TENSARWALL DESIGN PROGRAM

FREE ISSUE DESIGN PROGRAM FOR

TENSAR REINFORCED RETAINING WALLS
AND STEEP SLOPES

CONTENTS

(a) Disclaimer Page ii

(b) Restrictions on Use of the Free Issue TensarWall

Design Software Page iii

Registration Card Page v

TensarWall Users Manual Page 1

ISSUED BY

Tensar International
New Wellington Street
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 4PJ
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1254 262431

Fax: +44 1254 694302
E-mail: sales@tensar.co.uk

TENSAR is a Registered Trade Mark of The Netlon Group Limited.

TENSARWALL ENGLISH
(a) DISCLAIMER

This free issue TensarWall design software is intended to assist in the design of
reinforced soil retaining walls and steep slopes incorporating the Tensar range of
geogrids. It is not a substitute for a full professional evaluation.

The TensarWall design software is provided to you for the limited purpose of allowing
you to assess/evaluate the general feasibility of using a Tensar product in your
project and the results produced by the use of the TensarWall design software are
merely illustrative of the potential use of our product and are not intended to be fully
comprehensive. The TensarWall design software should not be used with any other
product and the output from the TensarWall design software should not be treated as
a detailed design.

If you do not accept the terms upon which the TensarWall design software is made
available, your licence to use the TensarWall design software terminates forthwith.
The TensarWall design software is available for the sole use of the registered user
and no responsibility is accepted to any other party for the whole or any part of its
content.

Neither our giving to you the TensarWall design software or any design produced
using it forms either the whole or part of any contract. If you would like to take the
matter further, once you have used the TensarWall design software, Tensar
International will be happy to provide additional information to assist in commercial
evaluation, and enable negotiation to take place with a view to Tensar International
supplying Tensar products to you. Further, if you feel that you require project specific
consultancy, this is available from Tensar International on its agreed contractual
terms. At that stage a contract will be entered into, and Tensar Internationals
conditions of supply will apply.

The TensarWall design software should not be used without fully considering its
suitability for this project and design calculations performed by the TensarWall design
software should be checked and verified by a professional qualified engineer who is
familiar with the site conditions and project materials. The calculations performed by
the TensarWall design software are for preliminary design purposes only, and Tensar
International cannot be held responsible for any failure to exercise due professional
judgement or the appropriateness of any suggestion made for incorporation within
any project.

The TensarWall design software is made available to you free of charge on the basis
that you have read this warning and accepted it is fair and reasonable in the
circumstances. It is also made available to you on the basis that you will use the
TensarWall design software only in accordance with the restrictions detailed in this
document.

Nothing in this document is intended to exclude or restrict Tensar Internationals

liability for death or personal injury arising from Tensar Internationals negligence.

Whilst every effort has been taken during the development and validation of the
TensarWall design software to ensure the accuracy of the calculations undertaken, it
is ultimately the responsibility of the TensarWall user to ensure that the design
proposed by or determined using TensarWall is appropriate for the particular project
being considered.

ii/v TENSARWALL ENGLISH

 The information used by and produced from the TensarWall design software
including, but not limited to, all technical and engineering data, figures, tables,
designs, drawings, details, and suggested specifications are for general analyses
only. Because soils, drainage, installation, and other site specific conditions may
vary, such general analyses should not be used or relied upon as being accurate,
adequate, or suitable to produce a desired result at a specific site. The final design
should be based on project specific geometry, loadings, soils, and other materials
used in the construction.

The TensarWall design software contains default values for all data inputs that the
user must change or verify as appropriate for the structures components and project
conditions being analysed. The default values do not necessarily ensure a
conservative design for any wall or slope component or site condition. The final
design should incorporate appropriate drainage components to prevent the build up
of hydrostatic pressures over the service life of the structure.

It should be noted that the global stability of the any structure designed by the
TensarWall design software, including the surrounding/underlying soils and
groundwater conditions are not considered by the TensarWall design software. In
addition it is recommended that an independent assessment of the settlement
potential and deflections for the proposed structure be performed. These additional
potential failure modes should be evaluated by the approving Engineer prior to
construction.

(b) RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF THE FREE ISSUE TENSARWALL DESIGN

SOFTWARE

1 Tensar International grants to the registered user a non-exclusive, restricted licence

(the Licence) free of charge to use the TensarWall design software and other
documentary information supplied with TensarWall (the Further Information) by
Tensar International solely for the design and analysis of geotechnical structures
reinforced with only Tensar Geogrids. The Licence is terminable at any time by
either party.

2 The TensarWall design software contains confidential information of Tensar

International and all copyright, trade marks (including TensarWall) and other
intellectual property rights in the TensarWall design software and the Further
Information are the exclusive property of Tensar International or The Netlon Group
Limited.

3 The user shall keep confidential the TensarWall design software and the Further
Information.

4 The user shall not:

(a) copy the whole or any part of the TensarWall design software or the Further
Information except into the memory of a single computer; modify, merge or combine
the whole or any part of TensarWall design software or the Further Information with
any other software or documentation;

(b) assign, transfer, sell, lease, rent, charge or otherwise deal in or encumber the
TensarWall design software or the Further Information nor use on behalf of or make
the same available to any third party;

iii/v TENSARWALL ENGLISH

(c) reverse compile the whole or any part of the TensarWall design software or the
Further Information from object code into source code;

(d) install the TensarWall design software for use or distribution on multiple computers,
an Internet web site or public domain bulletin board.

