Weep holes in retaining and breast walls Typical spacing of weep holes provided to relieve hydrostatic pressure behind retaining/breast walls is:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100 cm vertically and 100 cm centre-to-centre horizontally

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Weep holes allow trapped water behind retaining and breast walls to escape, reducing pore water pressure and preventing uplift or sliding. Proper spacing ensures adequate drainage and durability.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Masonry or reinforced concrete retaining/breast wall on granular backfill.
  • Standard small-diameter weep holes (e.g., 75–100 mm).
  • Moderate rainfall and drainage blanket assumed.


Concept / Approach:
Practical guidance often calls for approximately 1 m × 1 m spacing as a baseline, adjustable with wall height, backfill permeability, and presence of drainage layers or filter media.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Select baseline spacing that balances drainage and constructability.Adopt 100 cm vertically and 100 cm horizontally c/c for typical cases.Place weep holes with proper filter to prevent soil piping.


Verification / Alternative check:
Site-specific designs refine spacing based on hydrogeology and wall height; however, 1 m × 1 m is a common rule-of-thumb in many standard drawings.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
50 cm × 50 cm is often unnecessary; 100 × 120 or 120 × 100 are asymmetric and may under-drain in one direction unless justified.



Common Pitfalls:
Omitting filters; placing holes too high; failing to provide a drainage layer behind the wall.



Final Answer:
100 cm vertically and 100 cm centre-to-centre horizontally

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