EARTH PRESSURE - EXAMPLES

#1.For the retaining wall shown in Fig., determines the force per unit width of the wall
for Rankine’s active state.
Also find the location of resultant.

3m  = 16 Kn/m3
 = 30, C = 0
6m

sat = 18 Kn/m3
3m
 = 35, C = 0

(a)

Given that C = 0, we know that pa = Ka  z = Ka ’v

For the upper layer of he soil, Rankine’s active earth pressure co-efficient is
Ka = Ka(1) =

For the lower layer,

Ka = Ka(2) =

3
16
16
+ = Pa = 117.15 kN/m
1.78 m
3
29.43 36.1
13
13
19.67

(b) (c) (d)

At z = 0 , v = ’v = 0. At z = 3m (just inside the bottom of the upper layer), v = ’v 3 x
16 = 48 kN/m2. So,
pa = p’a = ka(1) ’v =
Again at z = 3 (in the lower layer), v = ’v = 3 x 16 = 48 Kn/m2
and pa = p’a = ka(2) ’v =
at z = 6m,

’v = 3 x 16 + 3 (18 – 9.81) = 72.57 kN/m2

and p’a = ka(2) ’v = (0.271)(72.57) = 19.67 Kn/m2

The variation of p’a with depth is shown in Fig.(b).

The lateral presssure due to pore water are as follows:
At z = 0, u = 0
z = 3m, u = 0
at z = 6m, u = 3 x w = 3 x 9.81 = 29.43 kN/m2.
The variation of u with depth is shown inFig. (c), and that for pa (total active pressure) is
shown in Fig. (d)
Thus,
Pa = (1/2) (3) (16) + 3 (13.0) + ½ (3) (36.1)
= 24 + 39.0 + 54.15 = 117.15 kN/m.
The direction of the resultant can be found by taking the moment about the bottom of the
wall.
Thus,

= 1.78m

#2. A retaining wall that has a soft, saturated clay backfill is shown in Fig. For the
undrained condition ( =0) of the backfill, determine
(a) Maximum depth of the tensile crack
(b) Pa before the tensile crack occurs
(c) Pa after the tensile crack occurs
-700 lb/ft2

7 ft
 = 100 lb/ft3
 = 0,
20’
Cu = 350 lb/ft2
13 ft

For  = 0, Ka = tan245 = 1 & C = Cu

1300 lb/ft2
pa = Z – Z Cu
At z = 0 (a) (b)
pa = – Z Cu = - (z) (350) = - 700 lb/ft2
At z = 20 ft
pa = (100) (20) – (z)(350) = - 1300 lb/ft2

The variation of pa with depth is shown in Fig.(b)

(a) The depth of the tensile crack equals Zc =
(b) Before the tensile crack occurs.

or Pa = ½ (100)(20) – (2)(350)(20) = 6000 lb/ft2

(c) After the tensile crack occurs.

#3. A frictionless retaining wall is shown in Fig. Determine the active foce, pa after the
tensile crack occurs.
q = 15 Kn/m2
-6.64 Kn/m2

Z = 1.03m
 = 16.5 Kn/m2
 = 260
6m
Cu = 10 Kn/m2
-z=
4.97m

31.97 Kn/m2
(a) (b)
Given that  = 260, we have

pa = kav – 2C
pa = (0.39)(15) – (2) (10) = - 6.64 Kn/m2

at z = 6m,
pa = (0.39)[15 + (6)(16.5)] – (2) (10) = 31.97 Kn/m2

The pressure distribution diagram is shown in (b). From this diagram,

or z = 1.03 m
After the tensile crack occurs

#4. A frictionless retaining wall is shown in Figure. Find the passive resistance (Pp) on
the back fill, and the location of the resultant passive force.

q = 10 Kn/m2

 = 15 Kn/m2
 = 260
4m Cu = 8 Kn/m2

512 Kn/m
1m

51.2 153.6
Kn/m2
(a) (b)
Given  = 260.

pp = kpv + 2 C
At z =0, v = 10 Kn/m2. Then,

Again at z = 4m,

so,

= 204.8 kN/m2

The pressure distribution diagram is shown in Fig. b. The passive resistance per unit
width of the wall is as follows:
 = 204.8 + 307.2
= 512 kN/m

The location of the resultant can be found by taking the moment of the pressure diagram
@ the bottom of the wall. Thus,

