IM9 - Lateral Earth Pressure

Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: GEOTECH 1-2NDSEM-2020-2021
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Bayombong Campus
DEGREE BS in Civil COURSE NO. GEOTECH 1

PROGRAM Engineering
SPECIALIZATION COURSE TITLE Geotechnical Engineering 1 (Soil
Mechanics)
YEAR LEVEL 3rd Year TIME FRAME WK NO. 16&17 IM NO. 9
I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE

Lateral Earth Pressure
II. LESSON TITLE

Earth Pressure at Rest
Rankine’s Theory of Active and Passive Earth Pressure
Coulomb’s Earth Pressure Theory
III. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the student must be able to:
1. Calculate the lateral earth pressure acting on a earth retaining structure.
2. Analyze the stability of earth retaining structure.
IV. LESSON OVERVIEW
Retaining structures, such as retaining walls, basement walls, and bulkheads, are commonly
encountered in foundation engineering, and they may support slopes of earth masses. Proper design
and construction of these structures require a thorough knowledge of the lateral forces that act between
the retaining structures and the soil mass being retained. These lateral forces are caused by lateral
earth pressures.
In general, the lateral earth pressure can be divided into three major categories, depending on
the nature of movement of the retained structure. They are:
 At-rest pressure
 Active pressure
 Passive pressure
V. LESSON CONTENT
EARTH PRESSURE AT REST:

Consider a mass of soil located at a depth z below the ground
surface. The mass is bounded by a frictionless wall AB that extends
to an infinite depth. It subjected to effective vertical and horizontal
pressures of ’o and ’h, respectively. For this case, since the soil is
dry, then σ ' o=σ o and σ ' h=σ h, where o and h are the total vertical
and horizontal pressures, respectively. Also, note that there are ho
shear stresses on the vertical and horizontal planes.
If the wall is static – that is, if it does not move either to the
right or to the left of its initial position – the soil mass will be in a state
of elastic equilibrium; that is, the horizontal strain is zero. The ratio of
the effective horizontal stress of the vertical stress is called the
coefficient of earth pressure at rest, Ko, or
σ 'h
Ko=
σ 'o
Since σ ' o=γz , then
σ ' h=K o ( γz )
For coarse-grained soils, the coefficient of earth pressure at rest can be estimated by the empirical
relationship (Jaky, 1944)
K o =1−sin '
For overconsolidated coarse-grained soils, the equation can be modified (Mayne and Kulhawy, 1982)
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NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220) Page 1 of 12
K o =( 1−sin ' )( OCR )sin'
For fine-grained, normally consolidated soils, Massarsch (1979) suggested the following equation:
K o =0.44+ 0.42 [ PI (%)

100 ]
For overconsolidated clays, the coefficient of earth pressure at rest can be approximated as:
K o (overconsolidated)=K o(normally consolidated ) √ OCR
The magnitude of Ko in most soils ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 with perhaps the higher values for heavily
overconsolidated clays.
Figure 13.4 shows the distribution of lateral earth pressure at rest on a wall of height H retaining a dry
soil having a unit weight of . The total force per unit length of the wall, P o, is equal to the area of the
pressure diagram, so
1
Po = K o γ H 2
2
For partially submerged soils, the distribution of lateral earth pressure is shown in Figure.
Po
The groundwater table is located at a depth H1 below the ground surface, and there is no compensating
water on the other side of the wall. For z ≤ H 1, the total lateral earth pressure at rest can be given by
σ ' h=K o γz . The variation of ’h is shown by triangle ACE in Figure (a). However, for z ≥ H 1, that is,
below the groundwater table, the pressure on the wall is found from the effective stress and pore water
pressure components in the following manner:
σ ' o=γ H 1+ γ ' ( z −H 1 )
So, the effective lateral pressure at rest is
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=K o [ γ H 1+ γ ' ( z −H 1) ]
The variation of σ ' h with depth is shown by area CEBG in (a). The lateral pressure due to pore water is
calculated as:
u=γ w ( z −H 1 )
Hence, the total lateral pressure from earth and water at any depth z ≥ H 1 is equal to
σ h=σ ' h+u=K o [ γ H 1+ γ ' ( z −H 1 ) ] +γ w ( z−H 1 )
The force per unit length of the wall can be found from the sum of the areas of the pressure diagrams in
(a) and (b) and is equal to
1 1
P o = K o γ H 1 + K o γ H 1 H 2+ ( K o γ + γ w ) H 2
2 ' 2
2 2
RANKINE’S THEORY OF ACTIVE PRESSURE

