In the design of a retaining gravity wall, the factor of safety against overturning about the toe is computed as the ratio of the resisting moment M_R to the overturning moment M_O. The minimum acceptable factor of safety against overturning per standard geotechnical practice is typically:

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Architecture Engineering QUESTION #2371

Question 1

In the design of a retaining gravity wall, the factor of safety against overturning about the toe is computed as the ratio of the resisting moment \(M_R\) to the overturning moment \(M_O\). The minimum acceptable factor of safety against overturning per standard geotechnical practice is typically:

1.0
1.5✔️
2.0
3.0

Correct Answer Explanation

The minimum factor of safety against overturning for retaining walls is typically \(FS_{OT} \geq 1.5\) per most codes and references (including Das, Bowles). The factor of safety against sliding is typically \(FS_{sliding} \geq 1.5\), and against bearing capacity failure \(FS_{BC} \geq 3.0\). Some codes require \(FS_{OT} \geq 2.0\) for critical structures.

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