Stability calculations for existing gravity retaining walls

Many parts of older waterway structures consist of gravity retaining walls. The construction is characterized by cross-sections, several meters thick, consisting of unreinforced concrete or masonry. Besides earth pressure and impacts caused by operation, frequently high water loads have to be borne. Static recalculations, applying the existing standards using the normal simplified approach, almost always lead to theoretical deficits regarding structural stability. These, in turn, result in expensive structural reinforcement measures or even replacement constructions. Deficits result especially from neglecting the multidimensional stress and strain states and the very conservative approach of the inner water pressure in form of crack and pore water pressure in accordance with the applicable standards. This article uses the example of numerical analyses performed in a two-dimensional FE-model of a retaining wall, taking into account the interaction between crack formation and distribution of the inner water pressure for each variation considered, to show that calculatory safety margins are clearly detectable. It is recommended to extend the scope of the analysis to a wider range of models, in order to confirm the gained findings as well as to upgrade on this basis the engineering model in common practice.