=1m

#5. The space between two retaining walls, 5 m high with two smooth vertical backs is
filled with dry sand weighing 17.4 Kn/m3 and having an angle of shearing resistance of
320. The foundations of the walls are interconnected by a reinforced concrete floors. The
tops of the wall are connected by heavy steel ties. The surface of the sand is used for
storing pig iron weighing 25 kN/m2. Calculate the total pressure acting on the walls
before and after the application of surcharge.
The retaining walls are not allowed to rotate or move laterally, since the foundation of the
walls are interconnected by a reinforced cements floor and the tops of the walls are
connected by heavy steel ties.
Hence the lateral earth pressure is that due to at rest condition.
Given :
Given  = 320, KO = 1 – Sin = 1 – Sin 32 = 0.47, dry unit weight of sand  = 17.4 Kn/m3.
Let H = 5 m be the height of the retaining wall.

H=5m

K0q K0H
K0H

Therefore, the total pressure active on the wall before application of surcharge is
PO = ½ K0H2 = ½ 0.47 x 17.4 x H2
Let H = 5 m, than = 4.089 H2 = 102.22 Kn/m

After application of surcharge: Given that a uniform surcharge q of 25 Kn/m2 is applied.

The total pressure on the wall is
PO = ½ K0qH + ½ K0H2

= (0.47 x 25 x 5) + ( ½ x 0.47 x 17.4 x 52)

=160.97 Kn/m

#6. The space between two retaining walls, 5 m high with two smooth vertical backs is
filled with dry sand weighing 17.4 Kn/m3 and having an angle of shearing resistance of
320. The foundations of the walls are interconnected by a reinforced concrete floors. The
tops of the wall are connected by heavy steel ties. The surface of the sand is used for
storing pig iron weighing 25 kN/m2. Calculate the total pressure acting on the walls
before and after the application of surcharge.

The retaining walls are not allowed to rotate or move laterally, since the foundation of the
walls are interconnected by a reinforced cements floor and the tops of the walls are
connected by heavy steel ties.
Hence the lateral earth pressure is that due to at rest condition.

Given :

Given  = 320, KO = 1 – Sin = 1 – Sin 32 = 0.47, dry unit weight of sand  = 17.4 Kn/m3.
Let H = 5 m be the height of the retaining wall.

H=5m

K0q K0H
K0H

Therefore, the total pressure active on the wall before application of surcharge is
PO = ½ K0H2 = ½ 0.47 x 17.4 x H2
Let H = 5 m, than = 4.089 H2 = 102.22 Kn/m

After application of surcharge : Given that a uniform surcharge q of 25 Kn/m2 is applied.

The total pressure on the wall is
PO = ½ K0qH + ½ K0H2

= (0.47 x 25 x 5) + ( ½ x 0.47 x 17.4 x 52)

=160.97 Kn/m

#7. The concrete retaining work shown in Fig. has been design to resist a horizontal force
of 120 Kn/m. Determine the height to which the water can be allowed to rise before the
allowable force on the wall is exceeded.

Dry sand
 = 18 Kn/m3
 = 320
K0(5-H)
1
5m GWL

H 2
3
4

K0(5-H) K0’H wH

Ka =

P1 = ½ K0(5 – H)2 = ½ 0.3073 x 18 x (5 – H)2 = 2.7657 (5 – H)2

P2 = [K0(5 – H)H = 0.3073 x 18 x (5 – H)H = 5.5314 (5 – H)H

P3 = ½ Ka’H2 = ½ 0.3073 x (18 – 9.81)H2 = 1.2584H2

P4 = ½wH2 = ½ x 9.81.x H2 = 4.905 H2

Pa (120) = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4
= 2.7657 (5 – H)2 + 5.5314 (5 – H)H + 1.2584H2 + 4.905 H2

3.4247 H2 = 50.8575

H = 3.85 m

#8. A retaining wall 10m high has sandy backfill with e = 0.65,  = 300 & G = 2.65. The
water table is at a depth of 3 m from the ground surface. Draw the earth pressure diagram
and determine the magnitude & point of application of the total active earth pressure.
 3m
GWL 1
K0H1
7m e = 0.65
 = 300 2
G = 2.65 Z
3
4

