Evaluation of numerous case histories reveals that the seismic performance of anchored sheet pile quaywalls depends primarily on the anchoring system. Current pseudo-static procedures often lead to deficient anchoring, whose excessive displacements or failure trigger excessive permanent seaward displacement at the top of the bulkhead, accompanied by cracking and settlement behind the anchor. The results of the case histories lead to a Seismic Design Chart to be used in conjunction with the pseudo static procedure. The Chart delineates between acceptable and unacceptable degrees of damage, depending on the values of two dimensionless parameters that are functions of the material and geometric characteristics of the bulkhead, and the intensity of seismic shaking. Soil softening/degradation due to development of pore water-pressures is indirectly accounted for in the proposed method; however, the engineer must ensure that no liquefaction-flow failure of cohesion less soils will occur in the backfill or the foundation
