A Consideration of Compaction Pressures for Retaining Wall Design in a New Zealand Context

The permanent works design of retaining walls in New Zealand typically focusses on the assessment of seismic loading and its impact on the structure. This is also reflected in the emphasis of New Zealand design guidance on seismic engineering considerations for earth pressure loading of retaining walls. In contrast, there can often be an absence of detailed commentary on non-seismic aspects. Compaction pressures are one such phenomena that may dominate non-seismic loading. However, in the authors’ experience, the underlying theory is often inconsistently applied by practitioners in New Zealand.

A literature review has been carried out, reviewing the theoretical derivation of compaction-induced lateral earth pressures on retaining walls. A summary is presented on the recommendations given by design standards and guidelines, and the application of these recommendation to typical construction in New Zealand. An opportunity for improved commentary from New Zealand specific guidance is identified and recommended.