Skip to main content

Retaining wall load

Calculate the total horizontal load exerted on a retaining wall with these parameters:
Wall height = 6 ft
Backfill material: well-graded clean sands; sand-gravel mix (SW)
Active pressure is 30 psf

AnswerThe pressure at the wall bottom is (6ft)(30psf) = 180 psf. Total horizontal load is (180psf/2)(6ft) = 540 plf or pounds per linear foot)

ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS

Comments

Try These Too!

Interior Glazing

Safety glazing (tempered glass, laminated glass or impact resistant plastic) is not required at this interior window (18sf glazed area). Which of these satisfies conditions for using non-safety glazing? A. Within 36 inches horizontally of a walking surface B. Bottom edge is less than 60" above the plane of the adjacent walking surface C. 1 1/2 in protective bar between 34 and 38 inches on accessible side D. Exposed area of the pane is greater than 9 sf Answer C. 1 1/2 inch protective bar between 34-38 inches on accessible side. In this case, safety glazing is not required. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BDCS

Thermal insulation

Which of the following types of thermal insulation can be blown into wall or ceiling cavities with least difficulty, but contains no adhesive properties? I. Cellulose II. Rock wool III. Vermiculite IV. Mineral wool V. Straw VI. Polyicynene Answer I, II and III are loose-fill types of insulation that can be blown. IV comes in batts, V can come in boards or bales, VI is a spray-foam that adheres to the cavity. ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS

Heat gain calculation

Which lighting produces a 654.72 Btu/hr heat gain? A. 4x 40 watt fluorescent bulbs B. 2 x 75 watt incandescent C. 12 x 12 watt LEDs Answer (1 watt = 3.41 Btu/hr) A. 4x40 watts x 1.2 (for ballast) x 3.41 Btu/hr ARE 4.0 exam prep: BS