the frost
may lift the earth upward without exerting lateral pressure
against the wall.
Whether the wall be built with dry rubble or with cut stone
in hydraulic mortar, great attention should be paid to details
of workmanship and construction, all of which should be clearly
set forth in the specifications. The earth must be thrown
loosely against the wall or be dumped against it from above,
but should be carefully packed in layers which slope upward
toward the back.
Problem 27. Let = 38 degrees, 6 10 degrees, w= 100
pounds per cubic foot, >:= 150 pounds per cubic foot, #2
feet, Q 80 degrees. Compare the quantities of material re-
quired for two walls, one 9 feet high and the other 18 feet
high.
ART. 28.] THE PRESSURE OF WA TER. 93
CHAPTER V.
MASONRY DAMS.
ARTICLE 28. THE PRESSURE OF WATER.
All doubts regarding the direction and intensity of the
lateral pressure against walls vanish when the earth is replaced
by water. For since water has no angle of repose, = o and
6 = 0, and all the formulas of Chapter II reduce to (35),
which gives the normal water pressure against a wall of height
h when the depth of the water is also h.
The principles of hydrostatics show that the direction of
water pressure is always normal to a submerged plane ; also
that the total normal pressure on such a surface is obtained by
multiplying together the weight of a cubic unit of water, the
area of the surface and the depth of its centre of gravity below
the water level.
The water level is usually lower than the top of the dam,
as shown in Figure 27. Let d be the vertical depth of the water
above the base of a trapezoidal dam, 6 the angle which the
back makes with the horizontal, and w the weight of a cubic
94 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
unit of water. Then the surface submerged is - X I, the
depth of its centre of gravity below the water level is \d t and
hence the normal pressure is
P=\wd* -v- sin 0,
which agrees with (35). The centre of pressure, or the point
at which the resultant pressure must be applied to balance the
actual presssures, is on the back of the dam at a vertical height
FIG. 27.
of \d above the base ; this is known by a theorem of hydro
statics and likewise by Article 12.
The angle 6 is never less than a right angle for masonry
dams, and hence it will be convenient to use instead of it the
angle ip which the plane of the back makes with the vertical.
Then 6 = 90 -f- ip, and the normal pressure is
P = $wd a sec i/>, ...... (69;
>jue, $f~
and for a vertical wall, where i/> = o, this becomes P=
ART. 29.] PRINCIPLES AND METHODS, 95
The normal pressure P may be decomposed into a hori-
zontal component P ' and a vertical component P " , whose values
are expressed by
P 1 = Pcos $ = %wd\ P" = Psin $ = %u>d* tan ^ ; (70)
and if ^ be a small angle, as is usually the case, the horizon-
tal component \wd* is sometimes taken as the actual water
pressure. This is an error on the side of safety, since the ver-
tical component, acting downward, increases the stability of
the dam, unless the water penetrates under the base BC, which
is an element of danger that ought not to be allowed.
Problem 28. For a waste-weir dam the water level may be
higher than AD by an amount d,. Prove that the normal
pressure is
-cosifr, .... (71)
and that the centre of pressure is at a vertical distance^ above
B, whose value is given by the formula
h d
ARTICLE 29. PRINCIPLES AND METHODS.
The fundamental requirements concerning the design of
masonry dams are the same as those governing all engineering
-work ; first, stability, and second, economy. The first requires
that the structure be built so that all its parts shall have
g6 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
proper strength, and the second that this shall be done with
the least total expenditure of money. This expenditure con-
sists of two parts, that for material and that for labor, and
economy will result if material can be saved without increasing
the labor. Hence all parts of a structure ought to be of
equal strength (like the " one-hoss shay "), provided that the
cost of the material thus saved is greater than the cost of the
extra labor required ; for if one part exceeds the others
in strength it has an excess of material which might have
been saved.
For ordinary retaining walls and for low masonry dams the
trapezoidal form is the only practicable cross-section, since
curved faces do not save sufficient material to balance the cost
of the extra expense of construction. But for high masonry
dams, and as such may be classed those over 80 or 100 feet
high, it not only pays to deviate from the trapezoidal section,
but it is often absolutely necessary to do so in order to reduce
the pressure on the base to allowable limits. The section
adopted in such cases is therefore an approximation to that of
a form of uniform strength.
The general principles of stability of retaining walls set
forth in the preceding pages apply to all masonry structures,
but it will be well to state them briefly again, with especial
reference to dams.