5 All conditions, warranties, terms and undertakings expressed or implied statutory or

otherwise in respect of the TensarWall design software and the provision of the
Further Information or technical support by Tensar International are hereby excluded.
It is further acknowledged by the user that it is the users sole responsibility to satisfy
itself that all calculations in which TensarWall design software are used are
independently verified

6 Tensar International shall not be liable to the user in respect of any loss whether loss
of profits, goodwill or any type of special indirect or consequential loss (including loss
or damage suffered by the user as a result of an action brought by a third party) even
if such loss was reasonably foreseeable or Tensar International has been advised of
the possibility of the user incurring the same.

The user accepts that it has an independent professional duty to its clients in the
carrying out of its calculations, and agrees that Tensar International has not assumed
any liability whatsoever for the fulfilment of the said duty. It further agrees that the
selection and implementation of any design is a matter of the users professional
judgement. If the user requires any consultancy from Tensar International then the
same will or may be entered into on Tensar Internationals terms and conditions for
the supply of consultancy and upon such terms (including terms as to payment) as
shall be agreed between them, and the user acknowledges that such consultancy is
not offered or accepted herein.

7 The user has read and agreed to abide by the disclaimer set out above regarding the
output from the TensarWall design software, and acknowledges the same.

8 The user shall not be entitled to assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder nor
sub-licence the use (in whole or in part) of the TensarWall design software or the
Further Information without the prior consent of Tensar International.

9 (a) This licence will be governed by the laws of England.

(b) If a dispute arises between the parties in respect of any matter relating
to this licence or its operation the parties will make a bona fide attempt to resolve the
same by negotiation, and either party shall be at liberty to refer the matter for
conciliation using the services of The Centre of Dispute Resolution or (if the same
shall then not be in existence) a body of reasonably equivalent standing and
expertise. If no negotiated settlement shall have been reached by the expiry of 90
days or such longer period as the parties shall agree from the date of such referral
then either party may require the matter to be referred to binding arbitration in
English under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration before a
single arbitrator appointed for these purposes either by agreement between the
parties, or in the absence of agreement, by the President of the London Court of
International Arbitration or in default of such appointment by the courts.

iv/v TENSARWALL ENGLISH

 REGISTRATION CARD

To: Tensar International

Jakarta Regional Office
Wisma Sejahtera Room 407
Jalan Letjen S Parman Kav 75
Jakarta 11410
Indonesia
Fax: +62 21 5490170
E-mail: tensar@attglobal.net

Please register me as a licensed user of your free issue TensarWall design

software for the design of Tensar reinforced retaining walls and steep slopes.

I am installing Version ______ of TensarWall and the initial installation generated

the following Registration Code: _____________________

I have read and understood and accept the terms of the Disclaimer and
Restrictions on Use of TensarWall Free Issue software provided with
TensarWall.

Signature: ________________ Date: __________________

Name (Block capitals): ____________________________________________

Company: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

Country: ____________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________________

Fax: ____________________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________

Where did you receive the TensarWall design software? (Workshop, Tensar
International member of staff, etc)

__________________________________________________________________

v/v TENSARWALL ENGLISH

 
TENSARWALL DESIGN PROGRAM

FREE ISSUE DESIGN PROGRAM FOR TENSAR REINFORCED

RETAINING
WALLS AND STEEP SLOPES

Users Manual - Version 2.03

June 1999

Use of this program is subject to the terms and conditions of the disclaimer and
restrictions on the use of the TensarWall Free Issue Software shown on screen

Netlon and Tensar are the registered trademarks of The Netlon Group in the U.K. and other countries.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 1/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Contents Page

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 DESIGN METHODOLOGY 3

3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM INSTALLATION 4

4 DESIGN PROCEDURES 5

4.1 Data Entry 5

4.2 Calculations 13

4.2.1 Automatic Designs 13

4.2.2 Manual Calculations 13

4.3 Results 15

5 PROGRAM OUTPUT 16

Appendix A Information Bulletin IB/Wallbau 19

Appendix B Procedure for starting the program TensarWall 27

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 2/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
1 INTRODUCTION

The TensarWall design program provides computerised designs for reinforced soil
retaining walls and embankments. The program is valid for structures with face angles in
the range 45 to 90 constructed using a variety of fill materials for the reinforced soil
block.

The program is designed such that the user is initially taken through a series of steps to
ensure that the required design data (geometry, soil properties, etc.) is entered correctly
and then an appropriate geogrid layout is determined automatically. Following completion
of this initial design, the user has the freedom to accept the proposed layout or amend it to
their own preferences and analyse it again manually.

TensarWall has been developed from the more comprehensive Winwall program which is
used in Tensar Internationals Design and Applications Division. The Winwall program
contains a number of features not included in TensarWall; these include:-

a) The tie-back wedge design method

b) The BS 8006 design method (including the assessment of post construction strains)

c) The UK HA 68/94 design method for embankments over competent foundations

d) More flexibility in the modeling of design conditions (water pressures, horizontal loads,
multiple surcharges, earthquakes, etc.).

