07-22-2009, 03:14 AM
Here is my view...First we need to understand what is the behavior of the structure when all the loads are applied. We cannot just simply assumed that your wall can be designed as deep beam. We need to understand when a member is called a deep beam or a wall. If we follow ACI guidelines the assumption for deep flexural member or deep beam (good example is transfer beam and girder) is that it is loaded along the depth of the member meaning that it will have an in-plane bending but if the member will have to support an in-plane axial loading and out-of plane bending it is defined as wall thus making your case as a retaining wall with lateral and compressive load.
my two cents.
my two cents.