Given K0’H2 wH2

K0H1
e = 0.65,  = 300 , G = 2.65

Pa1 = ½ KadH12 = ½ x 1/3 x 15.76 x 32 = 23.64 kN/m

Pa2 = Kad h1 h2 = 1/3 x 15.76 x x 3 x 7 = 110.32 kN/m

Pa3 = ½ Ka’ h2 2 = ½ x 1/3 x 9.81 x 72 = 80.115 kN /m

Pa4 = ½wh2 2 = ½ x 9.81.x 72 = 240.345 kN/m

The magnitude of the total active earth pressure is

Pa = Pa1 + Pa2 + Pa3 + Pa4

= 23.64 + 110.32 + 80.115 + 240.345
= 454.42 kN/m

Taking moment of all forces base of the wall we have

Pa = Pa1(7+3/3) + Pa2 (7/2) + Pa3 (7/3) + Pa4 (7/3)

454.42 x = (23.64x8) + (110.32 x 3.5) + (80.115 x 2.333) + (240.345 x 2.333)

or =2.91m.
#9. A vertical wall 10 m high supports a horizontal backfill of sand of unit weight 17
kN/m3. The active earth pressure at the base of the wall is 50 kN/m 2 is placed over the
fill. Estimate the maximum earth pressure & the resultant force on the wall after the
surcharge is placed.

 = 17 Kn/m3

10 m

50 kN/m2
Given H = 10m,  = 17 kN/m3, Pa = 50 kN/m2
Pa at bottom of the wall = 50
50 = KaH
50 = Ka (17)(10)
Ka = 50/(17x10)
= 0.2941
P1 = KaqH = 0.2941 x 20 x 10 = 58.82 kN/m.
P2 = ½ KaH2 = ½ (KaH )(H) = ½ x 50 x 10 = 250 kN/m.
20 Kn/m2

10 m 1

Pa = P1 + P2
= 58.82 + 250 58.82 kN/m2 50 kN/m2
= 308.82 kN/m

#10. A retaining wall with a smooth vertical back, supports a two layered sandy stratum
to a depth of 6m. The properties of the two layers are as follows:
Top layer : C = 0,  = 300,  = 17 kN/m3
Bottom layer : C = 0,  = 340,  = 19 kN/m3
The top layer is 4 m thick. Calculate the magnitude and resultant of active lateral thrust
on the wall.

C=0
 = 17 Kn/m3
4m  = 300

2m C = 0,  = 340 2
 = 17 Kn/m3 3

Pa at top of wall = 0
1 at depth of 4 m below ground level = 4 x 17 = 68 kN/m2

Pa1 = KaH = 1/3 x 17 x 4 = 22.67 kN/m2.

(Just above the interface)

Pa2 (just below the interface) = 4 x 17 x 0.2827 = 19.22 kN/m2.

Pa3 = KaH = 0.2827 x 19 x 2 = 10.78 kN/m2.

Pa1 = ½ x 22.67 x 4 = 45.34 kN/m.

Pa2 = 19.22 x 2 = 38.44 kN/m.

Pa3 = ½ x 10.78 x 2 = 10.78 kN/m.

Therefore, the resultant thrust on the wall

Pa = P1 + P2 + P3 = 45.34 +38.44 + 10.78 = 94. 56 kN/m

Taking moment of all the forces @ the base of the wall, we have ,

94.56 x = 45.34 x (2 + 4/3) + 38.44 (2/2) + 10.78 x 2/3

= 2.08 m

#11. A retaining wall 6m high remains a backfill made up of two strata as shown in Fig.
The wall has smooth back, Calculate the resultant thrust on the wall, and its point of
action.
 Sand
2m 3m  = 17 Kn/m3 1
 = 300 11.33 kN/m2
2 3
10.45 kN/m2
15.37
Sand,  = 320
4
4m d = 18 kN/m3
sat = 21 kN/m3 5

20 kN/m2

For layer –1

Ka = =
For layer -II

Ka = =
For layer I, Pa at the top of the wall = 0
Pa just above the interface = KaH
= 0.333 x 17 x 2 = 11.33 kN/m2
Layer II Pa just below the interface = 0.3073 x 17 x 2 = 10.45 kN/m2

Vertical pressure at GWL = (2 x 17) + (1x18)

= 34 + 18 = 52 kN/m2

Pa at GWL = 0.3073 x 52 = 15.37 kN/m2

Vertical pressure at the bottom of the wall,

= (2x17) +(1x18) + 3(21 – 9.81) = 85.57 kN/m2

Pa at the bottom of the wall,

= 0.3073 x 85.57 = 26 kN/m2

P1 = ½ x 2 x 11.33 = 11.33 kN/m

P2 = 10.45 x 1 = 10.45 kN/m
P3 = ½ x (15.37 – 10.45) x 1 = 2.46 kN/m
P4 = 15.37 x 3 = 46.11kN/m
P5 = ½ x (26 – 15.37) x 3 = 26.58 kN/m