Full details of the methods available for the design of structures using Tensar geogrids, a
set of hand calculations and an extensive discussion of the determination of the material
properties for the products themselves are given in the design manual entitled The
Design of Reinforced Soil Structures using Tensar Geogrids; copies are available from
the Tensar International Sales Office (sales@tensar.co.uk) on request.

If a situation occurs whereby the site conditions or design method required for a particular
project are beyond the scope of the TensarWall program, the user is welcome to take
advantage of the free of charge design suggestion service operated by Tensar
International and its local Distributors; the first place to contact to make use of this service
is the local Tensar distributor as given immediately below the diagram on the last page of
the program output.

2 DESIGN METHODOLOGY

In general, the Federal States in Germany require approval from The Institut fr
Bautechnik for all products which have an essential influence on the internal and external
stability of a structure. Approval Certificate No. Z 20.1-102 for Tensar SR55, SR80 and
SR110 geogrids includes reference to a particular design method for reinforced soil
structures which is to be used with Tensar geogrids; this method is detailed in the German
DIN Standards 1054, 4017, 4084 and 4085.

The TensarWall program follows the Bautechnik methodology for the design of reinforced
soil walls and embankments with both hard and soft facings. There are however two slight
differences between the designs produced using the method in general and that
prescribed in the Certificate itself; these are as follows:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 3/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
a) Approval Certificate No. Z 20.1-102 is for structures designed using Tensar SR55,
SR80 and SR110 geogrids with an average in-soil temperature of 10C. While the
program provides for structures designed using these criteria, it also allows the use of
20C and 30C design temperatures for warmer climates and the incorporation of the
more economical range of Tensar RE geogrids (40RE, 55RE, 80RE, 120RE and
160RE).

b) When checking the external stability, the DIN Standards require that the resultant
vertical force is within the middle third of the base length in order to ensure that the
structure is not likely to fail by overturning. The TensarWall program ignores this
criteria if the resultant force is behind the middle third as this is unlikely to affect
overturning. Instead, the user is advised to carry out a slip circle analysis behind the
structure in order to ensure that all external stability criteria are satisfied.

There may be occasions when some users require a design in full accordance with a
Bautechnik Certificate. When doing an analysis, the user is therefore able to choose this
option in the Bautechnik Method Design window, which will ensure that such a design is
carried out, namely: SR geogrids, 10C design temperature, resultant force within the
middle third at all times.

Full details of the Bautechnik design methodology are given in the information bulletin
IB/WallBau (Appendix A).

3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM INSTALLATION

The program will run on any IBM compatible computer capable of operating Microsoft
Windows 95 (or later). Although the program will run on other types of display equipment,
in order to use the program in its optimum state, it is recommended that it is used with a
minimum 14 screen running at a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels.

The program and its attachment files are supplied as a single self-extracting zip file
(TensarWall Version_2.exe) which extracts the various files automatically to an
appropriate directory on the hard disk when it is run from within Windows. On entering the
(TensarWall.exe) program for the first time an 8 digit access code is required. This will be
supplied by the Marketing Department at Tensar International on receipt of the completed
Registration form included with the Software package. Further information on this
procedure is given in Appendix B.

The program from time to time will prompt the user with a request for an additional access
code. In this event, the user should again contact the Marketing Department at Tensar
International.

When upgrades of TensarWall are available in the future, all users who have included an
e-mail address in their registration details will be sent a new copy of the program
automatically.

During the installation process, the user will be asked to select a country which
corresponds to the part of the world where the structures they are designing are likely to
be built. This information is required to ensure that the details for the appropriate Tensar
distributor appear on the printed output and so that the program defaults to an appropriate
in-soil design temperature each time it is used.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 4/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
4 DESIGN PROCEDURES

4.1 Data Entry

When a new file has been opened, the user is steered through a series of data entry
windows to ensure that all the information relative to the design has been entered. When
a design has been performed, the user may carry out modifications by re-opening these
windows again. This is done by selecting the appropriate icon on the toolbar or command
on the Data menu. Details concerning the individual windows are presented below:

Facing

Figure 1: Facing window

Five main facing types are available in the TensarWall program: Concrete panel, Tensar
Wall System, Wraparound, Steel Mesh and Tensar Mat. The user selects the facing
required for their structure by using the pull-down menu. The Tensar Wall Systems TWI to
TWIV all fix the face angle according to the geometry of the system selected. If Tensar
mat is selected, then the face angle is reduced to 45. For all other facing types the user
fixes the face angle later in the Geometry window.

Concrete panel faces usually have short grid tails cast into the concrete which are
connected with bodkins to the main reinforcement. When the concrete panel facing type is
selected, an edit box is available for defining the extra grid length cast into the face. This
data is used in the quantities calculations.

Additional edit boxes are usually available for the specification of the minimum and
maximum vertical grid spacings to be used in the design, as well as the vertical interval of
which spacings may be a multiple. This vertical interval is generally the compacted layer
thickness appropriate to the type of fill being used. The exception to this is the Tensar
Wall System option. For TWI to TWIV the block dimensions are fixed, and the minimum
grid spacing for such designs is the block height. However the user may specify the
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 5/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
maximum grid spacing. The Tensar Wall System includes a Custom block option which
permits the user to enter the dimensions for any block as required, together with a
maximum grid spacing.

