Centrifuge-modelling of embedded retaining walls with stabilising bases

Embedded retaining walls are sometimes supported by means of a rigid platform or stabilising base projecting in front of the wall at formation level. This form of construction is useful where props reacting against a retaining wall on the opposite side of the excavation cannot be installed. The potential mechanisms of collapse of an embedded wall with the stabilising base in place are not well understood. In this paper, the results of four centrifuge model tests on stabilising base retaining walls of two different embedment depths in two different types of soil are presented, and shown to be consistent with the results of an approximate limit equilibrium type stress analysis.