First, there must be proper stability against sliding at
every joint and at every imaginary horizontal section. This
can be done either by bonding the masonry with random
ART. 29.] PRINCIPLES AND METHODS. 97
courses so that no through joints exist, or by inclining such
joints at the proper backward slope (Article 23). The first
method is alone applicable to a dam, and by the use of
hydraulic mortar the whole structure should be made
monolithic.
Second, there must be proper stability against rotation at
every horizontal section of the dam. This will be secured
when the resultant of all the forces above that imaginary base
cuts it within the middle third (Article 17) or at the most at
the limit of the middle third. In a dam there will be two
cases to be considered : (a) when the reservoir is full of water,
and () when the reservoir is empty. For the first case the
line of resistance should not pass without the middle third on
the front or down-stream side, and for the second case it should
not pass without it on the back or up-stream side.
Third, there must be proper security against crushing at
every point within the masonry. As a general rule this de-
mands that the compressive stress per square inch shall not
exceed 150 pounds, although in a few cases higher values have
been allowed.
It will be found in designing a high dam that the second
principle will determine the thicknesses for about 100 feet
below the top. For greater heights the third principle must
generally be used, and the formulas of Article 20 be applied.
It is indeed doubtful whether these formulas correctly repre-
sent the actual distribution of stress on the base of a high
dam with a polygonal cross-section, for it would naturally be
98 MASONRY DAMS, [CHAP. V.
thought that greater stresses would obtain near the middle
rather than near the edge of the base. If such is the case,
however, the application of the formulas can only err on the
side of safety.
Problem 29. A masonry dam 36 feet high and 24 feet
wide weighs 150 pounds per cubic foot. Find the point
where the resultant cuts the base when the water is 33 feet
deep above the base.
ARTICLE 30. INVESTIGATION OF A TRAPEZOIDAL DAM.
1 6i ?4,*C *^ (^^^^CL^j^
The given data will furnish the dimensions of the dam, and
the normal water pressure on its back will be computed by
(69). Then by the method of Article 18 a graphical investiga-
tion for rotation may be made and the factor of security be
determined for any joint BC. Through joints should not
exist in a masonry dam, and hence BC will be taken as hori-
zontal in the construction, or even if they do exist BC may be
an imaginary horizontal joint.
The factor of security against rotation may be computed
by the formulas of Article 19, first making z = o, and 9 =
90 + ^. Then from the given datq^P is found by (69), Fand
Vs by (51) and (52), and / is computed by (50), in which h is
to be put equal to */, whence finally n is derived by (48). It
will however be more satisfactory for a student to make an
analysis directly from first principles rather than to arbitrarily
use formulas for mere computation. This will be now done
for a particular example.
ART. 30.] INVESTIGATION OF A TRAPEZOIDAL DAM,
99
The largest trapezoidal dam is that at San Mateo, CalK
fornia. The top thickness is 20 feet, the base thickness is 176
feet, the vertical height is ijh feet, the batter of the back is i
to 4, and the masonry is concrete, which probably weighs about
150 pounds per cubic foot. It is required to investigate itc
stability when the water is 165 feet deep above the base.
Let P be the normal water pressure on the back, and V
the weight of dam, both per foot of length. Let BC be the
base, and T the point where the resultant of P and V cuts it.
. &
,D
C
FIG. 2 8.
f(/U*^
Q t
Now with respect to this point the moment of Pwill equal
the moment of V.- Let/ be the lever-arm of P\ let / repre-
sent the distance CT, and s the horizontal distance from B to
the line of direction of V. The lever-arm of V is then
b s /, and the equation of moments is
Pp = V(b-s- f) or
Vs Vt.
(73)
The first member of this equation may be replaced by
Pp' P"p", in which P' and P" are the horizontal and verti-
cal components of P, and p' and p" are their lever-arms with
IOO MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
respect to the point T. Also V may be replaced by vA r
where v denotes the weight of the masonry per cubic foot and
A is the area of the cross-section. Then
P'p' -P"p"=.v(Ab-As-At\ . . . (74)
which is a formula better adapted to numerical operations.
