W02 Lecture

CIVL3210
Geotechnical Engineering
Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory
Dr Adnan Sufian
CIVL3210 | Geotechnical Engineering | Dr Adnan Sufian
Learning Objectives & Resources

The learning objectives for this module are: The required learning resources are:
• Analyse Mohr circles to obtain the stress • Week 02 Lecture Slides
state of a soil element. • Week 02 Problem Set
• Evaluate the vertical and horizontal
stresses in the ground around structures.
• Understand the assumptions and
limitations of Rankine earth pressure
theory.
Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 2

Rankine Earth Pressure Theory
Earth Pressure Theory

• The aim of earth pressure theories is to
calculate the stresses experienced by a
soil element in the ground.
• A soil element will experience normal and
shear stresses.
𝜎𝑦
• We will predominantly focus on plane-
strain conditions, that is, no deformation 𝜏𝑦𝑥
in the 𝑧-axis (i.e. in/out the page). 𝜏𝑥𝑦
• We will use soil mechanics sign 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑥
convention. Compressive stresses are 𝜏𝑥𝑦
𝜏𝑦𝑥
positive and counter-clockwise shear
stresses are positive. 𝜎𝑦


• Important role in the design of structures
which retain soils, including gravity
retaining walls (Week 3) and embedded
walls such as sheet pile walls (Week 4).
• Also applied in excavations (with or
without supports), tunnel walls and other
underground structures.
• An alternate approach is to use finite
element analysis of an elastic continuum
to obtain the earth pressures. We will
look at simple analytical elastic solutions
in Week 7.


• Earth pressure theory looks to define the
stress state when soil is at rest or in a
state of motion (i.e. failure).
• Earth pressures change when the soil
displaces. But we do not know the
intermediate stress conditions as a soil
moves from the rest state to failure. We
only know what happens at failure.
Some guidelines for the displacement required to reach failure
• A certain amount of displacement must state for the active condition, where 𝐻 is the height of the structure.
From Bowles (1997).
occur for the failure state to be reached.
• The earth pressure theories do not tell us
what happens after failure.

Earth Pressure at Rest

Consider the soil element shown at depth 𝑧
below the ground surface. The soil has a unit 𝑧
weight of 𝛾. The soil is in a rest state.
• The vertical stress is given by the
overburden pressure (and any surcharge
load), that is, 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧.
• The horizontal stress is defined by
𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧
𝝈𝒉 = 𝑲𝟎 𝝈𝒗
• 𝐾0 : coefficient of lateral earth pressure at 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾0 𝜎𝑣

rest.


• 𝐾0 can be estimated from in-situ
pressuremeter tests, laboratory triaxial
tests or empirical expressions.
• For granular soils and normally
consolidated clays:
𝐾0 = 1 − sin 𝜙
• For over-consolidated clay:
𝐾0 = 1 − sin 𝜙 𝑂𝐶𝑅
• 𝜙 is the friction angle and 𝑂𝐶𝑅 ≥ 1 is the
over-consolidation ratio, which is ratio of
the pre-consolidation stress to the
existing vertical stress.
Relationship between 𝐾0 and 𝜙 for normally consolidated
sands (top) and clay (bottom). From Holtz & Kovacs (1981).
Relationship between 𝐾0 and 𝜙 for over-consolidated clay.

Relationship between 𝐾0 and 𝜙 for normally consolidated
From Holtz & Kovacs (1981).
sands (top) and clay (bottom). From Holtz & Kovacs (1981).
Earth Pressure at Failure

• Earth pressure changes from the at rest
state when the soil is in motion (e.g.
during excavation).
• Lateral expansion behind the wall and
lateral compression in front of the wall.
• Theoretical expressions for the earth
pressures can be obtained from Rankine
or Coulomb earth pressure theory.
• In CIVL3210, we will focus on Rankine’s
theory.

