Retaining Wall Technical Guidance

11/30/2018 Retaining Wall Technical Guidance on the Geotechnical Information Website
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Career Development Magnitude of stress or earth pressure acting on a retaining wall depends on: Analysis
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Lateral Earth Pressure Variables Links
Lateral earth pressures are analyzed for either "Active," "Passive" or "At-Rest" conditions.
Active conditions exist when the retaining wall moves away from the soil it retains.
Passive conditions exist when the retaining wall moves toward the soil it retains. Find Wall
At-Rest conditions exist when the wall is not moving away or toward the soil it retains.
Ground Soil
Conditions for active, passive and at-rest pressures are usually determined by the structural
engineer. Basically, at-rest pressures exist when the top of the wall is fixed from movement. Active
and passive pressures are assumed when the top of the wall moves at least 1/10 of 1% of height of Other Geotechnical
wall in the direction away from , and toward the soil it retains, respectively. Some theorize that at- Resources
rest pressures develop over time, when a retaining wall is constructed for the active case.
Geotechnical
Retaining Wall Analysis Methods Forum
Geotechnical
Lateral earth pressures are typically analyzed, as presented below, from one of the following Glossary
methods: Publications
Software
Rankine Analysis Geotechnical
Coulomb Method Training
Log Spiral Theory Career
Development
After determining lateral earth pressures, retaining wall analysis and design also includes: Geotechnical
Societies and
Sliding Institutes
Overturning Teaching
Bearing capacity and settlement Resources
Structural design of wall Services and
Supplies
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Rankine Analysis Websites
Engineering
Marketing
Average
Basically, lateral earth pressures are derived from the summation of all individual pressure (stress)
Salaries
areas behind the retaining wall. These pressure areas are triangular in shape with the base of the
triangle at the base of the wall for the soil component and pore water component. Pressure areas for
surcharges are rectangular in shape, and earthquake pressures are usually analyzed with a nearly
'upside-down' triangle. See the RANKINE ANALYSIS link for an excellent presentation of
determining lateral earth pressures using the Rankine Analysis.
For the Rankine analysis, assumptions include:
horizontal backfill
vertical wall with respect to the retaining soil
smooth wall (no friction)
Resultant Lateral Earth Pressure, R
The resultant lateral earth pressure, R, is the summation of all individual lateral earth pressure
components.
R = Ps + Pw + Pq + Pe kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
Where,
Ps = 1 KgH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2) earth pressure due to soil

2
Pw = 1 gwH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2) earth pressure due to pore water
2
Pq = qKH kN/m2 (lb/ft2) earth pressure due to surcharge (i.e. building, vehicle
load)
Pe = 3 KhgH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2) earth pressure due to earthquakes
8
and,
Ps = lateral earth pressure due to soil

Pw = lateral earth pressure due to pore water
Pq = lateral earth pressure due to surcharge (i.e. building, vehicle load)
Pe = lateral earth pressure due to earthquakes
K = KA, KP or Ko lateral earth pressure coefficient
KA = (1 - sin f) coefficient for active conditions

(1 + sin f)
KP = (1 + sin f) coefficient for passive conditions
(1 - sin f)
Ko = 1 - sin f coefficient for at-rest conditions
Kh = 3 K earthquake coefficient
4
g = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
gw = 9.1 kN/m2 (62.4 lb/ft2) = unit weight of water
f = angle of internal friction degrees
H = height of retaining wall m (ft)
q = surcharge on soil, if any kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
water table
Engineering judgment should allow for some pore water pressure behind a retaining wall due to
stormwater or other water source. For a water table behind the wall, why would you analyze a
partially submerged backfill? You could reasonably expect for almost every situation that a partially
submerged backfill will become fully inundated during the life of the wall. The following lateral
earth pressure equation is for a water table at the top of the wall. This equation is composed of a soil
component plus a pore water component. Add the above surcharge and earthquake components if
necessary.
P = 1/2 KgsubH2 + 1/2 gwH2 (lb/ft2)

gsub = submerged soil unit weight (lb/ft3)
= gsat - gw
gsat = saturated soil unit weight (lb/ft3)
gw = unit weight of water (lb/ft3)
= 62.4 lb/ft3
See the following link for an excellent presentation of determining lateral earth pressures using the
Rankine Analysis
RANKINE ANALYSIS
Coulomb Method
The Coulomb Method:
Allows for friction between the retaining wall and soil