Therefore, the resultant thrust on the wall

Pa = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 + P5 = 11.33 + 10.45 + 2.46 46.11+26.58 = 96.93 kN/m
Taking moment of all forces @ the bottom of the wall,

96.93 x = 11.33(4+2/3) + (10.45x3.5) + 2.46(3 +1/3) + (46.11x1.5) + (26.58 x 3/3)

or =2m

#12. Plot the active earth pressure distribution on the retaining wall shown in Fig. by
Rankine’s Theory.

18.75 kN/m2
C = 15 kN/m2
 = 16.2 Kn/m3 2.96m
4m
 = 260
6.55 kN/m2
 = 34 0 18.32.
3m
sat = 20.4 kN/m3 37

27.30 kN/m2
1 = 3 tan2 + 2C tan 
1 = Pa tan2 + 2C tan 
Pa = 1 cot2 - 2C cot

Pa at the ground level = 0 x 16.2 x cot2 (45 + 26/2) – 2 x 15 x cot (45 +26/2)
= - 18.75 kN/m2
1 at the ground water level = 16.2 x 4 = 64.8 kN/m2
Pa at the ground water level = 64.8 x cot2(45 + 26/2) – 2 x 15 cot (45 + 26/2)
(Just above the interface)
= 6.55 kN/m2
zo = (2C/)tan = ((2 x 15) / 16.2)x tan 58
= 2.96 m
Pa at the ground water level
(just below the interface) = 64.8 x cot2(45 + 34/2) – 2 x 0 x cot (45 + 34/2)
= 18.32 kN/m2

The water table is on either side of the wall at the same level.
Hence, the lateral pressure due to water gets nullified.
The vertical pressure at the bottom of the wall
= 4 x 16.2 + 3 (20.4 – 9.81) = 96.57 kN/m2
Pa at the bottom of the wall,
= 96.57 x cot2 (45 + 34/2) – 2 x 0 x cot(45 + 34/2)
= 27.30 kN/m2
#13. For the retaining wall shown in Fig. draw active earth pressure distribution and
obtain active force on the wall.
8.67
10.84

d = 16 Kn/m3 8.68
2m  = 350 6.94

8m
2m
b = 19.5 Kn/m3
 = 400 + 15.41 +
sat= 20.5 Kn/m3
 = 300 23.64
4m

13.32 27.20 39.24

For layer –I

Ka = =
For layer -II

Ka = =
For layer –III
Ka = =

Due to increase :

Pa at the top = 0.271x40 = 10.84 kN/m2

Pa just above I interface = 0.271x40 = 10.84 kN/m2
Pa just below I interface = 0.217x40 = 8.68 kN/m2
Pa just above II interface = 0.217x40 = 8.68 kN/m2
Pa just below II interface = 0.333x40 = 13.32 kN/m2
Pa at the bottom = 0.333x40 = 13.32 kN/m2
Due to soil:

Pa at the top =0
1 at the I interface = 2 x 16 = 32 kN/m2
Pa just above I interface = 0.271x32=8.67 kN/m2
Pa just below I interface = 0.217x32=6.94 kN/m2
1 at the II interface = (2 x 16) + (2 x 19.5) = 71 kN/m2
Pa just above II interface = 0.217x71=15.41 kN/m2
Pa just below II interface = 0.333x71=23.64 kN/m2
1 at the bottom = (2 x 16) + (2 x 19.5) + 4 x (20.5 – 9.81) = 81.69 kN/m2
Pa at the bottom = 0.33 x 81.69 = 27.20 kN/m2
Due to ground water table

Pa at the ground water table > 0

Pa at the bottom = 4 x 9.81 = 39.24 kN/m2

Pa = (10.84 x 2) + (8.68 x 2) + (13.32 x 4) + ( ½ x 8.67 x 2)

+
=303.50 kN/m.

