Retaining Wall Calculator
Calculate lateral earth pressure, overturning moment, and sliding resistance for retaining walls. Check stability factors of safety.
Enter wall parameters to check stability
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
About This Calculator
The Retaining Wall Calculator helps structural engineers and contractors design stable earth-retaining structures for construction projects across the UAE and Gulf. Calculate lateral earth pressures using Rankine or Coulomb theory, check overturning and sliding stability, and verify bearing capacity requirements. Essential for basement walls, road embankments, and site boundary walls common in Gulf construction.
When to Use This Calculator
- Designing basement retaining walls for buildings
- Sizing gravity walls for road embankments
- Checking stability of cantilever retaining walls
- Preliminary design for tender submissions
- Verifying existing wall adequacy for additional loads
How to Use This Calculator
Define Wall Geometry
Enter wall height, base width, toe length, heel length, and stem thickness.
Input Soil Properties
Specify unit weight, friction angle (φ), cohesion (c), and backfill slope if any.
Add Surcharge Loads
Include any uniform or point loads on the backfill (traffic, building loads).
Check Stability
Verify factors of safety for overturning (≥2.0), sliding (≥1.5), and bearing (≥3.0).
Review Design
Get earth pressure diagram, moment/shear at key sections, and reinforcement guidance.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
A 12m deep basement requires retaining wall design for sandy soil with groundwater. The calculator determines active earth pressure of 72 kN/m² at base, with hydrostatic pressure adding 120 kN/m². Stability checks confirm 650mm thick wall with 2.2 FOS against overturning.
A 6m high road embankment needs a gravity retaining wall. Using local limestone blocks, the calculator sizes a trapezoidal section with 4m base width, achieving 1.8 FOS for sliding and 2.5 FOS for overturning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Your Calculations Further
This calculator reflects the logic built into Arkan's construction management platform.
Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: Calculations based on Rankine/Coulomb theory per BS 8002 and Eurocode 7