May be used for non-vertical walls
Allows for non-horizontal backfill (inclined), but must be planar
Backfill must be cohesionless for inclined backfill
Assumes a planar slip surface, similar to Rankine
Is used for Active and Passive (see above) conditions only
Assumes a homogeneous backfill
Any surcharge must be uniform and cover entire surface of driving wedge
P= 1 g 1 KH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2)

2 sin q cos d
where,
K = KA or KP lateral earth pressure coefficient;
KA = active, KP = passive (see above)
KA = sin2 (q + f) cos d
sin q (sin q - d)[1 + SQRT[(sin (f + d) sin (f - b))/(sin (q - d) sin (q + b))]]2
KP = cos2 f
[1 - SQRT[(sin f sin (f - b))/(cos b)]]2
g = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m2 (lb/ft2)

f = angle of internal friction degrees
H = height of retaining wall m (ft)
d = 2f/3 = angle of wall friction degrees
q = angle of wall face from horizontal (90 degrees for vertical wall) degrees
b = angle of backfill (0 degrees for horizontal backfill) degrees
Graphical Methods
Graphical methods are more in-depth than the Rankine or Coulomb Analysis. Until some examples
are presented on this website, look for more information in the following downloadable publication:
NAVFAC 7.02 - Foundations and Earth Structures. This publication has a graphical solution for
lateral earth pressure analysis. Other publications with Coulomb solutions may be found in the
publications section of this website.
Log Spiral Theory
Since a planar slip surface, as assumed for both Rankine and Coulomb Methods, is reasonable for
active earth pressure conditions, this assumption may yield unreasonable results for passive earth
pressure conditions. The Log Spiral Method assumes a curved slip surface, and therefore should be
used for all passive earth pressure conditions.
Horizontal backfill is required for this method. If backfill is not horizontal, then it may be
reasonable to use engineering judgment and include the sloping portion of the backfill as a
surcharge.
Geotechnical Info .Com does not currently have procedures and examples for the Log Spiral
Method. Please check the retaining wall publications section of this website for additional resources
that may have information on the Log Spiral Method.
Sliding
Sliding failure is a result of excessive lateral earth pressures with relation to retaining wall
resistance thereby causing the retaining wall system to move away (slide) from the soil it retains.
See a depiction for calculating the factor of safety for retaining wall sliding from the following link:
SLIDING ANALYSIS
The following factors of safety (F.S.) are typically used for analyzing sliding:
F.S. = 1.5 for active earth pressure conditions.
F.S. = 2.0 for passive earth pressure conditions.
(RSL/RH) > F.S.

RSL = Resistance to sliding

= (SWi + RV)tan d + cAB when a key is not used
= (SWi + RV)tan d + cAB + PP when a key is used
RH = R cos d
= horizontal component of resultant lateral earth pressure (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
RV = R sin d
= vertical component of resultant lateral earth pressure (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
R = Ps + Pw + Pq + Pe (see Rankine Analysis above)
PP = Ps (use Rankine where K is passive)
= Soil pressure exerted on key using passive earth pressures
SWi = summation of weights (see this link), that includes:

weight of footing
weight of wall
weight of soil directly above the entire width of the footing
gsoil = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m3 (lb/ft3)

