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What is NYC BC § 1807.2.2?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that retaining walls be designed to withstand lateral soil action with a minimum safety factor of 1.5 for sliding and overturning. It specifies load considerations and includes an exception for earthquake loads, which require a safety factor of 1.1. Applies to building owners responsible for retaining wall construction.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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1807.2.2 Safety factor.

BC § 1807.2.2

Retaining walls shall be designed to resist the lateral action of soil to produce sliding and overturning with a minimum safety factor of 1.5 in each case. The load combinations of Section 1605 shall not apply to this requirement. Instead, design shall be based on 0.7 times nominal earthquake loads, 1.0 times other nominal loads, and investigation with one or more of the variable loads set to zero. The safety factor against lateral sliding shall be taken as the available soil resistance at the base of the retaining wall foundation divided by the net lateral force applied to the retaining wall. Exception: Where earthquake loads are included, the minimum safety factor for retaining wall sliding and overturning shall be 1.1.

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