The term plastic equilibrium in soil refers to the condition in
which every point in a soil mass is on the verge of failure. Rankine
(1857) investigated the stress conditions in a soil at a state of plastic
equilibrium.
Rankine’s Active State:

Figure (a) shows the same soil mass that was illustrated in
the preceding discussion. If the wall is not allowed to move at all,
then σ ' h=K o σ ' o
The stress condition in the soil element can be represented by the
Mohr’s circle a in Figure (b). However, if the wall AB is allowed to
move away from the soil mass gradually, then the horizontal effective principal stress will decrease.
Ultimately, a state will be reached at which the stress condition in the soil element can be represented
by the Mohr’s circle b, the state of plastic equilibrium, and failure of the soil will occur. This state is
Rankine’s active state, and the pressure ’a on the vertical plane (which is the principal plane) is
Rankine’s active earth pressure.
From the Mohr’s circle of the Rankine’s active state
CD CD
sin '= =
AC AO+OC
σ ' o−σ ' a
where CD is the radius of the Mohr’s circle b, CD= ,
2
σ ' o +σ ' a
AO=c ' cot ' and OC= . Thus
2
σ ' o−σ ' a
' 2
sin❑ =
' σ ' o +σ ' a
c cot ' +
2
Solving for σ ' a
1−sin' cos '
σ ' a=σ ' o −2 c
1+sin ' 1+ sin '
But
1−sin '
1+sin '
2
=tan 45°− and ( '
2 ) cos '
1+ sin'
'
(
=tan 45 °− and σ ' o=γz, thus
2 )
'
(
σ ' a=γz tan 2 45° − −2 c tan 45°−
2
'
2 ) ( )
The variation of σ ' a with depth is shown in Figure (c). For cohesionless soils, c’ = 0, and
σ ' a=σ ' o tan 2 45°−

2(
'
)
The ratio of σ ' a to σ ' o is called the coefficient of Rankine’s active earth
pressure, Ka, or
( )
σ 'a 2 '
Ka= =tan 45 °−
σ 'o 2
From Trigonometry
1−sin '
Ka=
1+ sin'
Again, from the Mohr’s circle, the failure planes in the soil makes an
angle of  from the direction of the major principal plane (i.e. horizontal
plane) which is equal to
θ=45 ° +¿ 2
These failure planes are called slip planes. The slip planes are shown in Figure d.
Rankine’s Passive State:

Rankine’s passive state is illustrated in the Figure (a). If the wall
is gradually pushed into the soil mass, the effective principal stress σ ' h
will increase. Ultimately, the wall will reach a state at which the stress
condition in the soil element can be represented by the Mohr’s circle b.
At this time, failure of the soil will occur. This is referred to as
Rankine’s passive state. The effective lateral earth pressure, σ ' p,
which is the major principal stress, is called Rankine’s passive earth
pressure. It can be shown that
2
σ ' p=σ ' o tan 45° + ( '
2) (
−2c ' tan 45 ° +
'
2 )
The derivation is similar to that for Rankine’s active state.
Figure (c) shows the variation of passive pressure with
depth. For cohesionless soils (c’ = 0), then
2
σ ' p=σ ' o tan 45°+ ( '
2 )
or
( )
σ'p 2 '
K p= =tan 45 °+
σ 'o 2
1+sin '
K p=
1−sin'
1
where Kp is referred to as the coefficient of Rankine’s passive earth pressure. NOTE that K p = .
Ka
The point D and D’ on the failure circle correspond to the slip planes in the soil. For the passive state,
the slip plane makes an angle  from the minor principal plane (i.e. horizontal plane) which is equal to
θ=45 °−¿ 2
Figure (d) shows the distribution of slip planes in the soil mass.
Effect of Wall Yielding:

