A ground retaining wall is shown in Fig. 9-36a. The

Chapter 3, Problem 5Q

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QUESTION:

A ground retaining wall is shown in Fig. 9-36a. The ground, particularly when wet, can exert a significant force  on the wall. (a) What force produces the torque to keep the wall upright? (b) Explain why the retaining wall in Fig. 9-36b would be much less likely to overturn than that in Fig. 9-36a.

FIGURE 9-36

Question 5.

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QUESTION:

A ground retaining wall is shown in Fig. 9-36a. The ground, particularly when wet, can exert a significant force  on the wall. (a) What force produces the torque to keep the wall upright? (b) Explain why the retaining wall in Fig. 9-36b would be much less likely to overturn than that in Fig. 9-36a.

FIGURE 9-36

Question 5.

ANSWER:

Step-by-step solution

Step 1 of 2

If the wall overturns, it rotates around the pivot point in the picture. We can write the torques according to this pivot point.

F; force exerted by the ground to the wall.

dF; the perpendicular distance from force to pivot point.

G; the weight of the wall.

dG; the perpendicular distance from weight to pivot point.

  The torque of force F. This torque is counterclockwise about pivot point , and this torque can overturn the wall.

  The torque of weight W of the wall. This torque is clockwise around pivot point,  this torque can keep the wall upright.

        

If   the wall overturns

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