Earth Pressure at Failure

𝜏
Both theories assume plane-strain conditions
and assume that the soil is at some state of
failure defined by the Mohr-Coulomb failure
criterion:
𝝉𝒇 = 𝒄 + 𝝈𝒏 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝝓 𝜎𝑛
𝜏𝑓 : shear stress at failure [kPa]

𝑐: cohesion [kPa]
𝜎𝑛 : normal stress [kPa]
𝜙: friction angle

Rankine Theory
𝜏
• (Lower-bound) limit equilibrium approach 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝜙
– assumes that the soil is at a state of
failure everywhere, where failure is
defined by the Mohr-Coulomb criterion.
• Stress on a soil element at failure
obtained from Mohr circle analysis. 𝜎3 𝜎1
𝜎𝑛
• Assumes no shear stresses on horizontal
and vertical planes. Therefore, the
horizontal and vertical stresses are the
principal stresses.
• The lower-bound solution tends to be
conservative – typically have progressive
failure rather than failure everywhere.
Rankine Theory
𝜏
If one of the principal stress is known, then the 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝜙
other can be readily calculated.
If the minor principal stress is known, then the
major principal stress is:
𝜎3 𝜎1
𝜎𝑛
1 + sin 𝜙 1 + sin 𝜙
𝜎1 = 𝜎3 ⋅ + 2𝑐 ⋅
1 − sin 𝜙 1 − sin 𝜙

Rankine Theory
𝜏
Conversely, if the major principal stress is 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝜙
known, then the minor principal stress is:
1 − sin 𝜙 1 − sin 𝜙
𝜎3 = 𝜎1 ⋅ − 2𝑐 ⋅
1 + sin 𝜙 1 + sin 𝜙 𝜎3 𝜎1
𝜎𝑛
You can see the derivation of these two

equations in the following video.

Rankine Theory
• If the vertical stress is known, then the
horizontal stress can be calculated.
• We know the vertical stress from the
overburden pressure, and hence, we can
calculate the horizontal stress.
• However, the vertical stress may be the
major or minor principal stress depending
on whether we are looking at the failure
condition in front of (lateral contraction) or
behind the wall (lateral expansion).
• These limiting conditions are referred to
as active and passive earth pressures.

Active Earth Pressure

• The active condition is applicable when
lateral expansion occurs resulting in a 𝜏
reduction in the horizontal stress.
• The Mohr circle at the rest state (below
the failure envelope) expands to the left
until intersecting the failure envelope.
• At failure, the vertical stress is the major
𝜎1 = 𝜎𝑣 𝜎𝑛
principal stress and obtained from the 𝜎3 = 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾0 𝜎𝑣
overburden stress, 𝜎1 = 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧.
• At (plastic) equilibrium, the horizontal
stress at failure in the active condition is
the minimum earth pressure that can be
attained.

Using the Mohr circle analysis with a known
major principal stress, the horizontal stress, 𝜏
which is the minor principal stress, is:
𝝈𝒉 = 𝑲𝒂 𝝈𝒗 − 𝟐𝒄 𝑲𝒂
𝐾𝑎 : coefficient of active earth pressure 𝜎1 = 𝜎𝑣 𝜎𝑛

𝜎3 = 𝜎ℎ
𝟏 − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝓 𝝓 1 − sin 𝜙 1 − sin 𝜙

𝑲𝒂 = 𝟐
= 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝟒𝟓° − 𝜎3 = 𝜎1 ⋅ − 2𝑐 ⋅
𝟏 + 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝓 𝟐 1 + sin 𝜙 1 + sin 𝜙


For the active earth pressure condition, the
failure plane is at an angle of 45 + 𝜙Τ2.
45 + 𝜙Τ2 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧
45 + 𝜙Τ2
𝜎𝑛
Pole
𝜎ℎ = 𝐾𝑎 𝜎𝑣 − 2𝑐 𝐾𝑎

Example: Active Earth Pressure

A
A sheet pile wall is embedded into a clay layer. The properties
2m
of the clay layer are:
B
𝛾 = 20 kN/m3 5m
2m
𝑐 = 0 kPa C
𝜙 = 20° 2m
a) Calculate the horizontal stress at Points A to E (directly D
3m
adjacent to the wall). 2m
b) Plot the distribution of horizontal stress (active lateral E
pressure) behind the sheet pile wall.

c) Calculate the equivalent horizontal force acting behind the
sheet pile wall and its location from the base of the wall.