gconcrete = unit weight of concrete = 23.6 kN/m3 (150 lb/ft3)
A = area of soil or concrete unit (see this link) m2 (ft2)
f = angle of internal friction (deg)
d = external friction angle (deg)
= (2/3)f
cA = adhesion (kN/m2)(lb/ft2)for concrete on soil only
= c, for c = (23.9 kN/m2) (500 lb/ft2) or less
= 0.75c, for c = (47.9 kN/m2) (1000 lb/ft2)
= 0.5c, for c = (95.8 kN/m2) (2000 lb/ft2)
= 0.33c, for c = (191.5 kN/m2) (4000 lb/ft2)
c = cohesion (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
B = footing width (m) (ft)
SLIDING ANALYSIS
Overturning
Overturning failure is a result of excessive lateral earth pressures with relation to retaining wall
resistance thereby causing the retaining wall system to topple or rotate (overturn). Sliding governs
the design of retaining walls most of the time, especially for walls less than 8 feet in height.
However, overturning must be analyzed.
See a depiction for calculating the factor of safety for retaining wall overturning from the following
link:
OVERTURNING ANALYSIS
Factor of safety (F.S.) is typically 1.5 when analyzing overturning
(SWixi + RVxV)/(RHy) > F.S.
where:
SWixi = summation of moments about the retaining wall toe. (see this link), that includes:
weight of footing
weight of wall
weight of soil directly above the entire width of the footing
distance between toe of wall and centroid of specific weight
Wi = Ag = weight of individual soil or concrete component (see this link) (kN) (lb)
xi = distance from toe of the retaining wall system to the centroid of
each individual weight in the x-axis direction (horizontal) (m) (ft)
RV = R sin d
= vertical component of resultant lateral earth pressure (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
xV = distance from toe of the retaining wall system to the centroid of
the resultant vertical earth pressure (RV) in the x-axis (horizontal) direction (ft)
(see this link)

RH = R cos d
= horizontal component of resultant lateral earth pressure (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)
y = distance from the bottom of the retaining wall to the
resultant earth pressure location in the y-axis (vertical)
direction (m) (ft)
R = Ps + Pw + Pq + Pe (see Rankine Analysis above)
gsoil = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m3 (lb/ft3)

gconcrete = unit weight of concrete = 23.6 kN/m3 (150 lb/ft3)
A = area of soil or concrete unit (see this link) m2 (ft2)
OVERTURNING ANALYSIS
Bearing Capacity and Settlement
Bearing capacity and settlement for wall foundations can be determined in the same manner as
building foundations. Technical guidance for these analyses can be found on this website under the
following headings:
Bearing Capacity
Settlement Analysis
Example Problems for Retaining Wall Analysis
Example #1: Using the Rankine analysis, determine the individual lateral earth pressures,
and resultant lateral earth pressure on a 2.1 m (7 ft) rigid concrete retaining wall. The free
draining gravel backfill has a soil unit weight, g, of 21.2 kN/m3 (135 lb/ft3), and an angle of
internal friction, f, of 36 degrees. There will be vehicle surcharges of 14.4 kN/m2 (300 lb/ft2).
The retaining wall will be constructed for passive conditions.
Given
unit weight of soil backfill, g = 21.2 kN/m3 (135 lbs/ft3) *see typical g values
vehicular surcharge, q = 14.4 kN/m2 (300 lbs/ft2) *from wall use determination
angle of Internal Friction, f = 36 degrees *see typical f values
wall height, H = 2.1 m (7 ft)
passive case (wall moves toward retained soil)
Solution
Soil parameters, g and f, are determined from laboratory testing. Engineering soil properties from a
known granular material source is sometimes used. Some engineers use conservative soil
parameters based on the soil classification without laboratory testing. It is good practice to avoid
cohesive soils, and use gravel type materials for retaining wall backfill.
From the Rankine Analysis equation provided above, the resultant (total) pressure exerted on a
retaining wall is:
R = Ps + Pw + Pq + Pe kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
coefficient for passive conditions
K = KP = (1 + sin f) = (1 + sin 36) = 3.85

(1 - sin f) (1 - sin 36)
lateral earth pressure due to soil
Ps = 1 KgH2
2
= 1 3.85(21.2 kN/m3)(2.1 m)2 = 180.0 kN/m metric
2
= 1 3.85(135 lb/ft3)(7 ft)2 = 12,734 lb/ft standard

2
The soil pressure component is triangular behind the retaining wall. This means that the theoretical
lateral earth pressure due to soil is minimum (zero) at the top of the wall, and maximum (KgH) at
the bottom of the wall. The resultant soil pressure, area of the triangle = 0.5KgH2, acts at the bottom
1/3 of the wall (i.e. centroid of the triangle). In this case, the resultant location is H/3, or 0.7 m (2.3
ft) from the bottom of the wall.
lateral earth pressure due to pore water pressure
Pw = 1 gwH2 = 0 because backfill is above water table

