Revised 2010
3rd Edition 5th Printing
The purpose of this manual is to provide generic design guidelines for segmental retaining walls (SRW) constructed as gravity structures and as geosynthetically reinforced soil segmental retaining walls. Reinforced SRW systems are composite-facing, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall structures that have unique features and design requirements that are addressed in detail in this design guideline.
This manual provides design guidelines and engineering procedures necessary to produce safe, cost effective retaining wall structures. The design methodologies contained in this manual allow the engineer to analyze the influence of all components of the SRW system on wall performance; in addition the manual covers the design considerations associated with surface and subsurface drainage. In addition to subsurface water management, the proper design of surface water control structures and diversion are important design considerations. The guidelines presented in this manual have been developed to assist the designer in reducing the potential for surface or ground water from negatively impacting an SRW.