Location of Equivalent Horizontal Force

Triangular Distribution Trapezoidal Distribution
𝜎𝑎
𝐻 1 𝐻 1
𝑃 = 𝐻𝜎𝑏 𝑃 = 𝐻 𝜎𝑎 + 𝜎𝑏
2 2
𝐻 𝜎𝑏 + 2𝜎𝑎
𝑧= 𝑧= 𝐻
3 3 𝜎𝑏 + 𝜎𝑎
𝜎𝑏 𝜎𝑏

Passive Earth Pressure

• The passive earth pressure condition is applicable when lateral contraction occurs resulting
in an increase to the horizontal stress. Mohr circle at the rest state will expand to the right
until intersecting the failure envelope.
• At failure, the vertical stress is the minor principal stress but is still obtained from the
overburden stress, 𝜎3 = 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧. At (plastic) equilibrium, the horizontal stress at failure in
the passive condition is the maximum earth pressure that can be attained.
𝜏
𝜎𝑛
𝜎3 = 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾0 𝜎𝑣 𝜎1 = 𝜎𝑣 𝜎3 = 𝜎ℎ

Using the Mohr circle analysis with a known
minor principal stress, the horizontal stress, 𝜏
which is the major principal stress, is:
𝝈𝒉 = 𝑲𝒑 𝝈𝒗 + 𝟐𝒄 𝑲𝒑
𝜎𝑛
𝜎3 = 𝜎𝑣 𝜎1 = 𝜎ℎ
𝐾𝑝 : coefficient of passive earth pressure
1 + sin 𝜙 1 + sin 𝜙
𝜎1 = 𝜎3 ⋅ + 2𝑐 ⋅
𝟏 + 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝓 𝟐
𝝓 𝟏 1 − sin 𝜙 1 − sin 𝜙
𝑲𝒑 = = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝟒𝟓° + =
𝟏 − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝓 𝟐 𝑲𝒂

For the passive earth pressure condition, the
failure plane is at an angle of 45 − 𝜙Τ2.
45 − 𝜙Τ2
𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧
45 − 𝜙Τ2
𝜎𝑛
Pole
𝜎ℎ = 𝐾𝑝 𝜎𝑣 + 2𝑐 𝐾𝑝

Example: Passive Earth Pressure

A sheet pile wall is embedded into a sand layer. The properties
of the sand layer are:
𝛾 = 18 kN/m3 5m
𝜙 = 40°
a) Calculate the horizontal stress at Points A to C (directly A
adjacent to the wall). 1.5 m

B 3m
b) Plot the distribution of horizontal stress (passive lateral
1.5 m
pressure) in front of the sheet pile wall. C

Layered Soils
• When applying Rankine’s theory to obtain the horizontal stress distribution for both active
and passive conditions, a linear distribution was observed. This is because expressions for
𝜎ℎ are a linear function of 𝜎𝑣 , which in turn is a linear function of the depth, 𝑧.
• Rankine’s theory can easily be applied to layered soils following the same philosophy as
above. The expressions for 𝜎ℎ for both active and passive conditions remain the same.
• In layered soils, the stress distribution will be linear within each layer but there will be a
discontinuity and/or change in gradient at the interfaces between layers.
• Note that the presence of a water table in the middle of layer has the effect of a layered soil
in that their will be a change in gradient of the stress distribution even though it has the
same soil properties.

