| Title |
Evaluation of Effective Length of Foundation for Determining the End Fixity Ratio of Retaining Walls |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.10.367 |
| Keywords |
Retaining Wall; End Fixity Ratio; Effective Length of Foundation; Coefficient of Subgrade Reaction; Moment Distribution Method |
| Abstract |
This study proposes a rational design process for evaluating the rotational end fixity of basement exterior walls in building structures by
explicitly considering the stiffness interaction among the wall, foundation, and supporting ground. In current architectural structural practice,
the base of basement exterior walls under lateral soil pressure is frequently modeled as partially fixed, without rigorous evaluation of the
wall?foundation stiffness ratio or the sub-grade reaction, which can lead to unconservative design bending moments and shear forces at
critical sections. To address this issue, the concept of effective foundation length is introduced defined as the equivalent length of a mat or
wall foundation that effectively participates in rotational restraint at the wall?foundation interface in order to apply the concept of moment
distribution method. An analytical model with Winkler-type soil springs is formulated, and parametric analyses are carried out. A practical
procedure and range of applicability for determining end-fixity ratios in building design are proposed. |