To apply this to the San Mateo dam the data are d = 165
feet, tan = 0.25, a = 20 feet, b = 176 feet, h = 170 feet, and
v = 150 pounds per cubic foot. Then from (70)
P' = 850 780 pounds, P" = o.2$P = 212 700 pounds,
4 r 4-U G
and from the figure,
/ = & = 55 feet, /' = 176 - 0.25 X 55 - '
Also the area of the trapezoid is
A = i X 170(176 -f- 20) = 1 6 660 square feet,
and the moment As is computed by regarding A as the sum of
the triangles AaB and DdC and the rectangle AadD (Figure
28), thus ; ^ /^P^&ttf ^C*/ >^UrZ^L4^f>>^
6_ t>~ t UK < :'. r i ^Jfjy & AA+**++/ ty 4stsL4Usvi*C't*t
As=AaBx %Ba + AadD(Ba + Ja^jf + DdC(BC \dC\
t^i^^^f-i cAc*~^.^-i^ /^-^-i^wc^rr
whence As = I 248 820 feet cube. Inserting now all values in
(74) and solving for t there is found / = 88.6 feet. The result-
ant therefore cuts the base very near the middle, so that
the factor of security against rotation is practically infinity
(Article 17).
ART. 30.] INVESTIGATION OF A TRAPEZOIDAL DAM. IOI
It is the custom of some engineers to neglect the vertical
component of the water pressure, and regard only the horizontal
component. Testing the San Mateo dam under this supposi-
tion, P" equals zero, and, all other quantities being the same
as before, there is found t = 80.2 feet, whence the factor of
security against rotation is
88
which shows that the degree of stability is ample.
A masonry dam should be investigated not only for the
case when the reservoir is filled with water, but also for the
case when the reservoir is emptied. Here the tendency to
rotation, or overturning, is usually backward instead of for-
ward. Let 5 be the point where the direction of the weight V
cuts the base, and let M be the middle of the base. Then the
factor of security is the ratio of MB to MS, or
in which the distance s is computed by dividing the value of
As by that of A. Now, for the San Mateo dam,
I 248 820
: J = 75.0 feet,
16660
and then n is found to have a value of 6.8.
IO2 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
No through joints exist in this dam, and the method of
construction of the base is such as to preclude all possibility of
sliding. Moreover by the use of (43) the coefficient of friction
which will allow sliding to occur on the base is
850780
~~ I50XI6660" ' 34 '
a value which would be very low for an imperfect construction.
The compressive stresses on the base may next be investi-
gated by the method of Article 20. When the water in the
reservoir is 165 feet deep the resultant R cuts the base so near
the middle that the compression can be regarded as uniformly
distributed. The pressure normal to the base is V-\- P" t and
hence the stress per square inch is
150 X 16660 + 212700
S = -2 = 107 pounds,
144 X 176
which is probably less than one-sixteenth of the ultimate
strength of good concrete when one year old.
If the reservoir should be empty the greatest stress would
come at the heel B, and as V is applied at 75 feet from B, that
stress in pounds per square inch is, from formula (58),
2X 150 X 16660 / 3 X 75\
O ^^ ~^ " I ~ ? j == 14.2.
144 X 176 176 /
It will also be found that the stress at the middle of the base is
99 pounds per square inch, that at the toe C is 142 99 = 43
pounds per square inch.
ART. si.] DESIGN OF A LOW TRAPEZOIDAL SECTION. IO3
Problem 30. Investigate the security of the San Mateo
dam for a horizontal section 100 feet below its top (a) when
the water is 95 feet deep above that section ; (b) when the
reservoir is empty.
ARTICLE 31. DESIGN OF A Low TRAPEZOIDAL SECTION.
When a trapezoidal dam is to be designed its height h will
be given, and also the depth d of the water behind it. The
weight per cubic foot of the masonry v will be known, at least
approximately. The thickness of the top, #, will be assumed ;
usually this will serve for a roadway or footway and hence
cannot be less than 8 or 10 feet. The batter of the back, or
tan 0, is next assumed, and usually this will be taken small in
order that the weight of the wall V may fall as far away from
the toe C as possible. Let M be the middle of the base BC ; let
5 be the point where the direction of Fcuts it, and T^the point
where the direction of the resultant R cuts it. It is plain that
MS will always be less than one-third of MB for any trapezoid
whose back leans forward, and that it becomes equal to one-
third of MB only when AD is zero and AB is vertical.
' '
IO4
MASONRY DAMS.
[CHAP. V.
