Define the first step to envision the pattern of deformation.

The first step in the analysis is to envision the pattern of deformation that would accompany such a failure. In the case of failure of gravity retaining wall it has been observed that the soil moved toward the wall and downward within the soil. These motions indicated that the shear failure occurred throughout the active zone and the full frictional resistance was mobilized throughout the zone. A second zone of shear failure (the passive zone) developed at the toe of the wall when the wall was pushing against the soil.