2
The pore water pressure component is also triangular, similar to the soil component. The resultant
location is H/3 from the bottom of the wall.
lateral earth pressure due to surcharge
Pq = qKH
= 14.4 kN/m2 (3.85)(2.1 m) = 116.4 kN/m metric
= 300 lb/ft2 (3.85)(7 ft) = 8085 lb/ft standard
The surcharge pressure component is rectangular behind the retaining wall. This means that the
theoretical lateral earth pressure due to the surcharge (qK) is the same at both the top of the wall,
and bottom of the wall. The resultant surcharge pressure, area of the rectangle = HqK, acts in the
middle of the wall (i.e. centroid of the rectangle). In this case, the resultant location is H/2, or 1.05
m (3.5 ft) from the bottom of the wall.
lateral earth pressure due to earthquakes
Pe = 3 KhgH2
8
Kh = 3 K = 3 (3.85) = 2.89 earthquake coefficient
4 4
Pe = 3 KhgH2
8
= 3 (2.89)(21.2 kN/m3)(2.1 m)2 = 101.3 kN/m metric
8
= 3 (2.89)(135 lb/ft3)(7 ft)2 = 7169 lb/ft standard
8
The earthquake pressure component is nearly an upside down triangle behind the retaining wall.
The resultant earthquake pressure, area of the triangle = 3/8(Kh)gH2, acts at the upper 1/3 of the
wall (i.e. centroid of the triangle). In this case, the resultant location is H/3, or 0.7 m (2.3 ft) from
the top of the wall.
resultant lateral earth pressure
R = Ps + Pw + Pq + Pe
R = 180.0 kN/m + 0 + 116.4 kN/m + 101.3 kN/m = 398 kN/m metric

R = 12,734 lb/ft + 0 + 8085 lb/ft + 7169 lb/ft = 27,990 lb/ft standard
The position of the resultant pressure, y, is determined by taking the moments of each individual
pressure about the base of the wall:
R(y) = Ps(H/3) + Pw(H/3) + Pq(H/2) + Pe(2H/3)
y = 180.0kN/m(0.33(2.1m)) + 0 + 116.4kN/m(0.5(2.1m)) + 101.3kN/m(0.67(2.1m))

398 kN/m
= 0.98 m from bottom of wall metric
y = 12,734lb/ft(0.33(7ft)) + 0 + 8085lb/ft(0.5(7ft)) + 7169lb/ft(0.67(7ft))

27,990 lb/ft
= 3.2 ft from bottom of wall standard
Conclusion
The resultant pressure behind the retaining wall is 398 kN/m (28 kips/ft) at a distance of 0.98 m (3.2
ft) from the bottom of the wall.
***********************************
Example #2: Using the results from the Rankine analysis in example problem #1, determine
the factor of safety for the concrete retaining wall to resist sliding due to lateral earth
pressures exerted on the wall. The wall foundation is on soils with a cohesion of 23.9 kN/m2
(500 lb/ft2). The retaining wall is not threatened by earthquakes, so omit the dynamic
component. The retaining wall dimensions are provided below.
Given
d = (f)2/3 = 24 degrees
c = 23.9 kN/m2 (500 lb/ft2) = cohesion
wall thickness, h = 0.30 m (1 ft)
footing thickness, t = 0.30 m (1 ft)
footing width, B = 2.1 m (7 ft)
distance from the footing edge (toe) to face of wall in front of wall, 0.46 m (1.5 ft)
R = 398 kN/m (27,990 lb/ft) from example problem #1
Solution
F.S. = 2.0 for passive earth pressure conditions.
(RSL/RH) > F.S.
RSL = Resistance to sliding

= (SWi + RV)tan d + cAB when a key is not used
= (SWi + RV)tan d + cAB + PP when a key is used
RH = R cos d
= (398 kN/m)cos 24 = 364 kN/m metric
= (27,990 lb/ft)cos 24 = 25,570 lb/ft standard
RV = R sin d
= (398 kN/m)sin 24 = 162 kN/m metric
= (27,990 lb/ft)sin 24 = 11,385 lb/ft standard
SWi = summation of weights (see this link) for a depiction
W1 = gsoil(width of soil block above footing)(height of soil block above footing)

= 21.2 kN/m3(1.68 m)(1.83 m) = 65.1 kN/m metric
= 135 lbs/ft3(5.5 ft)(6 ft) = 4455 lb/ft standard
W2 = gconcrete(width of wall)(height of wall above footing)