Let b be the length of the base BC, and let t be the distance
CT. It is required to findj so that MT shall be one-third of
MC, or, what is the same thing, that t shall equal %b. Full
security against rotation will then exist both for reservoir full
Formula (74) is a funamental one applicable to any sec-
tion. To aoply it tathe problem in hand, the values of the
lever-armsandjg' are to be stated in terms of the otter y
s : fcd*Jv **s*<<<*
quantities, thus
-. . .
&*ZCL v r jjL ^^p^^^^uL^ '-t&t-c
Also the area A is expressed by )
' 0Kt$M6& J
. ..... (76)
and by the method of the last Article the value of the
moment As is found to be
. (77)
As = u" + ab + P + h(2a + b) tan
Inserting, now, all these quantities in (74), and making / = %b,
there is found a quadratic equation in b whose solution gives
b -F+VF'
in which F and G have the values
(78)
G = 2 --(P' + P" tan 0) + a* + 2ah tan t/>,
ART. 31.] DESIGN OF A LOW TRAPEZOIDAL SECTION. IO5
and from these the proper base thickness can be found, P' and
P" being first computed by (70), or if desired the expressions
for F and G can be written
tan*;
gh
in which g is the ratio of v to w, or the specific gravity of the
masonry.
If ty = o, the formula (78) takes the simple form
(79)
which gives the proper base thickness of a trapezoidal dam
with a vertical back.
~f o --g:
The compressive stress at C in pounds per square inch is
now found from (5*5), or
// 'an.
144^
and if this is less than the specified limiting value, no further
investigation will be necessary ; but if greater, then the above
formulas for thickness will not apply and those of the next Ar-
ticle must be used. The limiting value of 5 is often taken
at 150 pounds per square inch.
The compression at the inner edge B when the reservoir is
empty is less than that at C when it is full, for in any trape-
IO6 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
zoid where tan fy is positive MS is less than one-third of MB.
Th distance BS can, however, be obtained by dividing (77)
by (76), whence
_
"*HhflT
and then by the use of (58) the unit-stress at .# is computed.
In order to show the application of the formulas and at the
same time study the question of economic proportions, let the
following data be taken : h = 60 feet, d = 57 feet, a 9 feet,
v = 150 pounds per cubic foot or^-= 2.4. Let three designs
be made for which the back has different batters, namely,
tan # = -J-, tan $ = -fa, and tan $ o. Using the formula (78),
the base is first found, and then by (76) the area of each
trapezoid ; thus :
tan i/> = -J-, b = 36.5 feet, A 1365 sq. ft., = 109 per cent
tan i/>=^, b = 34.4 feet, A = 1302 sq. ft., = 104 per cent
tan i/} = o, b 32.75 feet, A = 1253 sq. ft., = 100 per cent
From which it is seen that the most advantageous section is
the one with the vertical back. This conclusion might also be
inferred from the discussion in Article 24.
It is the custom of some engineers to neglect the vertical
component of the water pressure. Formula (78) may be
adapted to this hypothesis by making P" equal to zero in the
quantities F and G, which then become
73
G = --- 1- c? + 2ak tan ib.
gh
ART. 32.] DESIGN OF A HIGH TRAPEZOIDAL SECTION. IO?
The thickness of the dam computed under this hypothesis is
greater than before. Thus, for the above example,
tan tp = |, b = 39.8 feet, A 1466 sq. ft., =117 per cent
tan $ =: 1 i g ., b = 36.2 feet, A 1356 sq. ft, = 108 per cent
tan ^ o, b 32.75 feet, A = 1253 sq. ft, = 100 per cent
Problem 31. Find the compressive unit-stress at B and C for
one of the cases of the above numerical example.
ARTICLE 32. DESIGN OF A HIGH TRAPEZOIDAL SECTION.
When the value of h is so great that the formula for thick-
ness deduced in the last article cannot be used the dam is said
to be " high." For such cases the condition / = \b cannot be
applied, but / must be made greater than \b so as to reduce
the unit-stress at the toe C. The base thickness will hence be
greater than that given by (78).
Let 5 be the given limiting unit-stress in pounds per square
foot. The corresponding value of / is, from (57),^s. Q
Trr
in which vA is the equivalent of the weight V. Inserting this
in (74), and also the values for / ', / " , A and As, there is de-
duced a quadratic in b whose solution gives
108 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
in which K and Z, have the values
K=(P" i^ 2 tan^)-i
" tan $) + 2/% 2 + 2^ tan #).