For the Steel Mesh facing there are two additional options. The single grid option simply
requires definition of the maximum and minimum spacings, while the double grid
construction method consists of a single grid essentially folded in half and attached to the
face using a steel bar. In the double grid method, it is necessary to define the spacing
between the two parts of the same grid in addition to the normal minimum and maximum
spacings between grid sets. The two options for steel mesh facings are illustrated below
in Figure 2.

Grid spacing Spacing for grid group edit box

Spacing between grids

a) Single grid b) Double grid

Figure 2 : Steel Mesh Facing Options

When the required data has been entered, the user should select the Set button to enter
the data into the design.

Secondary Grids

Figure 3 : Secondary Grids window

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 6/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Secondary grids are additional short layers of lower strength reinforcement placed
between the primary reinforcing grids. The purpose of secondary reinforcement is to
permit good compaction at the face and also ensure local face stability between the
primary layers.
The Secondary Grids window is only available when a soft facing type is being used (i.e.
Wraparound or Tensar Mat). The various edit boxes allow the user to specify the grid type
(usually SS20) and the spacing criteria for the secondary reinforcement required. The
program uses a different grid length for the secondary reinforcement depending on
whether the face angle is greater than or less than a specified critical face angle. This
angle will normally be 45 as this is the face angle for which Tensar Mat facings are used
and greater lengths of secondary reinforcement are used to ensure stability close to the
face.
When the required data has been entered, the user should select the Set button to enter
the data into the design.

Geometry

Figure 4 : Geometry Data window

The geometry is input by selecting the edit boxes in the Geometry Data window (Figure 4)
and typing in the appropriate data. If the face angle has already been fixed by choosing a
Tensar Wall System option (TWI To TWIV), then the value is greyed out, and cannot be
edited. If a Custom block has been selected then face angle is defined at this stage. The
revised geometry as shown in the cross-section is only implemented after the Set button in
the Geometry window is selected.
Notes:
a) The program will not accept an angle for the topslope greater than the ' value of the
reinforced fill or the retained fill (S1 or S2). Initially, the program assumes a ' angle of
30 for S1 and S2, and therefore this value is the maximum angle of the topslope
during the initial data entry.
b) The DIN standards require a minimum base length for the structure of 60% of the face
height; this would be a sensible figure to input in the base length edit box during initial
data entry.
When the required data has been entered, the user should select the Set button to enter
the data into the design.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 7/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Once an initial design has been completed, an additional button appears in the Geometry
Data window. The Modify Grid Layout button opens a new window and allows the user to
alter the reinforcement layout to account for different construction techniques. Options are
available for specifying a particular width for the reinforced soil block at the top and/or the
bottom of the structure. A further option allows the grid lengths to be increased in steps,
thereby improving the ease of construction for structures with unequal front face and back
face angles. This principle is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 5, and the Grid Lengths
modification window is shown in Figure 6.

Theoretical position
of back of reinforced
soil block
Step Length

Actual shape of
reinforced soil block
allowing for sets of
equal length grids

Figure 5 : Grid Step Details

Figure 6 : Grid Lengths modification window

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 8/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Surcharge Loading

Figure 7 : Surcharge window

A single uniform vertical surcharge may be applied to the horizontal ground at the top of
the structure. The loading data is entered by specifying the x-coordinates (measured from
the top of the upper slope) of the left and right ends of the surcharge and its magnitude.
There is also a toggle button to specify whether the load is of a permanent or temporary
nature; temporary surcharge components are only included in the analysis in the event
that their effects on the stability calculations are unfavourable.
When the required data has been entered, the user should select the Set button to enter
the data into the design.

Soil Properties

Figure 8 : Soil Properties window

The effective cohesion, friction angle and unit weight of the reinforced fill (S1), the backfill
behind the reinforced soil block (S2) and the foundation soil (S3) are all specified using
the edit boxes available. The strength parameters input for each soil zone are the
constant volume values, ccv and cv.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 9/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Grid Strengths

Figure 9 : Grid Strengths window

The design strength for a particular grid is affected by the average in-soil temperature and
the type of fill used in the reinforced soil block; the latter controls the possible damage to
the grid during installation. Toggle buttons are available for selecting the correct design
temperature and the fill type (Sand or Gravel). An additional toggle button controls the
range of Tensar geogrid (SR or RE) to be used in the design.
For most facing types the geogrids are laid adjacent to each other. However in some
construction techniques (e.g. concrete panels), this is not the case, and there is a
horizontal gap between the layers of primary reinforcement. This needs to be allowed for
in the calculations and therefore an edit box is provided to enter the percentage plan area
coverage. The principle is illustrated below in Figure 10.

Panel width, W p Facing Panel

Percentage Plan Coverage:

PLAN
= (W g/W p) x 100%

Geogrid width, W g

Figure 10 : Percentage Plan Coverage

The design strengths of the grids to be used in the internal stability analyses (excluding
the effects of grid coverage) are shown on the right hand side of the Grid Strengths
window. The user will notice that these values change as the temperature or soil type
toggle buttons are pressed. When the required data has been entered, the user should
select the Set button to enter the data into the design.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 10/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Interaction Factors

A window appears which gives the default values of interaction factors for pullout and
sliding. These values can be altered by the user if there is evidence that other interaction
factors are appropriate. These values can be accessed and edited later in the Calculation
drop-down list.

