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Chapter 3 Lateral Earth Pressure Theories

(3.2.7 Rankine’s eP in cohesive soils)

- Er. Subir Rai

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils (c-ϕ soil) when backfill is
horizontal
3.2.7.1 Introduction
 Rankine’s original theory was for cohesionless soils
 It was extended by Resal (1910) and Bell (1915) for cohesive soils
 The treatment is similar to that for cohesionless soils with one basic differences that
the failure envelope has a cohesion intercept c', whereas that for cohesionless soil is
zero
3.2.7.2 Active Case
 In Mohr circle, point B indicates
the vertical stress and point E
shows the active pressure
σ3 σ1
 The failure envelope is tangential
to the circle
Fig : Mohr Circle in Active case in Cohesive Soil
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case
 The relationship between pa and σv can
be obtained as ;
From FCD, sinϕ = =
σ3 σ1
σ1−σ3
sinϕ = [CD=CE=radius]
ϕ σ1+ σ3
Fig : Mohr Circle in Active case in Cohesive Soil
σ1−σ3 σ1+ σ3
or, = sinϕ + sinϕ ϕ
σ σ σ σ
or, 1 - 3 = 1 sinϕ + 3 sinϕ + ϕ
σ σ
or, 1 (1 – sinϕ) = 3 (1+sinϕ) + ϕ

σ3 σ1
or, (1+sinϕ) = (1 – sinϕ) - ϕ
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case
σ σ
or, 3 (1+sinϕ) = 1 (1 – sinϕ) - ϕ
or, σ3 (1+sinϕ) = σ1(1 – sinϕ) – 2 ϕ
1 – sinϕ 2 ϕ
or, σ3 = σ1 – ------(i) σ3 σ1
1+sinϕ 1+sinϕ
or,σ3=σ1 tan2(45°- ϕ 2 C tan(45°− ϕ
As σ3 is equal to the active pressure (pa)
Fig : Mohr Circle in Active case in Cohesive Soil
and σ1 is equal to the vertical stress
σv = γ Z), eqn (i) becomes,
1 – sinϕ
pa = Ka γ Z –2 c where, Ka = = tan2(45°- ϕ
𝐚 1+sinϕ
ϕ
And it can be shown that = tan(45°− ϕ =
1+sinϕ a

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case : OR
σ3 (1+sinϕ) = σ1(1 – sinϕ) – 2 ϕ
σ1(1 – sinϕ) = σ3 (1+sinϕ) + 2 ϕ
1+sinϕ 2 ϕ
σ1 = σ3 +
1−sinϕ 1−sinϕ
σ1 = σ3 tan2(45°+ϕ tan(45°+ϕ
γ Z = pa Nϕ + 2 Nϕ where, Nϕ = tan2(45°+ϕ is called flow value
pa Nϕ = γ Z - 2 Nϕ
γZ 2
pa = -
Nϕ
Nϕ
1 1
pa = Ka γ Z 2 c Ka where, Ka= N 2 = tan2(45°-ϕ
ϕ tan (45°+ϕ/2)

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :
 In the equation, pa = Ka γ Z 2 c Ka
when Z=0, the active pressure is given by,
pa = 2 c K a
 The negative sign shows that the pressure
is negative, i.e. it tries to cause a pull on the
wall
 This tensile stress decreases with an
increase in depth , and it becomes zero at depth Zc, given by,
0 = Ka γ Zc 2 c Ka
2 Ka
Zc =
Ka γ
2
Zc =
γ Ka
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :

2𝐂
Zc =
γ Ka
 The depth Zc is known as the depth of

tensile crack

 The tensile stress eventually causes a

crack to form along the soil-wall interface

 The pressure at the depth H is given by,

pa = Ka γ H 2 c Ka

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :
 Pressure Distribution
 Figure shows the pressure distribution
against the retaining wall
 The total pressure on the retaining wall
of height H is obtained by integration of
equation,