If in these P" = o, the vertical component of the water press-
ure is neglected ; and if tan fi = o, the back of the trapezoid is
vertical.
In using these formulas the given data are a, k, d, tan ^, v
and 5. Then b is computed, taking the water pressures P' and
P" from (75). When b is found, s should be determined by
(81), and then by (58) the stress at B when the reservoir is
empty is computed.
For an example take a 20 feet, h = 170 feet, d= 165
feet, tan i(> = o.2,v= 1 50 pounds per cubic foot and 5 = 2 1 ooo
pounds per cubic foot. Let it be required to find b, neglect-
ing the vertical component P" of the water pressure. From
Article 28 the value of P' is 850 780 pounds, and by hypothesis
P" o. Then inserting all values, K 20.64, L = 15 506.6,
whence b = 145.2 feet. This gives for the area of the section
A 14 042 square feet, and from (82) t =. 0.425 b, which locates
the point where the resultant pierces the base when the reser-
voir is full. From (81) there is found s = 61.9 feet = 0.426$,
which gives the point where the line of action of Fcuts the
base, and when the reservoir is empty the unit-stress at the
.back edge of the base is, by (58),
5, = ^ 150X14042 (2 _ 3 x
145.2
ART. 33.] ECONOMIC SECTIONS FOR HIGH DAMS. IOO,
so that the compression at B for reservoir empty is about the
same as that at C for reservoir full.
Problem 32. Discuss the above example without neglecting
the vertical component of the water pressure.
ARTICLE 33. ECONOMIC SECTIONS FOR HIGH DAMS.
A high trapezoidal dam designed so as to give proper se-
curity against crushing on the base has an excess of stability
in its upper part. Accordingly if the section be polygonal, or
bounded by curved lines, both in front and back, these may
be arranged so as to save material in the upper parts, thus less-
ening the weight that comes on the base, and hence reducing
its width from that which a trapezoidal section would require.
Such a structure will be approximately one of uniform security
against rotation in its upper portions, and of uniform security
against crushing in its lower portions. The method of design
ing the upper part will be similar to that used in Article 26 for
the retaining wall.
Local and practical considerations will determine the thick-
ness of the top AD. From the principles deduced in Articles
24 and 31 it is plain that to secure the greatest economy of
material the back should be vertical for some distance below
the top. If the upper sub-section AA'D'D be rectangular, the
line of resistance for the case of reservoir empty will cut the
middle of A'D' ; and if the height be properly chosen, the line
of resistance for reservoir full will cut it at the front edge of
no
MASONRY DAMS.
[CHAP. V.
the middle third. To find what this height should be let a be
the thickness, h' the height A A ', and d the depth of water
FIG. 30.
above A'. Then the equation of moments with reference to a
point in the base distant \a from D' is
%wd* X^ = vati X \a.
Now if d be taken equal to h', as it may be in an extreme case,
the solution of this gives
(84)
in which g is the ratio of v to w y or the specific gravity of the
masonry.
The next sub-section should be a trapezoid, and the entire
section in fact may be considered as made up of trapezoids,
the widths of these being so determined as to secure economy
and stability. The former requires that the back should be
vertical or that its batter should be as small as possible, and
"
fa
ART, 33.] ECONOMIC SECTIONS FOR HIGH DAMS. Ill
the latter requires that the lines of resistance for reservoir full
and reservoir empty shall not pass without the middle third,
while the resulting unit-stresses are kept within the specified
limit.
In the upper part of the dam the question of the com-
pression of the masonry need not be considered, and the width
of the base of each sub-section will be found from the require-
ment that the line of resistance for reservoir full cuts that base
at one-third the length from the front edge.
In the lower part of the dam the widths are to be de-
termined by regarding the compressive stresses. Owing to
uncertainties concerning the theor)^ of distribution of these
stresses, and to differences of opinion concerning the manner
in which it should be applied, engineers have not agreed upon
a uniform method of design. The general form of section,
however, is that shown in Figure 30, the back being battered
below a certain depth in order to keep the line of resistance
for reservoir empty well within each base, while the batter of
the front increases downward. The views of different authori-
ties are fully set forth in WEGMANN's Design and Construc-
tion of Masonry Dams (second edition, New York, 1889),
where also are given sectional drawings of all existing high
dams.
Problem 33. Prove that a triangular section is one of uni-
form stability against rotation when the water level is at the
vertex of the triangle.
