ERU Soil Mechanics

Spring 2023 Sheet (2) Lateral Earth Pressure (CE210)

1- Draw the active earth pressure and water pressure distributions on the
shown vertical wall with smooth back. Calculate the lateral forces acting
on the wall.
2
q = 1.1 t/m

Sand  = 1.75 t/m3  = 32o 1m

Sand  = 1.95t/m3  = 32o

6m
5m

2- A retaining wall is shown in the below figure. Determine the

magnitude and point of application of the earth lateral active force per
unit length of the wall, apply Rankine’s method. Draw both earth
pressure and water pressure diagrams.

3 o
Sand  = 1.64 t/m  = 30 1.2m

3 o
Sand  = 1.91t/m  = 35
6m
4.8m

1
 3- Draw the active and passive earth pressures and water pressure
distributions on the shown vertical wall with smooth back.

3 2
Clay (1)  = 1.6 t/m c = 1 t/m 3m

3 o
Sand (1)  = 1.9 t/m  = 35 2m

3 2 o
Clay (2)  = 2.0 t/m c = 2 t/m  = 27 3m

3 o 4m
3 o Sand (2)  = 2.1 t/m  = 42
Sand (2)  = 2.1 t/m  = 42

4- A vertical cut in a clay collapsed when the depth of excavation (‫)حفر‬

reached 4.5 m. Calculate the clay cohesion. If a vertical cutting in this

clay, 8 m deep, is supported by a retaining wall, calculate the earth
pressure force acting on the wall.
A

4.5 m 3
Clay:  = 2 t/m

5- Calculate the total active earth pressure on the shown inclined smooth
wall with sloping backfill.
o
12
Sand:
3
 = 1.8 t/m
o
4m 1:4  = 34