Pa= Ka γ Z –2 c a) dz Fig : Pressure distribution against

γ 𝑯𝟐 the retaining wall
Pa= Ka -2 c a H This is applicable before formation of crack
𝟐
After the occurrence of the tensile crack, the force on the wall is caused only by the
pressure from Z=Zc to Z=H, i.e. tensile stresses are neglected,
𝟏
Pa= (H-Zc) (Ka γ H –2 c 𝒂)
𝟐

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :
 Pressure Distribution
Pa= (H-Zc) (Ka γ H –2 c 𝑎)

Substituting the value of Zc,

2𝐂
Pa= (H- ) (Ka γ H –2 c 𝑎)
γ Ka

Pa= Ka γ H2- Ka -H c Ka +2 c2 / γ) Fig : Pressure distribution against

the retaining wall
𝟏
Pa= Ka γ H2- Ka +2 c2 / γ) which acts at a height of (H-Zc)
𝟑
For soft clay (pure clay), ϕ = 0, Nϕ =1, [Ka=1/Nϕ]
𝟏
P a= γ H2- 𝟐𝑯 𝑪 +2 c2 / γ)
𝟐
[Note : For soils below the water table, the submerged unit weight γ' and the corresponding value
of ϕ' and c' should be used]
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :
 Critical Height of unsupported vertical cut
 Figure shows the pressure is negative in the
top region
 It (pressure) becomes zero at a depth Zc
 If the wall has a height of 2 Zc, the total earth
pressure is zero
Fig : Pressure distribution against
 This height is known as the Critical height Hc the retaining wall
Hc=2 Zc -
 If the height of an unsupported vertical cut is smaller than Hc,
it should be able to stand Hc
c
 In the vertical cut, lateral pressure is everywhere zero,
Whereas in the retaining wall it varies from –2 c √ 𝑎 to
+2 c 𝑲𝒂
+2 c √ 𝑎
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.2 Active Case :
 Critical Height of unsupported vertical cut
 In the vertical cut, lateral pressure is everywhere
zero, Whereas in the retaining wall it varies from
–2 c √ 𝑎 to +2 c √ 𝑎
2
We know, Zc =
γ Ka
Fig : Pressure distribution against
& putting this value of Zc on Hc=2 Zc , we get,
the retaining wall
2 -
Hc = 2 x
γ Ka
4𝑪 4𝑪 Hc
Hc = & for ϕ=0, Ka=1 so Hc = γ c
γ Ka
which is the relation of critical height of unsupported vertical
+2 c 𝑲𝒂
cut
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.3 Passive Case :
 An expression for the passive
pressure in cohesive soil can be
determined by the Mohr circle
drawn as in figure such that point
B represents σv and point E as pp
In ,
CD (σ1− σ3)/ σ3 σ1
inϕ = CF =
c cotϕ (σ1+ σ3)/

(σ1− σ3) (σ1+ σ3)

= inϕ + c cotϕ x inϕ Fig : Mohr Circle in Passive case in Cohesive Soil
(σ1− σ3 =(σ1+ σ3 inϕ + 2 c cos ϕ
σ1− σ1 inϕ = σ3+σ3 inϕ + 2 c cos ϕ
σ1(1− inϕ) = σ3(1+ inϕ) + 2 c cos ϕ
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.3 Passive Case :
σ1(1− inϕ) = σ3(1+ inϕ) + 2 c cos ϕ
(1+ inϕ) 2 c cos ϕ
σ1 = σ3 +
(1− inϕ) (1− inϕ)
pp = σv 2 ϕ/2) 2c ϕ/2) σ3 σ1

pp = γ Z 𝐩 2c 𝐩 at depth Z
Where, Kp = coefficient of passive Fig : Mohr Circle in Passive case in Cohesive Soil
(1+ inϕ)
earth pressure given by Kp = ϕ/2)= (1− inϕ)
2

The failure plane makes an angle of ϕ/2 with the vertical plane (major principal
plane) and makes ϕ/2 angle with horizontal plane (minor principal plane

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
3.2.7.3 Passive Case :
 Pressure distribution
 From eqn, pp = γ Z p 2c 𝑝
when Z=0, pp = 2 c 𝒑
when Z=H, pp = γ H 𝒑 2c 𝒑
 The pressure unlike active case, is
positive throughout the depth
 The total pressure on the retaining wall Fig : pressure distribution of passive case
of height H is given by, In cohesive soil