112 MASONRY DAMS, [CHAP. V.
ARTICLE 34. INVESTIGATION OF A POLYGONAL SECTION.
The graphical investigation of the stability and security of
a polygonal section like Figure 30 is so simple in theory that
space need not here be taken to set it forth in detail. The
general method of Article 18 is to be followed for the base of
each sub-section, and the only difficulty that need to occur will
be in connection with determining the positions of the centres
of gravity of the areas above the successive bases. These may
be best computed by the method explained bdow. When the
points 5 and T have been found for each base the factor of
security against rotation is known by Article 17, both for reser-
voir full and reservoir empty, and then the maximum com-
pressiye stresses are determined as in Article 20.
IV ^ "* ^T^K^tZ
The analytical investigation begins with the top sub-section,
which is either a rectangle or a trapezoid (Figure 30), and finds
as in Article 30, or by the formulas of Article 19, the degree of
security for its base A'D'. Thus is determined the area A^
the corresponding weight V^ and the horizontal distance s l
from its point of application to its back edge. Now let
A' BCD' be the next trapezoid, let h be its vertical height, a
its top width, b its base width, ip the angle of inclination of the
back to the vertical, A^ its area, v the weight of the masonry
per cubic unit, V^ its weight vA 9 which is applied at a horizon-
tal distance 5 2 from the back edge B. The sum A l -\-A 9 is
ART. 34.] INVESTIGATION OF A POLYGONAL SECTION. 113
the total area A whose weight is vA = F, and the line of action
of this cuts the base at S, whose horizontal distance from the
back edge B is called s. The value of s can be obtained by
taking moments about B, thus :
which is the formula for locating the line of resistance when
the reservoir is empty. The values of A^ and A 2 s^ are found/''
from the given quantities a, b, //, tan fy by the help of (76)
and (77). ^ =- -fcfcfi V^*$ VtfA**^2
When the reservoir is full let P f be the horizontal compo-
nent of the water pressure on the entire back above B, and P"
the vertical component. Let their lever-arms with respect to
Tbep' and/". Then the equation of moments is
P'p' -P"p"^v(A^A^(b^-s-t\ . . (86)
In this the value of P' is %wd*, and that of p' is %d. If the
batter of the back be uniform from the top to B, the values of
P" and p" are known by (70) and (75). If, however, the dif-
ferent trapezoids have different batters, values for P" and p"
are not easily expressed. Hence it is often customary to neg-
lect P", and then the distance CT is
...... (87)
in which g is the specific gravity of the masonry. From this
the line of resistance can be located when the reservoir is full.
The factor of security against rotation can now be found,
if desired, by (45) both for the case of reservoir empty and
that of reservoir full. The degree of security against crushing
will be deduced by computing the unit-stresses at B and 7 by
the help of the formulas of Article 20 and then comparing
these with allowable and with ultimate values. The degree
of security against sliding could be easily determined if the
coefficient of friction were known, but as the base is not a
real joint, it will be sufficient to use formula (39), and deduce
the value of f which would allow motion if a joint actually
existed.
The above formulas can be applied to each trapezoid in
succession, A l being taken as all the area above its top, and
thus the lines of resistance can be traced throughout the en-
tire section.
As a numerical example let it be required to test the fourth
trapezoid of the theoretical section of the Quaker Bridge Dam
given in Article 35. The data are A l = 1823 square feet, s l =
12.4 feet, h = 20 feet, tan ^ = 0.115, a = 37.4 feet, b = 53.4
ART. 35.] DESIGN OF A HIGH ECONOMIC SECTION. 115
feet, d = go feet, and g = 2 J-; and it is required to find s
w
and / with the unit-stresses 5, and 5. First the area of the
given trapezoid is 908 square feet, and its moment A^s^is
21 808 feet cube. Then from (85) the value of s is 17.8 feet,
and inserting this in (87) there is found t 17.8 feet. The
lines of resistance here cut the base at the ends of the middle
third so that the factors of security for reservoir full and for
reservoir empty are each 3.0 (Article 17). The unit-stresses
^ and 5 are also equal, and each will be found to be 1 1 1
pounds per square inch. Lastly, from (i) or (39) the coeffi-
cient of friction necessary for equilibrium is 0.59, a value
which cannot be approached in a monolithic structure.
Some authors use the term " factor of safety " as meaning
the ratio of the horizontal water pressure which would cause
overturning to the actual existing horizontal water pressure.
