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Retaining Wall Sliding & Overturning Check

Perform a preliminary sliding and overturning check from vertical load, horizontal thrust and lever arms.

Updated September 2026

How it works

Perform a preliminary sliding and overturning check from vertical load, horizontal thrust and lever arms.

Formula:
FSsliding = μW/H; FSoverturning = W·x/(H·z); xR = (W·x−H·z)/W.

Before you use the result: Passive resistance, uplift, groundwater, seismic effects and code factors are not added automatically.

Practical use

Use verified material data and project geometry. Treat results as planning estimates and compare them with the energy/thermal requirements that apply to the project.

Keep units consistent with the source information.
Use project-specific densities, pack sizes and coverage rates where provided.
Round purchasing quantities to supplier packaging and delivery rules.

How to use this calculator: Retaining Wall Sliding & Overturning Check

Perform a preliminary sliding and overturning check from vertical load, horizontal thrust and lever arms.

Quick workflow

Enter the project values from the latest drawing, specification or verified site measurement.
Check units, material properties, allowances and any code- or supplier-specific parameters before calculating.
Review the result together with the formula, assumptions and the related checks shown on this page.

Worked example

Example inputs: Stabilizing vertical load W [kN/m]: 180; Lever arm W from toe [m]: 1.6; Horizontal thrust H [kN/m]: 55; Thrust height z [m]: 1.

Using the sample values built into the calculator, the calculation gives approximately: Sliding factor: 1.636; Overturning factor: 5.236; Resultant from toe: 1.294 m.

What the result means

Calculation method: FSsliding = μW/H; FSoverturning = W·x/(H·z); xR = (W·x−H·z)/W.

Before using the result: Passive resistance, uplift, groundwater, seismic effects and code factors are not added automatically.

Common questions

What does this calculator do?

Perform a preliminary sliding and overturning check from vertical load, horizontal thrust and lever arms.

Which inputs should I verify?

Key inputs to verify include: Stabilizing vertical load W [kN/m], Lever arm W from toe [m], Horizontal thrust H [kN/m], Thrust height z [m].

Can I use this result for final design or ordering?

Use the result as a transparent planning or checking aid. Final design, code compliance, supplier selection and project-specific decisions still need to be verified where applicable. Passive resistance, uplift, groundwater, seismic effects and code factors are not added automatically.

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