Point Loads - The lateral pressure distribution on a vertical line closest to a point load may be calculated as shown in Figure

8(a).

Fig. 8(a) - Lateral pressure due to point load (after Terzaghi22)

Away from the line closest to the point load the lateral stress decreases as shown in the plan view of Figure 8(b).

Fig. 8(b) - Lateral pressure due to point load (Boussinesq equation modified by experiment) (after Terzaghi22)

Line Loads - A continuous wall footing of narrow width or similar load parallel to a retaining structure may be taken as a line load. For this case the lateral pressure increases from zero at the ground surface to a maximum value at a given depth and gradually diminishes at greater depths. The lateral pressure distribution on a vertical plane parallel to a line load may be calculated as shown in Figure 9.
15

Elevation View

Fig. 9 - Lateral pressure due to line load (Boussinesq equation modified by experiment) (after Terzaghi22)

Strip Loads - Highways and railroads are examples of strip loads. When they are parallel to a sheet pile wall, the lateral pressure distribution on the wall may be calculated as shown in Figure 10.

Fig. 10 - Lateral pressure due to strip load (Boussinesq equation modified by experiment) (after Teng1)

Based on the relationships given above, Figure 11 shows plots of the lateral pressure distributions under point and line loads and gives the positions of the resultant force for various values of the parameter m.
Line Loads Point Loads

Fig. 11 - Horizontal pressures due to point and line loads (after Navdocks11)