Daily and seasonal response of a cantilever retaining wall

Earth pressure cells, tiltmeters, strain gages, inclinometers, and total station-measured survey reflectors were used to monitor a cantilever retaining wall for 12 months from the start of backfilling. The lateral earth pressure on the stem was observed to be active near the end of backfilling, with a corresponding wall displacement of about 0.1% of the backfill height. However, sensor readings during the backfilling process showed the earth pressure distribution on the wall to be quite complex. Evidence was found for residual lateral stresses from the compaction process. Translation of the wall overnight following the construction workday reduced both the compaction-induced lateral stresses and stem deflections. The response of the wall to loading beyond that from backfill was observed by means of a load test. Changes in earth pressure and wall deflection weeks after backfilling were attributed to changes in temperature and rainfall events.