From the preceding discussion, sufficient movement of the
wall is necessary to achieve a state of plastic equilibrium.
However, the distribution of lateral pressure against a wall of
limited height is influenced very much by the manner in which the
wall actually yields. In most retaining walls of limited height,
movement may occur by simple translation or, more frequently, by
rotation about the bottom.
For preliminary theoretical analysis, let us consider a
frictionless retaining wall represented by a plane AB as shown in
Figure 13.9a. If the wall AB rotates sufficiently about its bottom to
a position AB, then a triangular soil mass ABC adjacent to the wall
will reach Rankine’s active state. Because the slip planes in Rankine’s active state make angles of (45
+ /2) degrees with the major principal plane, the soil mass in the
state of plastic equilibrium is bounded by the plane BC, which
makes an angle of (45 + /2) degrees with the horizontal. The soil
inside the zone ABC undergoes the same unit deformation in the
horizontal direction everywhere, which is equal to La/La.
In a similar manner, if the frictionless wall AB (Figure 13.9b)
rotates sufficiently into the soil mass to a position AB, then the
triangular mass of soil ABC will reach Rankine’s passive state. The
slip plane BC bounding the soil wedge that is at a state of plastic
equilibrium will make an angle of (45 - /2) degrees with the
horizontal. Every point of the soil in the triangular zone ABC will
undergo the same unit deformation in the horizontal direction, which is equal to Lp/Lp.
Rankine’s Active Pressure With Sloping Granular

Backfill:
In the previous discussion, only retaining walls
with vertical backs and horizontal backfill were
Pa
considered. In some cases, the backfill may be sloping at an angle of  with the horizontal as shown in
the Figure.
The Rankine’s active earth pressure coefficient is given by:
cos α− √ cos α−cos '
2 2
K a =cos α
cos α + √ cos α −cos '
2 2
1 2
Note that the total active force is Pa= K a γ H which is acting at an angle of  from the horizontal or
2
parallel to the inclined backfill.
In a similar manner, the Rankine passive earth pressure for a wall of height H with a granular
1 2
sloping backfill can be represented by the equation P p= K p γ H where
2
cos α + √ cos 2 α −cos 2 '
K p =cos α
cos α − √ cos 2 α−cos2 '
Diagrams for Lateral Earth Pressure Distribution Against Retaining Walls:
Backfill—Cohesive Soil with Horizontal Backfill: Active Case

Figure 13.14(a) shows a frictionless retaining wall with a cohesive soil backfill. The active pressure
against the wall at any depth below the ground surface can be expressed as
σ ' a=K a γz−2 c ' √ K a
The variation of Kaz with depth is shown in Figure 13.14(b), and the variation of with depth of 2 c ' √ K a
is shown in Figure 13.14(c). Note that is not a function of z, and hence Figure 13.14(c) is a rectangle.
The variation of the net value of σ ' a with depth is plotted in Figure 13.14(d). Also note that, because of
the effect of cohesion, σ ' a is negative in the upper part of the retaining wall. The depth z o at which the
active
pressure becomes equal to 0 can be found from:
K a γ z o −2 c ' √ K a=0
2c'
z o=
γ √K a
For the undrained condition—that is,  = 0, Ka = tan2 45 = 1, and c = cu(undrained cohesion)—we have
2 cu
z o=
γ
So, with time, tensile cracks at the soil–wall interface will develop up to a depth of zo.
Coulomb’s Earth Pressure Theory – Retaining Walls with Friction