#14. A clayey backfill carries a surcharge of intensity 40 kN/m 2 and the bulk density of
the material is 18 kN/m3 as shown in Fig. What is the passive earth pressure developed
per meter length of a 5 m high retaining wall which is pushed towards the backfill if the
top of the retaining wall is level with the top of the backfill? Assume c = 25 kN/m 2 and 
= 300 for the material of the backfill. Find also the point of application of the resultant
forces.
86.6 kN/m2
120 kN/m 2
40 kN/m2

 = 18 kN/m3
 = 300
C =25 kN/m2 1 2 3

270 kN/m2

1 = 3tan2 + 2ctan
Pp = 2tan2 + 2ctan
Due to surcharge, the passive earth pressure is Kpq = 3 x 40 = 120 kN/m2 (KP = 3 for  =
300)
Due to backfill material, the passive pressure at the top of the wall,

Due to backfill material, the passive earth pressure at the bottom of wall.
Pp = (18 x 5 x tan260) + (2 x 25 x tan60) = 356.60 kN/m2
P1 = 120 x 5 = 600 kN/m
P2 = 86.6 x 5 = 600 kN/m
P3 = ½ x 270 x 5 = 675 kN/m

Therefore, the passive earth pressure

Pp = P1+ P2 + P3 = 600 + 433 + 675 = 1708 kN/m.
Taking moment of all the forces about the base of the wall.

Pp x = (P1 x 512) + (P2 x 512) + (P3 x 513)

= 2.17 m.

RETAINING WALL
#15. A retaining wall with a vertical smooth back cross designed for the following
conditions:
The dry cohesionless backfill height is 6m, angle of shearing resisitance is 35 0, the dry
unit weight is 17 kN/m3, & its factor of safety against over turning & sliding is 1.5.
however, it is found that the water table may rise to the top of the backfill. What will be
the factor of safety against sliding & overturning in this case?

 = 17 kN/m3
 = 350 sat = 21 kN/m3
(assumed)
6m  = 350
6m

KaH Ka’H wH

Ka = =
Pa = ½ KaH2 = ½ x 0.2702 x 17 x 62 = 82.8 kN/m.
Active at height of 2m from the base.

FS =

=341.21 kN.

F0 =

=82.8 x 2 x 1.5 = 248.4 kN/m

Pa = ( ½ Ka ’H2 + ½ wH2)
 = ½ X 0.2706 X { (21 – 9.81) X 62 + ( ½ X 9.81 X 62) } assumed sat = 21 kN/m2.
= 54.50 + 176. 58 = 231.08 kN/m.

The active earth pressure is 231.08 kN/m acting at a height of 2m above the base.

FS =
Since the factor of safety against sliding is less than 1.5, it is not safe.

F0 =

Since the factor of safety against over turning is less than 2, it is not safe.

#16. A masonry retaining wall has a top width of 2m, bottom width of 4.5 m & height of
5 m. its face retaining a soil ( c= 30 kN/m 2) is vertical. Given that the coefficient of
friction between its concrete base and the soil below is 0.3, investigate the stability of the
wall against possible sliding failure. Given the density of masonry is 22.5 kN/m3.

2m 2C = 60 kN/m2
C = 30 kN/m2
 = 18 kN/m3
=0
1
5m
Assuming that  = 18 kN/m3. We have + 3
 = 22.5 kN/m3
H – 2C
4.5 m = 30 kN/m2
H – 2C = (18 x 5) – (2 x 30) = 90 – 60 = 30 kN/m2
Pa = ½ x 30 x (5 – 3.33) = 25.05 Kn/m
The total active earth pressure is 25.05 kN/m and it acts at a height of
(5 – 3.33)/3 = 0.56m.

W = ½ x (4.5 + 2) x 5 x 22.5 = 365.63 kN/m

FS =
Since the factor of sliding is greater than 1.5. It is safe.

#17. A masonry retaining well of trapezoidal section is 6m high and 1m wide at the top,
retaining soil level with its top. Find the minimum width of the wall in order that tension
may not be induced at the base. Masonry and soil weight 23 and 16 kN/m3 respectively.
The angle of repose of the soil is 300. and the back face of the wall is vertical.
Given that  = 300, we have
Ka = =
Pa = ½ ka  H2 = ½ x 0.333 x 16 x 62 = 96 kN/m.
Pa acts horizontally at a height of 6/3 = 2m from the base.
H = Pa, Rv = W.
For no tension to develop. Rv must act at a distance (2/3)b. Taking moments of all the
forces about the heel , we have
1m
Soil
 = 16 kN/m3
 = 30 0

1 6m
2

b
(2/3 b)
R
Rv

Rv x 2/3 b = (w1 x ½ ) + w2 ) (1 + + Pa x 2

Now Rv = =69(b+1) Kn
W1 = 1 x 6 x 23 = 138 Kn
W2 = ½ x (b-1) 6 x 23 = 69 (b – 1) kN, & Pa = 96 kN/m.
Substituting the values of Rv, W1, W2 and Pa in the above equation we have,
69 (1 + b) x (2b/3) = 138 x (1/2) _ 69 (b – 1) (3 +b –1 )/3 + 96 x 2
i.e b2 + b – 9.35 = 0
or b = 2.60 m.