= 23.6 kN/m3(0.253 m)(1.83 m) = 10.9 kN/m metric
W3 = gconcrete(width of footing)(height of footing)

= 23.6 kN/m3(2.13 m)(0.30 m) = 15.1 kN/m metric
= 150 lbs/ft3(7 ft)(1 ft) = 1050 lb/ft standard
SWi = W1 = W2 = W3 = 91.1 kN/m (6,255 lb/ft)
cA = c for c = (23.9 kN/m2) (500 lb/ft2) or less

= 23.9 kN/m2 (500 lb/ft2)
B = 2.13 m (7 ft)
F.S. = RSL/RH = (214 lb/ft)/(364 kN/m) = 0.6 metric

F.S. = RSL/RH = (14,824 lb/ft)/(25,570 lb/ft) = 0.6 standard
Conclusion
The factor of safety with relation to retaining wall sliding is 0.6. This factor of safety is
unacceptable. In order to increase the F.S., we can design a number of combinations including
adding a key beneath the footing, increasing the footing width, and using tie-backs. Also, note that
soil above the footing in front of the wall was not accounted for in this problem. Depending on the
footing depth, this soil aids in the sliding resistance.
***********************************
Example #3: Using the results from the Rankine analysis in example problems #1 and #2,
determine the factor of safety for the concrete retaining wall to resist overturning due to
lateral earth pressures exerted on the wall. The retaining wall dimensions are provided below.
Given
d = (f)2/3 = 24 degrees
c = 23.9 kN/m2 (500 lb/ft2) = cohesion
wall thickness, h = 0.30 m (1 ft)
footing thickness, t = 0.30 m (1 ft)
footing width, B = 2.1 m (7 ft)
distance from the footing edge (toe) to face of wall in front of wall, 0.46 m (1.5 ft)
R = 398 kN/m (27,990 lb/ft) from example problem #1

y = 0.98 m (3.2 ft) from example problem #1
Solution
Factor of safety (F.S.) is typically 1.5 when analyzing overturning
(SWixi + RVxV)/(RHy) > F.S.
SWixi = summation of the moments (see this link) for a depiction
W1 = gsoil(width of soil block above footing)(height of soil block above footing)

= 21.2 kN/m3(1.68 m)(1.83 m) = 65.1 kN/m metric
W2 = gconcrete(width of wall)(height of wall above footing)

= 23.6 kN/m3(0.253 m)(1.83 m) = 10.9 kN/m metric
W3 = gconcrete(width of footing)(height of footing)

= 23.6 kN/m3(2.13 m)(0.30 m) = 15.1 kN/m metric
= 150 lbs/ft3(7 ft)(1 ft) = 1050 lb/ft standard
x1 = (width of footing in front of wall) + (width of wall) + (1/2 of width of soil block above
footing)
= 0.457 m + 0.253 m + 0.5(1.676 m) = 1.55 m metric
= 1.5 ft + 0.83 ft + 0.5(5.5 ft) = 5.1 ft standard
x2 = (width of footing in front of wall) + (1/2 of wall width)

= 0.457 m + 0.5(0.253 m) = 0.583 m metric
= 1.5 ft + 0.5(0.83 ft) = 1.9 ft standard
x3 = (1/2 width of footing)

= 0.5(2.13 m) = 1.07 m metric
= 0.5(7 ft) = 3.5 ft standard
SWixi = W1x1 + W2x2 + W3x3

= (65.1 kN/m)(1.55 m) + (10.9 kN/m)(0.583 m) + (15.1 kN/m)(1.07 m) = 123.4 kN metric
= (4455 lb/ft)(5.1 ft) + (750 lb/ft)(1.9 ft) + (1050 lb/ft)(3.5 ft) = 27,821 lb standard
RV = R sin d
= (398 kN/m)sin 24 = 162 kN/m metric
= (27,990 lb/ft)sin 24 = 11,385 lb/ft standard
xV = (width of footing in front of wall) + (width of wall)

= 0.457 m + 0.253 m = 0.71 m metric
= 1.5 ft + 0.83 ft = 2.3 ft standard
RH = R cos d
= (398 kN/m)cos 24 = 364 kN/m metric
= (27,990 lb/ft)cos 24 = 25,570 lb/ft standard
y = 0.98 m (3.2 ft)
F.S. = (SWixi + RVxV)/(RHy)
= 123.4 kN + (162 kN/m)(0.71 m) = 0.7 metric