More than 200 years ago, Coulomb (1776) presented a theory for active and passive earth
pressures against retaining walls. In this theory, Coulomb assumed that the failure surface is a plane.
The wall friction was taken into consideration as well as the inclination of the back of the wall.
Active Case:
Let AB be the backface of the retaining wall
supporting a granular soil, the surface of which
is sloping at an angle of  with the horizontal.
BC is a plane trial failure surface. In the stability
consideration of the probable failure wedge
ABC, the following forces are involved (per unit
length of the wall):
1. W—the weight of the soil
wedge.
2. F—the resultant of the shear
and normal forces on the
surface of failure, BC. This is
inclined at an angle of  to the normal drawn to the plane BC.
3. Pa—the active force per unit length of the wall. The direction of Pa is inclined at an angle ’ to the
normal drawn to the face of the wall that supports the soil. ’ is the angle of friction between the soil and
the wall.
The force triangle for the wedge is shown in Figure 13.19b. From the law of sines:
W Pa
=
sin ( 90+θ+ δ −β +' ) sin ( β−' )
'
or
sin ( β−' )
P a= W
sin ( 90+ θ+δ −β+ ' )
'
which can be written in the form

1
Pa= γ H 2
2 [
cos ( θ−β ) cos ( θ−α ) sin ( β−' )
cos θ sin ( β−α ) sin ( 90+θ+ δ − β+' )
2 ' ]
All the variables are constant except for  - the angle of inclination of the failure plane with the
horizontal. To determine the critical value of  for maximum Pa
d Pa
=0
dβ
which will yield to the value of Ka equal to
cos ( ❑ −θ )
2 '
Ka=
[√ ]
2
sin ( δ ' + ' ) sin (❑' −α )
cos θ cos ( δ +θ ) 1 +
2 '
cos ( δ + θ ) cos ( θ−α )

'
Note that if  = 0,  = 0, and ’ = 0, Coulomb’s active earth pressure coefficient becomes equal to
Rankine’s active earth pressure coefficient.
Passive Case:
Figure 13.23a shows a retaining wall with a sloping
cohensionless backfill similar to that considered in the active
case. The force polygon for equilibrium of the wedge ABC
for the passive state is shown in Figure 13.23b. P p is the
notation for the passive force. Other notations used are the
same as those for the active case. In a procedure similar to
the one that we followed in the active case
1 2
P p= K p γ H
2
cos ( ❑ +θ )
2 '
K p=
[ √ ]
2
sin ( ❑ −δ ' ) sin ( ❑ + α )
' '
cos 2 θ cos ( δ ' −θ ) 1−
cos ( δ ' −θ ) cos ( α −θ )
Again, note that if  = 0,  = 0, and ’ = 0, Coulomb’s

