COMPUTER SIMULATOR (RETFLO) FOR RETAINING WALL FLOOD BANK PROTECTION DESIGN

This work deals with the development of computer software, RETFLO for the design of cantilever retaining wall for two options, viz: (i) sloping wall cantilever retaining wall with surcharge; and (ii) straight wall cantilever retaining wall without any surcharge. The computer program RETFLO is written using the BASIC (Beginners All Purpose Scientific Instructional Code) language. Verification of the code was done using two illustrative worked examples, one on textbook, and another on consultancy design report using field data at mini Okoro location, the study area. Both the textbook and consultancy report on computed design parameters showed marginal percentage difference in the range of 0.0-2.0 and 0.0 to 0.11, respectively. The percentage difference is attributed to round off error due to manual design computations exemplified in textbook as well as consultancy report. Also, the illustrative example on consultancy design was simulated using TEDD computer software of which the outputs were compared with those of RETFLO. The margin of error is within acceptable limit. Thus, RETFLO is a veritable tool in the design of cantilever retaining walls taking into account time savings and accuracy.