Figure 11 : Interaction factor window

Bautechnik Method Design

Figure 12 : Bautechnik Method design window

The next window gives the user the option to review the spacing parameters which control
the layout of the reinforcement, namely the compacted layer thickness, the minimum and
maximum spacings and the base grid level. Spacing values which have been fixed by
block dimensions are greyed out, and cannot be altered. If it is preferred that the grid
should be of uniform length, then the appropriate box may be checked. Finally an option
is given to design the structure following the requirements of Bautechnik Certificate No Z
20.1-102 precisely (as discussed in Section 2).

Once all options have been set, the user selects the Proceed button, and the program
searches for the most economical design it can find. On completion, the window states
Design is now satisfactory.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 11/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Figure 13 : Geometry and grid layout window

The geometry window now displays the geometry of the structure and the layout of the
geogrid. The green lines indicate the wedges which have been checked, and that they all
have an adequate factor of safety.

Grid Layout

Figure 14 : Grid Layout window

The Grid Layout window is only displayed once an initial design has been undertaken; it
therefore acts as a results window showing the grid layout just derived but also as a data
entry window for revising the layout given by the automatic design facility within the
program.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 12/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
The Grid Layout window is for the specification of primary reinforcement only. The various
grids within the structure are denoted in terms of grid groups. Each group has an edit box
defining the number of grids within the group, a toggle button indicating the particular grid
type within the generic group defined within the Grid Strengths window earlier (SR or RE)
and an edit box defining the grid spacing within that group. Each change in grid type or
spacing within the structure therefore requires a separate grid group and up to ten
different grid groups can be used to define the distribution of the primary reinforcement
within the structure as a whole. However, by default only Groups 1 to 5 can be seen at first
and the user needs to select the appropriate toggle button towards the bottom of the
window to see the remaining groups.

The base grid in the structure is defined using the separate toggle button and edit box
below the main grid groups. The value which appears in the edit box by default is based
on the facing type chosen in the Facing window earlier in the design. This will normally be
at the base of the structure for a soft facing (wraparound or Tensar Mat), at the top of the
first block for a blockwork faced wall and a nominal distance above the base (200mm or
250mm usually) for steel mesh facings and concrete panels.

When changing the grid spacing for a particular grid group, the user has the option of
typing a value for the spacing required in the edit box or selecting the up/down buttons to
the right of the edit box. When using the up/down buttons, the spacings change in
accordance with the maximum and minimum spacings defined earlier in the Facing
window and take effect immediately but when entering spacing data manually using the
edit boxes, it is necessary for the user to select the Set button for the changes to take
effect.

4.2 Calculations

4.2.1 Automatic Designs

Following successful entry of the design data, the program undertakes a set of design
procedures automatically. The design process it follows determines an appropriate
geometry for the reinforced soil block which satisfies external stability criteria. The
program then selects an appropriate geogrid layout which satisfies the internal stability
criteria. Full details of the calculation procedures adopted in the program are detailed in
IB/WallBau (Appendix A).

Within the Bautechnik Method design window a pair of radio buttons allow the user to
select one of the two options available for the design of the structure. The first option is for
designs in strict accordance with Certificate No. Z 20.1-102 while the second (default)
option avoids the restrictions of the more rigorous approach as detailed in Section 2 and
leads to considerable cost savings.

4.2.2 Manual Calculations

Once the initial design has been completed, the user is free to amend the design data by
re-opening any of the data entry windows using the commands in the Data menu or the
icons on the toolbar. The user may also change the particular configuration of the grids
using the base length and backface angle edit boxes in the Geometry window or the type
and spacing of the reinforcement in the Grid Layout window. A manual analysis should
then be undertaken using the Check Internal and External Stability buttons provided in the
Results window.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 13/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
On checking internal stability, the user may see warnings of inadequate factor of safety for
sliding on an inclined plane in between grid layers (unreinforced wedge), or for sliding on a
particular grid layer. Examples of these messages are shown below in Figures 15 and 16.
In either case the geogrid layout must be adjusted until the messages no longer appear
and the layout is satisfactory. This can be done either by increasing grid length or by
decreasing grid spacing (for the unreinforced wedge case only).

Figure 15 : Message window indicating inadequate factor of safety for

unreinforced wedge

Figure 16 : Message window indicating inadequate factor of safety for sliding

on grid

Figure 17 : Grid layout window indicating failed wedges (in red)

On completion of the internal stability check, the Grid layout window may show some red
lines. These indicate wedges with inadequate factor of safety. The user must adjust the
grid layout until all wedges are satisfactory. This can be done by altering either grid
length, or grid spacing or grid type, or a combination of all three.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 14/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
4.3 Results

Figure 18 : Results window

The results of a particular analysis are displayed in various windows, the main one being
the Results window which appears on the left hand side of the screen after the initial
analysis. This window displays the results of the individual calculations undertaken within
the program and gives a cost index for the particular reinforcement layout just analysed;
this enables the costs of different grid configurations to be compared.