(364 kN/m)(0.98 m)
= 27,821 lb + (11,385 lb/ft)(2.3 ft) = 0.7 standard

(25,570 lb/ft)(3.2 ft)
Conclusion
The factor of safety with relation to retaining wall overturning is 0.7. This factor of safety is
unacceptable. In order to increase the F.S., we can design a number of combinations including
moving the wall further from the footing toe, increasing the footing width, decreasing the wall
height, and using tie-backs. Also, note that soil above the footing in front of the wall was not
accounted for in this problem. Depending on the footing depth, this soil aids in the overturning
resistance.
***********************************
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Retaining Wall Technical Guidance Technical Resources

Technical Guidance Coulomb analysis, Landfills

For the Rankine analysis, assumptions include:

Resultant Lateral Earth Pressure, R

Ps = 1 KgH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2) earth pressure due to soil

Ps = lateral earth pressure due to soil

K = KA, KP or Ko lateral earth pressure coefficient

KA = (1 - sin f) coefficient for active conditions

P = 1/2 KgsubH2 + 1/2 gwH2 (lb/ft2)

The Coulomb Method:

Allows for friction between the retaining wall and soil

P= 1 g 1 KH2 kN/m2 (lb/ft2)

K = KA or KP lateral earth pressure coefficient;

KA = active, KP = passive (see above)

g = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m2 (lb/ft2)

Log Spiral Theory

(RSL/RH) > F.S.

RSL = Resistance to sliding

SWi = summation of weights (see this link), that includes:

gsoil = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m3 (lb/ft3)

Factor of safety (F.S.) is typically 1.5 when analyzing overturning

(SWixi + RVxV)/(RHy) > F.S.

(see this link)

gsoil = effective unit weight of soil medium kN/m3 (lb/ft3)

Bearing Capacity and Settlement

Example Problems for Retaining Wall Analysis

coefficient for passive conditions

K = KP = (1 + sin f) = (1 + sin 36) = 3.85

lateral earth pressure due to soil

= 1 3.85(135 lb/ft3)(7 ft)2 = 12,734 lb/ft standard

lateral earth pressure due to pore water pressure

Pw = 1 gwH2 = 0 because backfill is above water table

lateral earth pressure due to surcharge

lateral earth pressure due to earthquakes

resultant lateral earth pressure

R = 180.0 kN/m + 0 + 116.4 kN/m + 101.3 kN/m = 398 kN/m metric

R(y) = Ps(H/3) + Pw(H/3) + Pq(H/2) + Pe(2H/3)

y = 180.0kN/m(0.33(2.1m)) + 0 + 116.4kN/m(0.5(2.1m)) + 101.3kN/m(0.67(2.1m))

y = 12,734lb/ft(0.33(7ft)) + 0 + 8085lb/ft(0.5(7ft)) + 7169lb/ft(0.67(7ft))

R = 398 kN/m (27,990 lb/ft) from example problem #1

F.S. = 2.0 for passive earth pressure conditions.

(RSL/RH) > F.S.

RSL = Resistance to sliding

SWi = summation of weights (see this link) for a depiction

W1 = gsoil(width of soil block above footing)(height of soil block above footing)

W2 = gconcrete(width of wall)(height of wall above footing)

W3 = gconcrete(width of footing)(height of footing)

SWi = W1 = W2 = W3 = 91.1 kN/m (6,255 lb/ft)

cA = c for c = (23.9 kN/m2) (500 lb/ft2) or less

F.S. = RSL/RH = (214 lb/ft)/(364 kN/m) = 0.6 metric

R = 398 kN/m (27,990 lb/ft) from example problem #1

Factor of safety (F.S.) is typically 1.5 when analyzing overturning

(SWixi + RVxV)/(RHy) > F.S.

SWixi = summation of the moments (see this link) for a depiction

W1 = gsoil(width of soil block above footing)(height of soil block above footing)

W2 = gconcrete(width of wall)(height of wall above footing)

W3 = gconcrete(width of footing)(height of footing)

x2 = (width of footing in front of wall) + (1/2 of wall width)

x3 = (1/2 width of footing)

SWixi = W1x1 + W2x2 + W3x3