This should not be confounded with the factor of security
used in this book.
Problem 34. Given #, #, h, V l and s l for any trapezoid
(Figure 31). Deduce the value of tan ^ so that s shall
equal %b.
ARTICLE 35. DESIGN OF A HIGH ECONOMIC SECTION.
The application of formula (86) will in general lead to com-
plicated equations, unless the vertical component of the water
pressure P" is neglected. This is an error on the side of safety
and is hence often allowable, particularly when tan $ is small.
Il6 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
The following method is essentially like that devised by
WEGMANN for the design of the Quaker Bridge Dam, and is
here given because of all the different methods it appears to
be best adapted to the comprehension of students.
Using the same notation as in the last article, the top width
a is first assumed, and the uppermost sub-section is made a
rectangle whose height is by (84) equal to a Vg. The follow-
ing sub-sections will be trapezoids with vertical backs, each
base being determined so that / = ^b. To find b for any
trapezoid there will be given A t and s l from the preceding
trapezoids, its upper base a, its height h, the total depth of
water d, and the specific gravity g, while tan ip equals zero.
First A^ and A^ are expressed in terms of a, b and ^, by (76)
and (77), and these are inserted in (85). Then the resulting
expression for s is put into (86) and / made equal to \b. Thus
is obtained a quadratic, whose solution gives
b -K+VK*+L, ..... (88)
in which K and L have the values
If, in these, A equals zero, the formula reduces to (79), which
should be the case, as the whole section above the base then
becomes a single trapezoid.
ART. 35-] DESIGN OF A HIGH ECONOMIC SECTION. 1 1/
After having found the base of a trapezoid by (88) the
value of s should be computed by (85), taking tan ^ = o. This
will be at first greater than J#, but in descending lower (usually
before d becomes 100 feet) a trapezoid will be found where ^
exceeds \b. As soon as this occurs formula (88) ceases to be
applicable, for the section has not a sufficient degree of sta-
bility when the reservoir is empty. The back must now be
battered so that s shall equal ^b, at the same time keeping
t = ^b. Introducing these two conditions into (86) and solv-
ing for b there results
which gives the base of the trapezoid, and thus A^ becomes
known. The amount of batter required is now found by in-
serting in (85) the value of s 9 from (81), and solving for tan ip r
namely :
(9 o)
in which s is to be taken as ^b. Thus the trapezoid is fully
determined, and the next one can be designed, taking A^-\- A t
as the new A l , s as the new s 1 , and b as the new a.
After having found the base of a trapezoid by (89), the com-
pressive unit-stress at the ends of said base should be com-
puted by (80). The value of this will be at first less than
1 1 8 MA SONR Y DAMS. [CHAP. V.
the allowable limit, but in descending lower (usually before d
becomes 150 feet) a trapezoid is reached where it is greater.
As soon as this occurs formula (89) ceases to be applicable, for
the base of the section has not sufficient security against
crushing.
The next value of b is to be derived by taking t as given
by (82) and making s = %b. These introduced into (86) pro-
duce a quadratic in b, and this will be used until the com-
pressive stress at B reaches the allowable limit. When this
occurs s must be made greater than \b by expressing its value
from (58) in a manner analogous to (82). The two values of s
and t are thus stated in terms of S^ and S, the limiting unit-
stresses at B and (7, and inserting them in (86) and solving for
b a quadratic is found from which all the remaining trapezoids
are computed. As soon as any b is found A z is known, and
then s is derived by (85), taking A l -f- A^ as A. Lastly, using
this value of s, the batter tan ip is derived by (90).
This method is open to the objection that the formulas of
Article 20 do not probably give the correct law of distribution
of stress on the base of polygonal sections, and also to the
objection that the water pressure is always taken as horizontal
in direction. On the other hand, it has the advantage of being
simple in use, whereas other methods but little, if any, more
accurate in principle lead to equations of high degree whose
solution can only be effected by tentative processes.
By the help of this method the engineers of the Aqueduct
Commission of the city of New York deduced an economic
ART. 35.] DESIGN OF A HIGH ECONOMIC SECTION.
section for the proposed Quaker Bridge Dam. The top thick-
ness was taken at 20 feet and the specific gravity of the
masonry at 2.5. The following are results for the theoretical
section to a depth of 171 feet (see Table II in Report of the
Aqueduct Commission, 1889).
d
b
A
tan ^
t
s t
s
Si
34-7
20.0
834
O
6.7
10.
