This is a decent very high-level approach, but doesn't go into the practical applications for most people. If you're a civilian looking at small to moderate-sized retaining walls on your personal property (4 feet or less in height) rather than a civil engineer designing massive projects for infrastructure, your retaining walls are almost certainly failing due to issues with drainage (not enough drainage material, incorrect drainage material) or possibly a heavy surcharge rather than the forces described here.
> If you're a civilian looking at small to moderate-sized retaining walls on your personal property (4 feet or less in height) rather than a civil engineer designing massive projects for infrastructure, your retaining walls are almost certainly failing due to issues with drainage (not enough drainage material, incorrect drainage material) or possibly a heavy surcharge rather than the forces described here.
These exact topics are covered in paragraphs 12, 13, and 14, respectively. 9:14 to 10:41 in the video
Way I heard it as an undergrad in mechanical engineering is anyone can make a bridge that stands up but only an engineer can make a bridge that barely stands up.
Anyone can do anything, if they spend a bunch of time studying the ins and outs of it and maybe had an an experienced mentor, but someone who thinks they understand enough to just 'run the numbers' is more dangerous than someone who knows they don't know.
And thats why running numbers has nothing to do with experience and judgement, something you don't seem understand. If you've never built a bridge you don't really understand anything about building a bridge, even if you've been to engineering school.
It's like putting out the firmware for someone's pacemaker because you can 'run the numbers'. You sure can, if you don't mind killing a few people and spending time in prison.
Did you have a professional install a dimmer switch, connect your gas stove, install your washer drain, change your flat tire? Where does it end? Not everything needs to be done by a credentialed professional. The average bridge is a relatively simple I-beam and footing structure spanning a stream or similiar and is not deserving of more than the "plug your max load in here and consult the table in appendix A for footings" treatment that similiar structures get.
I see you've edited out the comment about not speaking out about putting me in a boxcar because I think people who design bridges should be certified.
I recommend you take some time off the internet and do some mental self care. Whatever it is you think you're doing, it isn't good for you or anyone you interact with, throwaway or not.
I didn't say I'd put you in a box car, just that I wouldn't extend my neck or burn my political capital vouching for someone like you to keep you out. There's a big difference.
If you're a normal person looking to build a retaining wall without an engineer, 10 minute youtube videos are not where you should be getting your information.
