Charts for the conservation of vernacular drystone retaining walls

Abstract

Drystone walls are durable structures, due to their intrinsic ductility, permeability, and the strength of the materials used. Nevertheless, they can be subject to slow deterioration due to the weathering of the materials, application of loads for which they were not designed, impact, or inappropriate repair methods. It is then necessary to assess the condition of the structure, and design repairs or a replacement construction. A suitable design should then help to minimize the overestimation of the structure's resistance which will result in a waste of materials and resources. Actually, three methods may be used in the design of drystone retaining walls - the distinct element method, yield design and limit equilibrium analysis. Based on them, charts are suggested to facilitate initial design. © 2011 WIT Press.