Retaining Walls With Sloped Base

In cantilever retaining walls, sliding often requires widening of the base or development of the key under the base; widening brings additional expenses, while the key is fully efficient only in very firm soil. The alternate solution is the sloped base bottom. The weight of the wall and soil produces normal pressure on the sloped base and a force acting along the bottom surface. Force acting along the surface represents additional resistance to the sliding. It can not be developed to a point greater than the sliding resistance along the horizontal line through the lowest point of the base in the soil under the retaining wall. The sloped base is most effective when the coefficient of friction for concrete cast against soil is relatively low, or when limited excavation is required. However, these conditions are common enough to provide for the sloped base broad application.