Layered Soils
An example of the lateral pressure distribution in a layered soil. From Bowles (1997).
Example: Layered Soil

A
A sheet pile wall is retaining a 5m clay layer with the following
properties: 𝛾 = 20 kN/m3, 𝑐 = 0 kPa, 𝜙 = 20° and a 3m sand
layer with the following properties: 𝛾 = 18 kN/m3, 𝜙 = 40°. Clay
5m
a) Calculate the horizontal stress at Points A to D (directly
adjacent to the wall). Note that B is located just within the B
clay layer, while C is located just within the sand layer. C
b) Plot the distribution of vertical and horizontal stress (active 3m

lateral pressure) behind the sheet pile wall.
D
c) Calculate the equivalent horizontal force behind the sheet
pile wall and its location from the base of the wall.
Sand

Application to Retaining Walls: Types of Analysis

Effective Stress Analysis
• Soil has a high coefficient of permeability or loads are applied at a low rate compared to the
permeability, such that no excess pore pressure will be generated.
• Also referred to as drained or long-term analysis.
• Always applicable for sands and gravels (granular soils).
• Long-term condition for clays.
• Failure criterion: 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 ′ + 𝜎𝑛′ tan 𝜙 ′
• Use effective material parameters 𝑐 ′ , 𝜙 ′ and use effective stresses, 𝜎𝑣′ and 𝜎ℎ′ :
1−sin 𝜙′
- Active: 𝜎ℎ′ = 𝐾𝑎 𝜎𝑣′ − 2𝑐 ′ 𝐾𝑎 , where 𝐾𝑎 =
1+sin 𝜙′
1+sin 𝜙′
- Passive: 𝜎ℎ′ = 𝐾𝑝 𝜎𝑣′ + 2𝑐 ′ 𝐾𝑝 , where 𝐾𝑝 =
1−sin 𝜙′

Application to Retaining Walls: Types of Analysis

Total Stress Analysis
• Soil has a low coefficient of permeability or the loads are applied quickly, such that loading
induces pore pressure changes.
• Also referred to as undrained or short-term analysis.
• Short-term condition for clays.
• Failure criterion: 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐𝑢 (assuming that 𝜙𝑢 = 0)
• Use undrained parameters 𝑐𝑢 , 𝜙𝑢 = 0, and use total stresses, 𝜎𝑣 and 𝜎ℎ :
1−sin 𝜙𝑢
- Active: 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾𝑎 𝜎𝑣 − 2𝑐𝑢 𝐾𝑎 , where 𝐾𝑎 = = 1 if 𝜙𝑢 = 0
1+sin 𝜙𝑢
1+sin 𝜙𝑢
- Passive: 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾𝑝 𝜎𝑣 + 2𝑐𝑢 𝐾𝑝 , where 𝐾𝑝 = = 1 if 𝜙𝑢 = 0
1−sin 𝜙𝑢

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

• If there is no water present, then effective stress is equal
to total stress.
• For soil below the water table, the effective vertical stress
is 𝜎𝑣′ = 𝜎𝑣 − 𝑢 = 𝛾𝑧 − 𝛾𝑤 𝑧𝑤 , where 𝑧𝑤 is the depth below
the water table.
• When calculating the horizontal stress, the water table
𝑧 𝑧𝑤 will only affect effective stress analysis, as total stress
analysis uses total stresses.
• If the water table is above the ground surface, the
standing water will contribute as a total stress at the
ground surface.


• Water will apply a hydrostatic pressure on the retaining
wall. Therefore, the force acting on a retaining wall is due
to the effective earth pressures plus the hydrostatic water
pressure.
𝑧 𝑧𝑤
Applied total stress Contribution due to Contribution due to

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory on retaining wall effective earth pressure hydrostatic pressure 54

Effective Stress Analysis
Recommended approach is:
• Calculate 𝜎𝑣 = 𝑞 + 𝛾𝑧
and 𝑢 = 𝛾𝑤 𝑧𝑤
• Calculate 𝜎𝑣′ = 𝜎𝑣 − 𝑢
• Calculate 𝜎ℎ ′ using
active/passive equations.
Notice a de-coupling between 𝜎ℎ′ 𝑢

earth and hydrostatic water Applied total stress Contribution due to Contribution due to
pressures. on retaining wall effective earth pressure hydrostatic pressure


Total Stress Analysis
Recommended approach is:
• Calculate 𝜎𝑣 = 𝑞 + 𝛾𝑧
• Calculate 𝜎ℎ using
active/passive equations.
• Calculate 𝑢 = 𝛾𝑤 𝑧𝑤
• Calculate 𝜎ℎ′ = 𝜎ℎ − 𝑢
𝜎ℎ′ 𝑢
Notice a de-coupling between
earth and hydrostatic water Applied total stress Contribution due to Contribution due to
on retaining wall effective earth pressure hydrostatic pressure
pressures.