passive earth pressure coefficient becomes equal to
Rankine’s passive earth pressure coefficient.
VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
SAMPLE PROBLEMS:
1. In a normally consolidated sandy clay deposit, the water table lies at a depth of 4 m. The bulk and
saturated unit weights of the soil are 17.0 kN/m 3 and 18.5 kN/m3 respectively. The effective friction
angle of the soil is known as 25° from a consolidated, drained triaxial test. Find the total horizontal
stress at 10 m depth.
SOLUTION:
K o =1−sin❑' =1−sin 25°=0.57738
At a depth of 10 m
σ ' o=17 ( 4 ) +18.5 ( 6 ) −9.81 ( 6 )=120.14 kPa
u=9.81 ( 6 )=58.86 kPa
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=69.37 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=128.23 kPa
2. A rigid basement wall retains 6 m of backfill as shown below. The K 0 values of the sand and clay
are 0.45 and 0.56 respectively. Assuming the entire soil mass is in K 0-state, draw the lateral
pressure distribution with depth and determine the magnitude and location of the resultant thrust on
the wall.
SOLUTION:
At z = 0, o = 0; u = 0, ’o and ’h = 0
At z = 2 m
σ ' o=16.5 ( 2 )=33 kPa ; u=0
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=0.45 ( 33 ) =14.85 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=14.85 kPa 14.9 kPa
At z = 3 m (in sand)
σ ' o=16.5 ( 2 ) + ( 18−9.81 )( 1 ) =41.19 kPa ; u=9.81 ( 1 )=9.81 kPa
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=0.45 ( 41.19 )=18.54 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=18.54+ 9.81=28.35 kPa 28.3 kPa
At z = 3 m (in clay)
σ ' o=16.5 ( 2 ) + ( 18−9.81 )( 1 ) =41.19 kPa ; u=9.81 ( 1 )=9.81 kPa
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=0.56 ( 41.19 )=23.07 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=23.07+ 9.81=32.88 kPa 32.9 kPa
At z = 6 m
σ ' o=16.5 ( 2 ) + ( 18−9.81 )( 1 ) +(18.5−9.81)(3)=67.26 kPa; u=9.81 ( 4 )=39.24 kPa
σ ' h=K o σ ' o=0.56 ( 67.26 )=37.67 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=37.67+39.24=76.91 kPa
To calculate the total lateral earth pressure, the pressure diagram for h is divided in triangles and
rectangles and the areas are calculated. To determine the location of the resultant pressure, the
distance of the centroid of each area from the base and the moment of the area about the base are
also calculated.
Area Lever arm from Moment of area
the base about the base
1 1 1 14 69.53
( 14.9 ) ( 2 )=14.9 4 + ( 2 )=
2 3 3
2 14.9 ( 1 )=14.9 1 52.15
3+ (1)=3.5
2
3 1 1 10 22.33
( 13.4 ) ( 1 )=6.7 3+ ( 1 ) =
2 3 3
4 ( 32.9 ) ( 3 )=98.7 1 148.05
( 3 )=1.5
2
5 1 1 66.0
( 44.0 )( 3 ) =66.0 ( 3 ) =1
2 3
Total 201.2 358.06
y=
∑ M base = 358.06 =1.78 m
A 201.2
The total lateral earth pressure is P = 201.2 kN per meter length of the wall located at 1.78 m from
the base.
3. The soil profile shown in the figure consists of a 6 m-thick sand layer underlain by saturated clay
where the water table lies 2 m below the ground level. The entire soil mass is retained by a
concrete retaining wall and is in the active state. Find the total horizontal earth pressures at A, B,
and C.
SOLUTION:
At A, z = 1 m
σ ' o=17 ( 1 )=17 kPa; u=0
Ka=
1−sin '
1+ sin'
2
(
'
=tan 45 °− =0.28271
2 )
σ ' h=K a σ ' o=4.81 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=4.81kPa
At B, z = 5 m
σ ' o=17 ( 2 ) + ( 20−9.81 ) ( 3 )=64.57 kPa ; u=9.81 ( 3 )=29.43 kPa
K a =0.28271
σ ' h=K a σ ' o=18.25 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=47.68 kPa
At C, z = 8 m
σ 'o =17 ( 2 ) + ( 20−9.81 )( 4 ) + ( 19−9.81 ) ( 2 )=93.14 kPa;
u=9.81 ( 6 )=58.86 kPa
( )
'
1−sin❑ 2
'
❑ =0.40586
Ka= =tan 45° −
1+ sin❑
'
2
σ ' h=K a σ ' o−2 c ' √ K a =12.32 kPa
σ h=σ ' h+u=71.18 kPa
4. A smooth retaining wall with 2 m of embedment in the clayey sand retains a 6 m-high sandy backfill
as shown in the figure. Assuming that the entire soil mass on the right side of the wall is in the
active state and the soil on the left is in the passive state, compute the active and passive thrusts
on the wall.
SOLUTION:
47.1
50.2
Behind the wall: Active State

