Our speakers will delve into the reasons of why and how failures can occur and how to overcome such problems through intelligent design. Effective and well considered retaining wall designs, systems and materials can prevent failures and ensure that retaining walls last a lifetime.

Speaker Dr Chris Haberfield (Principal Geotechnical Engineer) is internationally recognised for his work on foundation structure interaction, especially in respect to tall buildings, and was the geotechnical lead for the 1.2km tall Nakheel tower in Dubai. Chris will outline the definition of failure, basic earth pressure theology and will break down basic design concepts where the failure of large-scale retaining walls can occur using case studies.

Our second speaker Peter Paras will outline the process of protection work and the obligations of designers (both architects and engineers) and building surveyors in the process of building retaining walls and will use case studies as examples to where things can go wrong.

Key themes:

Mitigate risk in retaining walls

Reduce potential rectification costs

Safety & environmental considerations