Pp= H (Kp γ H)+2 c 𝑝 H

𝟏
Pp= Kp γ H2 +2 c H 𝒑
𝟐

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example :
-32.4
 Determine the stresses at
the top and bottom of the cut ϕ = 12°
shown in figure, also determine the 4m C =20 KN/m2
maximum depth of potential crack and γ = 18 KN/m3

the maximum depth of unsupported

14.84
excavation
Solution : we know, pa = Ka γ Z −2 c a
1−sinϕ 1−sin12°
Ka = = =0.656
1+sinϕ 1+sin12°
pa = 0.656x18 Z −2x20
pa = 11.81 Z −3
At top Z=0, pa = 11.81 x 0 −3 = - 32.40 KN/m2
At bottom Z=4, pa = 11.81 x 4 −3 = 14.84 KN/m2
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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example :
-32.4
 Depth of potential crack is,
2 2 2.74 m
 Zc = = = 2.74 m ϕ = 12°
γ Ka 18 0.656
4m C =20 KN/m2

 Maximum depth of unsupported γ = 18 KN/m3

1.26 m
excavation is,
14.84
4 4
 Hc = = = 5.84 m
γ Ka 18 0.656

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example : A -5.77
 A 5 m high retaining wall is
shown in figure. Determine the B ϕ = 30°

Rankine’s active pressure on the C =5 KN/m2

5m
wall (a) Before formation of crack γ = 17.5 KN/m3

(b) After the formation of the crack

Solution : C 23.38
1−sinϕ 1−sin30°
Ka = = =0.333
1+sinϕ 1+sin30°
pa = Ka γ Z −2 c a= 0.333x17.5 Z −2x5
pa = 5.83 Z −5.77
At top Z=0, pa = 5.83 x 0 −5.77 = - 5.77 KN/m2

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example : A -5.77
When pa =0,
B ϕ = 30° 0.99 m
0 = 5.83 Z −5.77
C =5 KN/m2
Z= 0.99 m or 5m
γ = 17.5 KN/m3
4.01 m
2 2
Zc = = = 0.99 m
γ Ka . 0.333 C
23.38

At bottom Z=5, pa = 5.83 x 5 − = 23.38 KN/m2

H- Zc = 5-0.99=4.01
(a) Before formation of crack,
1
Negative pressure, P1= x 5.77 x 0.99 = 2.86 KN/m
1
Positive pressure, P2= x 23.38 x 4.01 = 46.88 KN/m

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example :
5.77
(a) Before formation of crack,
0.99 m
Net Pa = 46.88- 2.86 = 44.02 KN/m b
γ 𝑯𝟐
Or by using relation, a Ka 𝟐
-2 c a H 4.01 m
17.5x 𝟓𝟐
𝐚 0.333x -2 x5 x5 = 44.02 KN/m
𝟐 c 23.38 d
Line of action of Pa is determined as under , by taking moments about C,
.
= = 1.12 m above base
(b) After formation of crack,
After the formation of crack, the negative pressure is eliminated so the pressure distribution
is given by the area bcd,
1 .
Pa= x 23.38 x 4.01 = 46.88 KN/m and acts at a height of = 1.34 m above base

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Chapter 3. Lateral Earth Pressure Theories
3.2 Rankine’s earth pressure theory for active and passive states
3.2.7 Rankine’s Earth pressure in Cohesive Soils when backfill is horizontal
 Numerical Example :
5.77
(b) After formation of crack,
0.99 m
After the formation of crack, the negative pressure is b
eliminated so the pressure distribution is given by the area bcd,
4.01 m
1
Pa= x 23.38 x 4.01 = 46.88 KN/m
. c 23.38 d
and acts at a height of = 1.34 m above base
Or Alternatively using,

Pa= Ka γ H2- Ka +2 c2 / γ

Pa = 0.333x 17.5x52- 0.333 +2x52 / 17.5) =72.84-28.85+2.86=46.85 KN/m

& acts at a height of (H-Zc) = (5-0.99)= 1.34 m above base

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