The other result windows available to the user can be viewed by selecting the appropriate
icon on the toolbar. The four windows apart from the Results window are as follows:

a) Grid Layout window

This shows the types, positions and lengths of the geogrids defined in the current design.
See Section 4.1 for further details.

b) External Stability Calculations window

This window shows the results of the sliding and bearing capacity calculations undertaken
in the analysis.

c) Wedge Results window

This window presents the results of the internal stability wedge check. It is particularly
useful when undertaking a manual design as it provides the user with data concerning the
magnitudes of the required force (Z) and the actual force provided by the reinforcement
(R).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 15/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Figure 19 : Wedge Results window
On occasions the user may see a message in the Results window which indicates that the
design is unsatisfactory with regard to the internal stability wedge check but when viewing
the Wedge results window, all the wedges appear to be in equilibrium. In this case, the
loss of equilibrium is for a wedge which does not start from the toe of the structure and the
user will need to change the value in the Base level edit box. The program checks wedges
at the base of the structure, the base grid level (if not already checked) and at the base of
each grid group and therefore it is at one of these levels where any unstable wedges will
occur; the user should change the wedge base level in the edit box provided and then
select the calculate button to see details of wedges emanating from additional levels
above the toe.

d) Quantities window
This window provides the quantities of Tensar material required per linear metre of
structure.

5 PROGRAM OUTPUT
The program will output successfully to any printer with a Windows printer driver and a
hard copy of the design can be obtained once an analysis has been undertaken. If the
user attempts to print a design without an analysis having been undertaken, the analysis
will be carried out automatically prior to the output being sent to the printer.
The output is divided into two main types of information. The title page, input data and
results are collectively called the printout while the pictorial representation of the design
which appears as the last page of the output showing the grid layout, is called the plot.
There is the option to Print and Plot any design automatically using the default settings by
selecting the Print/plot icon on the toolbar. However, if the user wishes to customise the
program output in some way, the Print and Plot commands on the Output menu should be
used.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 16/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
a) Printout Options

Figure 20 : Printout Control window

There is a check box within the Printout window to indicate whether the quantities of the
Tensar materials used in the design should be shown on the output. In addition, there is
an edit box for specifying the number of additional pages (usually just one extra page for
the plot) and a button which allows the user to enter project details (client, project title,
subtitle, reference, additional notes and objectives).

Although, as mentioned above, in principle any printer with a Windows printer driver can
be used with the TensarWall program, it has been found that some printers do not print
the text correctly. It has therefore been necessary to implement a text scaling function into
the program to resolve this problem. Essentially, the Text Scaling Factor edit box allows
the user to change the size of the font to something which is compatible with the printer
being used. A value of 1.00 is appropriate for the HP LaserJet 5L and most other printers
will need values somewhere close to this. If the program does not print correctly, the user
should adjust the text scaling factor appropriately.

The Text Scaling Factor can also be changed using the command on the Output menu.
The new Text Scaling Factor whether specified from within the Print or Plot windows or
using the menu command, is stored to file and therefore there is no need to specify a
suitable Text Scaling Factor each time the program is used.

Once the user has made their choices in the Print window and selected the OK button, a
second Windows standard dialog box appears which allows the type of printer to be
changed and the printing of individual pages of the design.

b) Plot

The plot is the final page of the designs output and shows the geometry of the structure
and the proposed geogrid layout. There are options in the Plot window to provide further
annotation to the diagram using the line drawing and text facilities. There is also an option
to output the plot in colour if an appropriate printer is available.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 17/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Figure 21 : Plot control window

c) Title box

Figure 22 : Title Page Details window

Title page details may be filled in as required in the Title Page Details window.

d) Language

The TensarWall program is currently able to output the printout and plot in English,
French, German and Spanish. The default language is English but this can be altered
using the Language command on the Output menu.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 18/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
 APPENDIX A

INFORMATION BULLETIN IB/WALLBAU

THEORY USED IN THE DEUTSCHES INSTITUT FR BAUTECHNIK

DESIGN METHOD
A1 INTRODUCTION

In order to use geosynthetics on highways schemes in Germany, a material must have

been awarded a Certificate of Approval by the Deutsches Institut fr Bautechnik, Berlin
(DIBt). The design methods referred to in Tensar Internationals DIBt Certificate No. Z
20.1-102 for Tensar geogrids consider the external and internal stability of reinforced soil
structures based on the appropriate German DIN Standards.

Tensar International have developed the TensarWall computer program in order to

produce designs in accordance with the Bautechnik design method. This bulletin explains
the design principles and theory of the Bautechnik method as used in the program.

A2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES

In the Bautechnik Certificate, there is no restriction on the front face angle (w) of the
0
structure, but the angle of the rear face (b) must not exceed 20 from the vertical.
However in TensarWall, b values up to 45 may be used. The main forces acting on the
0

structure and the geometrical dimensions referred to elsewhere in this bulletin are shown
in Figure A1.

Figure A1 : Definitions of forces and geometry

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 19/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
 Where: L = base length of reinforced soil block
H = height of reinforced soil block
= angle of top slope from horizontal
Pperm = permanent surcharge load
Ptemp = temporary surcharge load
R = resultant force on the foundation soil
W = weight of reinforced soil block
Ea = resultant active force
Eah = horizontal component of active force
Eav = vertical component of active force
= angle of wall friction between different materials

Due to the relatively large strains occurring within reinforced soil structures, critical state or
constant volume values are used for the strength properties of the soil (i.e. cv, ccv). The
effective cohesion of the reinforced fill is usually taken as zero but a maximum value of
5kPa is permitted.