• We will focus on hydrostatic water
conditions, so that the pore water
pressure can be obtained from 𝛾𝑤 𝑧𝑤 .
• When there is seepage, the pore water
pressures must be obtained from a flow
net analysis.
• Consider the sheet pile wall shown, the
seepage condition may lead to an
increase in the active lateral pressure
and a reduction in the passive lateral
pressure compared to hydrostatic
conditions. This may be important in
assessing the stability of the sheet pile. Flow net for a sheet pile wall. From Das (2019).

Flow net for a gravity retaining wall. From Das (2019). Flow net for a sheet pile wall. From Das (2019).

Application to Retaining Walls: Tension Crack

• Rankine’s theory will result in negative • Tension cracks can fill with water and
stresses in the active zone for cohesive create additional disturbing stresses on
soils when 2𝑐 𝐾𝑎 is greater than 𝐾𝑎 𝜎𝑣 . the structure.
• As soil cannot provide significant tensile • To calculate the depth of the tension
strengths, these zones of negative stress crack, we need to determine when the
should not be considered as reducing the effective horizontal stress is zero.
lateral pressure in the active zone. • Consider the simple case of an uniform
• The presence of negative stress zones soil with no surcharge or water table. We
leads to the development of tension take 𝜎ℎ = 0 and 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧𝑐 and substitute
cracks. into 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾𝑎 𝜎𝑣 − 2𝑐 𝐾𝑎 , which will give:
2𝑐
𝑧𝑐 =
𝛾 𝐾𝑎

Example: Application to Retaining Walls

A sheet pile wall is retaining a 5 m clay layer with the following
properties: 𝛾 = 20 kN/m3, 𝑐𝑢 = 30 kPa and a 3 m sand layer
4m Clay
with the following properties: 𝛾 = 18 kN/m3, 𝜙 = 40°. A water
table is located 1 m above the sand layer (𝛾𝑤 = 10 kN/m3).
a) Calculate the depth of the tension crack in the clay layer. 1m
b) Calculate the active lateral force acting behind the sheet
pile wall. Assume that the tension crack is filled with water. 3m
c) Calculate the passive lateral force in front of the sheet pile
wall.
Sand

Assumptions and Limitations

• The shear stress on any vertical and • Applicable to horizontal soil surfaces only.
horizontal plane is assumed to be zero. Allows the vertical stress to be calculated
• The wall is assumed to be vertical and in the usual simple way, 𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧.
smooth (frictionless). • Can be modified for inclined surfaces, but
• The above two conditions implies that the the expressions are more complex. For
vertical and horizontal stresses example:
throughout the soil mass are the principal cos 𝛽 − cos 2 𝛽 − cos 2 𝜙
stresses. 𝐾𝑎 = cos 𝛽
cos 𝛽 + cos 2 𝛽 − cos 2 𝜙
• The soil mass is assumed to be at failure
• The Rankine method should never be
everywhere allowing for the horizontal
used when there is an inclined surface in
stress to be calculated from the failure
the passive zone.
criterion (i.e. Mohr-Coulomb criterion).


• Small displacements are required to achieve the active pressure condition.
• Much larger displacements are required to achieve the passive pressure conditions.
• Remember that these movements may cause failure of the structure (for the structural
engineers to consider) prior to causing failure of the soil.
Displacement required to achieve active and passive conditions. From Bowles (1997).