13031
6516
50
26.2
1187
O
8.7
10.5
14156
ii 328
70
37-4
1823
12.5
12.4
15234
15234
90
53-4
2731
0.115
17.8
17.8
15984
15984
no
71.2
3977
0.100
25.2
23.7
16391
17453
130
92.9
5618
0.170 '
35-1
31-7
16384
18462
150
114.6
7698
0.170
45-3
40.1
17078
19930
171
137-4
10339
0.171
56.1
49.1
18 219
21 822
In this table the first column contains the depth of the water
in feet, the second the base of each sub-trapezoid in feet, the
third the total area above that base in square feet, the fourth
the batter of the back, the fifth and sixth the distances in feet
from the front and back edges of the base to the lines of
resistance, and the seventh and eighth the stresses at those
edges in pounds per square foot. It will be seen that the San
Mateo dam, 170 feet high (Article 30), has about 61 per cent
more material than this economic section of 171 feet height.
Problem 35. Design an economic section, taking the top
thickness as 30 feet and the specific gravity of the masonry
as 2\.
I2O MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V.
ARTICLE 36. ADDITIONAL DATA AND METHODS.
There has now been given snch a presentation of the
theory of masonry dams, adapted to the needs of students, as
will serve to exemplify the principles which govern their
design. A few concluding remarks concerning data, princi-
ples, and methods will now be made.
The force of the wind has not been considered in the data.
If the wind blows up-stream when the reservoir is filled, the
stability of the dam is increased ; if it blows down-stream, its
effect will be to produce waves rather than to add to the
water pressure on the back.
The pressure due to the impulse of waves may be inferred
from the fact that the highest pressure observed by STEVEN-
SON in his experiments was 6100 pounds per square foot. The
maximum horizontal pressure per linear foot on the top of a
dam from wave action can, therefore, probably not exceed this
value acting over three or four feet of vertical depth, and this
only when the reservoir is of wide extent.
The horizontal pressure at the water line due to the thrust
of ice should be taken, in the opinion of a board of experts
on the Quaker Bridge Dam, to be 43 ooo pounds per linear
foot. (Report of the Aqueduct Commission, 1889.)
Let H be the horizontal force at the water line due to ice
thrust, or wave action. Its moment will be Hd, and this is to
ART. 36.] ADDITIONAL DATA AND METHODS. 121
be added to the moment of the water pressure. In all the
preceding formulas, therefore, the quantity should be re-
placed by 1 fn order to include the effect of this hori-
hg vh
zontal force in the computations. For instance, if the example
in Article 32 is to include the effect of the ice thrust, formula
(84) must be modified as stated, taking /^= 43000 pounds.
Then b will be found to be 156.3 feet instead of 146.8, and the
.area of the trapezoid will be about 5f per cent greater than
before.
When the computations extend below a permanent water
level on the front of the dam the effect of the back pressure
can easily be introduced into the formulas by substituting
d* d*, for d\ where d is the depth of the water on the back
of the dam, and */, that on the front.
When the back and front of the dam are covered with
earth or gravel below a certain level its action may be approxi-
mately estimated by computing the earth pressures according
to the method of Article 8, and then adding the moments of
these to the other external moments. Such computations
however, will always be liable to more or less uncertainty, and
hence should be made with caution.
It is not probable that the theory of Article 20 gives the
correct distribution of stress on the wide base of a polygonal
section, and it seems more likely that in such cases the unit-
pressures at the ends of the base are less than those near the
122 MASONRY DAMS. [CHAP. V. ART. 36.}
middle. If this is the case, the formulas probably err on the
side of safety, even though they neglect the influence of the
shearing stress due to the horizontal pressures. It is known
(see Mechanics of Materials, Article 75) that a shear combines
with a compression normal to it and produces in another
direction a greater compression. But the application of this
principle to stresses in masonry can scarcely be made until
experimental evidence is afforded concerning the laws of dis-
tribution of the unit-stresses.
The theory of a dam which is curved in plan and which
acts more or less like an arch has not been considered here.
It may be stated as the general consensus of opinion, that a
section which resists water pressure by gravity alone, like
those designed in these pages, will not usually be rendered
stronger by being curved in plan. A curve, however, is pleas-
ing to the eye and impresses the observer with an idea of
strength, so that it is often advisable to employ it, even if the
length of the dam be slightly increased.
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