The design strength of the grids is based on the following formula:

FB
Permissibl e load = Equation 1
A 1A 2

Where: FB = short term strength of the geogrid per metre width

A1 = reduction factor for long-term strength and connection strength
A2 = reduction factor for damage during installation
= material factor of safety

Table A1 indicates the appropriate values of the strengths and various partial factors for
the Tensar SR geogrids from Certificate Number Z 20.1-102.

Geogrid FB A1 A2
(kN/m)
Gravels Sands
SR55 55 2.4 1.3 1.1 1.75
SR80 80 2.4 1.2 1.1 1.75
SR110 110 2.4 1.05 1.05 1.75

Table A1 : Short-term strengths and partial factors for Tensar SR geogrids

It should be appreciated that the reduction factor for long-term strength and connection
strength (A1) can only be determined following the analysis of extensive long-term creep
test data.

A3 EXTERNAL STABILITY

The various forces acting on the reinforced soil block are shown in Figure A1. For hand
calculations using the Bautechnik methodology, external pressures on the reinforced soil
block are calculated using the Coulomb equation with the angle of wall friction () equal to
two thirds of the friction angle of the backfill material.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 20/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
The horizontal component of the active force (Eah) is given by the equation:

Eah = Eagh + Eaph = (0.5 x Kah x b x H ) + (Kah x P x H)

2
Equation 2

where: cos 2 (' b + b ) Equation 3

K ah =
sin(' b + )sin(' b )
2

cos 2 b 1 +
cos( b )cos( b + )

and: P = surcharge force (temporary and permanent) behind reinforced soil block
Eagh = horizontal component of active force from the soil
Eaph = horizontal component of active force from the surcharge behind the
reinforced soil block

The vertical component of the active force (Eav) is given by the equation:

Eav = Eahtan( - b) Equation 4

Winwall adopts a more rigorous approach for the calculation of active earth pressures. An
Iterative Coulomb Wedge Check examines the stability of a series of wedges emanating
from the back of the reinforced soil block and by resolving the various forces acting on the
wedge determines the maximum out of balance force due to the active earth pressure.

SLIDING

The calculation for sliding is carried out in accordance with DIN 1054. The factor of safety
against sliding failure is given by:

Re sisting Force (W + Eav )+ s c' L

FoS = = Equation 5
Sliding Force E ah

where: = coefficient of friction = stan

s = coefficient of interaction for sliding along the surface of a grid

The resisting force should be calculated twice using the soil properties for both the wall fill
and the foundation soil. The lower of these two forces is used in Equation 5. s is taken
to be unity if there is no grid within 10mm of the base of the structure.

The minimum factor of safety against sliding is 1.5.

BEARING

The bearing calculation is carried out in accordance with DIN 4017. The method has the
advantage of taking account of the inclination of R by including inclination factors in the
standard Terzaghi equations.

Figure A2 shows the distribution of forces in the bearing calculation. The pressure
exerted by the structure is taken to act over an effective base length L of L-2e where the
eccentricity is positive i.e. a Meyerhof pressure distribution. If, however, the eccentricity is
negative, a uniform pressure over the whole base is assumed.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 21/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Figure A2 : Forces acting on reinforced soil block

where: Eagv = vertical component of active force from the soil

Eapv = vertical component of active force from the surcharge behind
the reinforced soil block

The overturning moment (about the toe) of the force due to lateral earth pressure at the
back of the reinforced soil block is given by the equation:
H H H H
OTM = E agh x + E aph x 2 E agv L + 3 tan b E apv L + 2 tan b Equation 6
3

Note: When the backfill soil has an effective cohesion, Equation 6 must be modified to
include an additional set of horizontal and vertical components to take this into account.

In general, the worst case for bearing will be with full surcharge loading on the reinforced
soil block (i.e. Pperm + Ptemp) and the lever arm x of the resultant force is then given by:

Wd + (Pperm + Ptemp )H tan w + L OTM

L

x= 2
W + (Pperm + Ptemp ) L + E agv + E apv
Equation 7

and the eccentricity (e) of the resultant force is given by the equation:
L
e= x Equation 8
2

A check should be carried out to ensure that the resultant force acts within the middle third
of the base length (L).

The ultimate bearing pressure is given by the modified Terzaghi equation:

f = c ' Nc x c + L' Nb x b Equation 9

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 22/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
 3


hb
where: x b = 1 Equation 10
L' c '
v b + tan '

1 xd
xc = xd Equation 11
Nd 1

3

0.7h b
x d = 1 Equation 12
v + L' c '
b
tan '

For undrained conditions and total stress parameters [u = 0 analysis], the ultimate
bearing capacity is given by:

f = CuNcxc Equation 13

hb
where: xc = 0.5+ 0.5 1 Equation 14
L'Cu

where: hb = horizontal failure load = 2Eah

vb = vertical failure load = 2(W + P + Eav)
Nc, Nb = Terzaghi bearing capacity coefficients
P = surcharge force on top of the reinforced soil block
Cu = undrained shear strength
W = weight of reinforced soil block

The factor of safety for bearing is then given by:

f L'
FoS = Equation 15
Applied load

A minimum factor of safety against bearing failure of 2.0 is required by DIN 4017.