At z = 0: σ ' h=0 ; u=0∧σ h=0
At z = 6 m (in sand)
σ ' o=17 ( 6 )=102 kPa
Ka=
1−sin '
1+ sin' (
'
=tan 2 45 °− =0.29480
2 )
σ ' h=K a σ ' o=30.1 kPa
At z = 6 m (in clayey sand)
σ ' o=17 ( 6 )=102 kPa
Ka=
1−sin '
1+ sin'
2
( '
=tan 45 °− =0.40586
2 )
σ ' h=K a σ ' o−2 c ' √ K a =22.3 kPa
At z = 8 m
σ ' o=17 ( 6 )+ ( 20−9.81 ) ( 2 )=122.38 kPa
K a =0.40586
σ ' h=K a σ ' o−2 c ' √ K a =30.6 kPa
In front of the wall: (Passive state)
At z = 0;
σ ' o=0
K p=
1+sin '
1−sin' ( '
=tan 2 45 ° + =2.46391
2 )
σ ' h=K p σ ' o+ 2c ' √ K p=47.1kPa
At z = 2 m;
σ ' o=( 20−9.81 ) ( 2 )=20.38 kPa
K p=
1+sin '
1−sin' ( '
=tan 2 45 ° + =2.46391
2 )
σ ' h=K p σ ' o+ 2c ' √ K p=97.3 kPa
For the active thrust on the wall:
1 1 1 361.2
( 30.1 ) ( 6 )=90.3 2+ ( 6 )=4
2 3
2 22.3 ( 2 )=44.6 1 44.6
(2)=1.0
2
3 1 1 2 5.53
( 8.3 ) ( 2 )=8.3 ( 2 )=
2 3 3
Total 143.2 411.33
y=
∑ M base = 411.33 =2.87 m
A 143.2
Therefore, the total active thrust on the wall is 143.2 kN per meter length of the wall acting 2.87 m
above the base of the wall.
For the passive thrust on the wall

1 (47.1)(2)=94.2 1 64.2
(2)=1
2
2 1 1 2 33.47
( 50.2 )( 2 )=50.2 ( 2)=
2 3 3
Total 144.4 97.67
y=
∑ M base = 97.67 =0.68 m
A 144.4
Therefore, the total passive thrust on the wall is 144.4 kN per meter length of the wall acting at 0.68
m above the base.
NOTE: In addition to the active and passive thrusts, there is also water thrust caused by the pore
water pressure. However, they are equal and cancel each other out when the total horizontal force
acting on the wall is calculated.
5. A retaining wall that has a soft, saturated clay backfill is shown

in the figure. For the undrained condition ( = 0) of the backfill,
determine the following values:
a. The maximum depth of the tensile crack.
b. Pa before the tensile crack occurs.
c. Pa after the tensile crack occurs.
SOLUTION:
The depth of tensile crack is

2 c u 2(17)
z o= = =2.17 m
γ 15.7
At z = 0
σ a=−2 c u √ K a where K a =1
σ a=−2 ( 17 )=−34 kPa
At z = 6 m
σ a=K a γz−2 c u √ K a= ( 1 )( 15.7 )( 6 )−2 (17 ) (1 )=60.2 kPa
Before tensile crack occurred
1 1
Pa= ( 60.2 )( 3.83 )− ( 34 ) ( 2.17 )=78.4 kPa
2 2
After the tensile crack occurred
1
Pa= ( 60.2 )( 3.83 )=115.3 kPa
2
6. A frictionless retaining wall is shown in the Figure. Find the passive resistance (Pp) due to the
backfill, and the location of the resultant passive force.
SOLUTION:
1+sin ' 1+ sin 26 °
K p= = =2.56107
1−sin' 1−sin 26 °
At z = 0 m
σ o=K p q+ 2c √ K p =62.74 kPa
'
At z = 4 m
σ o=K p (q+ γz)+2 c ' √ K p=216.40 kPa
The total passive force per unit length of the wall is equal to the area of the pressure
distribution diagram
1
P p=62.74 ( 4 )+ (153.66 )( 4 ) =250.96+307.32=558.28 kN
2
y=
250.96 ( 2 ) +307.32
4
3
=1.63 m
()
558.28
7. A retaining wall is shown in the Figure. The height of

the wall is 6 m, and the unit weight of the backfill is
18.9 kN/m3. Calculate the active force, Pa, on the wall
using Coulomb’s equation for an angle of wall friction
of 20o.
SOLUTION:
cos ( ❑ −θ )
2 '
Ka=
[√ ]
2
sin ( δ + ' ) sin (❑ −α )
' '
cos θ cos ( δ +θ ) 1 +
2 '
cos ( δ ' + θ ) cos ( θ−α )

