4:00 PM (2.0 PDH)
Bulkhead and Retaining Wall Failure
Presented by Mr. John Clark, P.E. with Clark Engineers, Inc.
BIO: John M. Clark, PE, is the principal and owner of John Milton Clark Engineers Inc. and a licensed professional engineer in Texas, New York, and Arizona. He holds a Master of Science in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University, specializing in advanced structural and foundation engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in physics from Central State University with minors in mechanical engineering and mathematics. A longtime member of the Foundation Performance Association, he is a former board member and past president (2009) and currently serves on the Structural Committee, where he co‑chairs the FPA‑SC‑22 Subcommittee on elevating slab‑on‑ground foundations. Clark’s career includes early work in the prestressed concrete manufacturing industry, foundation and bridge design with an A&E firm in Oklahoma City, structural design engineering at Bechtel in Houston, and twelve years in product development with Owens Corning’s Non‑corrosive Products Division, focusing on fiberglass tanks and buried FRP tanks and pipe.
ABSTRACT: Bulkhead failures along waterfronts are becoming increasingly prevalent, driven by a combination of geotechnical instability, design deficiencies, and human error. This study reviews multiple forensic case histories to examine global stability failures, structural inadequacies, and the influence of surcharge and rapid drawdown conditions. Findings indicate that many failures stem from insufficient geotechnical analysis, improper anchor placement, and inadequate embedment depth. Human factors—particularly ignorance, poor judgment, and unauthorized design modifications—consistently exacerbate these issues and lead to catastrophic outcomes. Key design considerations include comprehensive evaluation of soil–structure interaction, global stability, and variable load conditions such as surcharge and fluctuating water levels. Preventative measures emphasize rigorous geotechnical investigation, sound engineering design, and thorough inspection practices to mitigate risk and ensure long-term structural performance.