In addition to checking the case described above, Winwall also examines the distribution
of surcharge loads which results in the maximum overturning moment. For walls with
inclined faces, this case can be critical due to a reduction in the effective length of the
base of the structure. Figure A3 illustrates the distribution of the loads for the maximum
overturning moment case.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 23/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Figure A3 : Maximum overturning moment case

4 INTERNAL STABILITY

In order to determine the internal stability of the structure, a series of wedges are
examined. Wedges originate at the face and pass through to the back of the reinforced
soil block (Figure A4).

Figure A4 : Internal stability

The active pressure above the point where the lower wedge intersects the back of the
reinforced soil block is added to the disturbing force due to the mass of the block and any
external loads to give the total disturbing force. For internal stability calculations, the value
of is taken to be equal tob. The disturbing force on any wedge is therefore given by:
Z = (G + Pperm + Ptemp + Eagv + Eagh) tan( - w) + Eagh +Eaph - cL Equation 16

where: G = weight of reinforced soil block in two-part wedge

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 24/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
Reinforcement is introduced to intercept each wedge where Z is greater than zero.
Design strengths for the Tensar SR geogrids are specified in the DIBt Certificate but for
similar grids manufactured using the same process, the design strength is obtained using the
same procedure detailed in Section A2.

The load available for each layer of reinforcement behind the wedge must be checked.
th
The allowable anchorage load (Tai) in the i grid is given by the equation:

2L ip p tan ' w ( w h i + Pperm )

Tai = Equation 17
FoS

where: Lip = anchorage length of grid behind intersection with wedge

p = coefficient of interaction for grid pull-out
hi = height to surface above grid i
FoS = 2.0

If Tai exceeds the design strength of the grid, then the design strength rather than the
anchorage load is the maximum restoring force that can be included in the calculations.

This internal stability check is undertaken in Winwall at the base of the structure, at the
bottom grid level and where there is a change in either the spacing or type of
reinforcement. Checks are also undertaken at the top of any external standing or internal
0
phreatic water. Individual two-part wedges at any level are analysed at 3 intervals and in
each case the program compares the disturbing force (Z) with the restoring force (R)
provided by the reinforcement. For internal stability to be satisfied, R must be greater than
Z.

As part of the internal stability calculation, checks are carried out to ensure that:

Factor of safety > 1.5 for sliding on the steepest plane between any two layers of
geogrid.

Factor of safety > 1.5 for sliding on any layer of geogrid.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 25/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
A5 FACE STABILITY

For structures with wrap-around face details, a check is undertaken to ensure that the
active pressure at the face does not exceed the design strength of the grid (or the
anchorage strength (Tai) if a full-strength bodkin connection is not used). This concept is
illustrated in Figure A5.

Note: eah = active pressure on the face of the structure

Figure A5 : Facing stability check

The force applied to the grid at the face is calculated as the active force on half the layer
thickness where the maximum active pressure on the face is taken to be the value at two
thirds of the wall height. The earth pressure at the face in the lowest third of the wall is
taken to be constant at that value. In all these calculations is equal to zero.

The information in this appendix is of an illustrative nature and is supplied without charge. It does not form part of any
contract or intended contract with the user. Final determination of the suitability of any information or material for the
use contemplated and the manner of use is the sole responsibility of the user and the user must assume all risk and
liability in connection therewith.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 26/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL
 APPENDIX B

PROCEDURE FOR STARTING THE PROGRAM TENSARWALL

The program TensarWall is issued on a 3.5" diskette (with manual and licence agreement)
or by e-mail (in the case of up-dates). It only works in Windows 95 or Windows 98. The
program is contained in a single zipped file TensarWall Version 2_03.exe. The file can
be unzipped by double clicking it in Windows Explorer, after which the user can choose a
suitable folder for saving the files. There are 10 files as follows:

TensarWall.ex0 TensarWall.exe
TensarWall.ex1 TensarWall.exg
TensarWall.ex2 TensarWall.exh
TensarWall.ex3 TensarWall.exi
TensarWall.exd TensarWall.exj

The main program file is TensarWall.exe. This can be opened in the usual way. On first
opening in any particular computer, the following screen will appear:

Figure B1 : Registration window

The number (Registration Code) which you see on the 4th line of this message (8 figure
number different to the example above) should be sent to Netlon Limited/Tensar
International by filling in and faxing the requested information on the Registration Card (at
the front of this manual). It is most important that users include an e-mail contact address,
so that updates of the program can be sent to all users when they become available.
Each user must make a separate registration.

On receiving the reply code, it should be entered in the box indicated. The program will
then start. When updated program files are received, they should be copied over the
existing files, and the program will continue to operate without the need for a new code. If
the user transfers to a new computer, or resets up an existing computer, then a new code
will be asked for, and a supplementary registration will be required.
________________________________________________________________________________
TENSAR INTERNATIONAL DESIGN WORKSHOP 27/27 TENSARWALL PROGRAM MANUAL