where ’ = 0; ’ = 20o;  = 5o and  = 0
Ka = 1.103377919
The active pressure is equal to
1 1
Pa= K a γ H 2= ( 1.103377919 ) (18.9 )( 6 )2=375.37 kN /m
2 2
Therefore, Pa = 375.37 kN per meter length of the wall acting at 20 o downward from the normal to
the wall at 2 m from the base.
VII. EVALUATION (Note: Not to be included in the student’s copy of the IM)
VIII. ASSIGNMENT
PS 9: LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

1. The backfill behind a retaining wall, located above the water table, consists of a sand of unit
weight 17 kN/m3. The height of the wall is 6 m and the surface of the backfill is horizontal.
Determine the total active thrust on the wall according to Rankine’s theory if ’ = 37o. If the wall
is prevented from yielding, what is the approximate value of the thrust on the wall?
2. A line of sheet piling is driven 4 m into a firm clay and retains, on one side, a 3 m depth od fill on
top of the clay. Water table is at the curface of the clay. The unit weight of the fill is 18 kN/m 3
and the saturated unit weight of the clay is 20 kN/m 3. Calculate the active and passive
pressures at the lower end of the sheet piling if cu = 50 kPa and u = 0.
3. A retaining wall 6 m high with a vertical back face retains a homogeneous saturated soft clay.
The saturated unit weight of the clay is 19 kN/m3. Laboratory tests showed that the undrained
shear strength, cu, of the clay is 16.8 kN/m2.
a) Do the necessary calculations and draw the variation of Rankine’s active pressure on the
wall with depth.
b) Find the depth up to which a tensile crack can occur.
c) Determine the total active force per unit length of the wall before the tensile crack occurs.
d) Determine the total active force per unit length of the wall after the tensile crack occurs. Also
find the location of the resultant.
4. A retaining wall is shown in Figure 11.23. Determine Rankine’s active force, P a, per unit length
of the wall and the location of the resultant in each of the following cases:
a) H = 6 m, H1 = 2 m, 1 = 16 kN/m3, 2 19 kN/m3, ’1 = 32o, ’2 = 36o, q = 15 kN/m2
b) H = 5 m, H1 = 1.5 m, 1 = 17.2 kN/m3, 2 = 20.4 kN/m3, ’1 = 30o, ’2 = 34o, q = 19.15
kN/m2
5. For a rigid retaining wall as seen in the following

figure, compute Coulomb’s active lateral earth thrust
against the wall face AB and the point of application of
the resultant force.
IX. REFERENCES
Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering by Braja M. Das
Soil Mechanics and Foundations by Muni Budhu

IM9 - Lateral Earth Pressure

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Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

DEGREE BS in Civil COURSE NO. GEOTECH 1

I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE

II. LESSON TITLE

III. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

IV. LESSON OVERVIEW

EARTH PRESSURE AT REST:

K o =0.44+ 0.42 [ PI (%)

RANKINE’S THEORY OF ACTIVE PRESSURE

Rankine’s Active State:

σ ' a=σ ' o tan 2 45°−

Rankine’s Passive State:

Effect of Wall Yielding:

Rankine’s Active Pressure With Sloping Granular

Diagrams for Lateral Earth Pressure Distribution Against Retaining Walls:

Backfill—Cohesive Soil with Horizontal Backfill: Active Case

Coulomb’s Earth Pressure Theory – Retaining Walls with Friction

which can be written in the form

cos ( δ + θ ) cos ( θ−α )

Again, note that if  = 0,  = 0, and ’ = 0, Coulomb’s

VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Behind the wall: Active State

For the passive thrust on the wall

5. A retaining wall that has a soft, saturated clay backfill is shown

The depth of tensile crack is

7. A retaining wall is shown in the Figure. The height of

cos ( δ ' + θ ) cos ( θ−α )

PS 9: LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

5. For a rigid retaining wall as seen in the following

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