• Field tests and models have shown that
the active condition is well described, but
there are discrepancies for passive zone.
• The resultant active force is usually in
good agreement with theoretical
estimates, although the location of the
force is slightly higher (0.4 to 0.45𝐻).
• Failure surface is roughly planar in active
zone, but log-spiral in the passive zone.
• Backfill must be carefully placed and
compacted in the active zone to minimise
impact on structure. The log-spiral failure surface in the passive zone wedged
between two planar failure surfaces. From Bowles (1997).

Coulomb Theory
• Applies an (upper bound) limit equilibrium
approach based on a particular failure 𝜏𝑤 = 𝑐𝑎 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝛿
mechanism (i.e. trial planar failure plane).
• Perform force equilibrium on the trial
failure wedge to obtain the unknown
forces.
• The most critical failure plane for the 𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝜙
active and passive pressures must be 𝜃
determined (i.e. highest active force and
lowest passive force).
• Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion is applied
at the failure surfaces.

Coulomb Theory
Advantages:
• Applicable to any geometry. 𝜏𝑤 = 𝑐𝑎 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝛿
• Considers soil-wall interface friction.

• More readily accounts for surface
loading.
𝜏𝑓 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan 𝜙
Disadvantages: 𝜃
• Hard to use in layered soils.
• Planar failure surface only. Can be done
with other non-planar surfaces, but the
computation is much more complex.

Force Equilibrium
The forces acting on the wedge are:
• Weight of the soil mass.
• Cohesion component of shear resistance
on trial failure surface.
• Adhesion component of shear resistance
on soil-wall interface.
• Reaction force at the trial failure surface
(unknown).
• Active reaction force at the soil-wall
interface (unknown). 𝜃
Solve equilibrium using force polygon or

equilibrium equations (∑𝐹𝑥 = ∑𝐹𝑦 = 0)

References
1. Bowles (1997), Foundation Engineering and Design (5th Edition).
2. Das (2019), Advanced Soil Mechanics (5th Edition).
3. Holtz & Kovacs (1981), An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering.

Thank you
Dr Adnan Sufian | Lecturer
School of Civil Engineering
a.sufian@uq.edu.au
07 334 61352
UQ Researcher
LinkedIn
ORCid
Google Scholar
CRICOS code 00025B

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CIVL3210

Learning Objectives & Resources

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 2

Earth Pressure Theory

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 4

Earth Pressure Theory

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 5

Earth Pressure Theory

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 6

Earth Pressure at Rest

• 𝐾0 : coefficient of lateral earth pressure at 𝜎ℎ = 𝐾0 𝜎𝑣

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 7

Earth Pressure at Rest

Earth Pressure at Rest

Relationship between 𝐾0 and 𝜙 for over-consolidated clay.

Earth Pressure at Failure

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 10

Earth Pressure at Failure

𝜏𝑓 : shear stress at failure [kPa]

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 11

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 13

You can see the derivation of these two

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 14

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 15

Active Earth Pressure

Active Earth Pressure

𝐾𝑎 : coefficient of active earth pressure 𝜎1 = 𝜎𝑣 𝜎𝑛

𝟏 − 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝝓 𝝓 1 − sin 𝜙 1 − sin 𝜙

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 23

Active Earth Pressure

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 24

Example: Active Earth Pressure

pressure) behind the sheet pile wall.

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 25

Location of Equivalent Horizontal Force

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 32

Passive Earth Pressure

Passive Earth Pressure

Passive Earth Pressure

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 35

Example: Passive Earth Pressure

adjacent to the wall). 1.5 m

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 36

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 41

Example: Layered Soil

clay layer, while C is located just within the sand layer. C

b) Plot the distribution of vertical and horizontal stress (active 3m

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 43

Application to Retaining Walls: Types of Analysis

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 51

Application to Retaining Walls: Types of Analysis

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 52

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 53

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

Applied total stress Contribution due to Contribution due to

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

Notice a de-coupling between 𝜎ℎ′ 𝑢

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 55

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 56

Application to Retaining Walls: Influence of Water

Week 02: Earth Pressure Theory 57