Retaining Wall Stability & FSConstruction

Retaining Wall Stability, Overturning, Sliding Factor of Safety & Eccentricity Calculator

Check geotechnical stability of gravity and cantilever retaining walls: Overturning Factor of Safety (FS_overturning ≥ 1.50 - 2.0), Base Sliding Factor of Safety (FS_sliding ≥ 1.50), and base pressure eccentricity (Middle-Third Rule e ≤ B/6) under Eurocode 7 and ACI 318 standards.

Calculated Result

Factor of Safety Against Overturning (FS_overturning)

2.36FS

Calculator Inputs

kN/m
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Factor of Safety Against Overturning (FS_overturning)

2.36FS

Factor of Safety Against Sliding (FS_sliding)

1.4 FS

Base Resultant Eccentricity (e in m)

0.46 m

Middle Third Kern Limit (B / 6 in m)

0.33 m

Resisting Base Friction Force

63 kN/m

Resultant Location from Base Toe

0.54 m

Overturning vs. Sliding Factor of Safety Breakdown

Final Overturning Safety Factor
2.36 FS(63%)
Factor of Safety Against Sliding (FS_sliding)
1.4 FS(37%)

If the sliding safety factor is below 1.50, a concrete shear key beneath the footing base or a wider base slab must be engineered.

All engineering calculations, structural estimates, and electrical sizing metrics are provided for preliminary estimation only. Always ensure compliance with relevant statutory building codes and occupational safety standards, verified by a certified professional engineer before practical implementation.

Calculation Methodology

FS_Overturning = Resisting Moment (Mr) / Overturning Moment (Mo). FS_Sliding = (Base Friction μ * Total Vertical Weight W) / Lateral Active Thrust (Pa). Base Eccentricity e = (B / 2) - ((Mr - Mo) / W).

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard structural design codes require FS ≥ 2.0 against overturning (1.5 under seismic/extreme load) and FS ≥ 1.5 against base sliding.

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