Thus, the minimum base width of the wall can be adopted is 2.60 m.

#18. A masonry retaining wall with a vertical face is 5m. the unit width at the top is 1m
and at its base is 3m. The unit weight of masonry is 20 kN/m 3. Upto what height can a
soil weighing 15 kN/m3 be retained by this wall so that the maximum pressure at the base
will be 1.2 times the minimum pressure at the base? The angle of repose of the soil is 300.

 = 15 kN/m3
5m
 = 300
4.8m

 = 20 kN/m3
 4.5 m
Max. Pressure at the base = 1.2 x (min. pressure at the base)

i.e. 1.2 – 7.2 e/b or 13.2 e = 0.2 b.

Thus e =

Therefore

Ka = = , Pa = ½ KaH2 = ½ 0.3333 x 15 x H2 = 2.5 H2

Acting at H/3 from base.

Taking moment of all forces @ the heel of the wall , we have

Rv x 1.545 = (2.5 H2 X h/3) + ( 1 x 5 x 20 x 0.5) + ½ x 2 x 5 x 20 x 1.67

Therefore H = 4.8m
Where Rv =

#19. A concrete gravity wall is to retain dry granular fill to a depth of 5m as shown in
Fig. Check the stability of the retaining wall against tension at the base & sliding.

3
 = 17 kN/m3
 = 300
5m 1 C =0
2 pa
5/3
conc. = 24 kN/m3

0.5 1.9
Sr. Description Force (kN) Lever Moment @ Toe
No. arm (kN-m)
Vertical Horizontal (m) Clock- Counter-
wise clockwise
1 W1 = 0.5 x 5 x 24 60.0 -- 2.150 -- 129.00
2 W2 = ½ x 1.9 x 5 x 24 114.00 -- 1.267 -- 144.44
3 W3 = ½ x 1.9 x 5 x 17 80.75 -- 0.633 -- 51.11
4 Pa = ½ x 1/3 x 17 x 25 -- 70.83 1.667 -- 118.07

Rv =

The Factor of Safety against sliding,

FS =
Since the factor of safety against sliding is less than 1.5, it is not safe.

Eccentricity e =
Since e = 0.54 m > 0.4 m (i.e. b/6), tension develops.

#20. A retaining wall has a top width of 4m and a height of 4m with a vertical face on the
soil side. For the soil fill C=10 kN/m2,  = 300 & average density is 20 kN/m3. Estimate
the variation of the vertical pressure intensity at the base of the wall.

Soln :
 = 45 + /2 = 45 + 30/2 = 600
2C cot  = 2 x 10 x cot 60 = 11.547 kN/m2
H cot2 - 2Ccot = (20 x 4 x cot260) – (2 x 10 x cot60) =25.12 kN/m2.
Z0 = (2C/)tan
= 2 x (10/20) tan60 = 1.732 m.
Neglecting the negative pressure diagram, we have
2m
11.57 kN/m2
-
 = 20 kN/m3
C = 10o kN/m2
 = 300
4.m
+
0.756m
2.m 2m 15.12 kN/m2
Pa = ½ x 15.12 x (4 – 1.732) x 20 = 342.9 kN/m.
Which is active at a ht. Of (4 – 1.732)/3 = 0.756m.
[(1/2) x 2 x 4 x 22] + (2 x 4 x 22) = 264 kN.
Taking moments of all forces about the heel, we get

e=

Pmax OR Pmin. =

=
= 119.26 kN/m2 or 120 kN/m2.

#21. A cantilever retaining wall retains dry sand to a depth of 5.0 m as shown in fig. Use
Rankine’s stability of the retaining wall against sliding & overturning.
0.5m

d = 18 kN/m3
=320
3
5m
 = 24
kN/m3
1
2m

2 0.5m

Ka = =
Sr. Description Force (kN) Lever Moment @ Heel
No. arm (kN-m)
Vertical Horizontal (m) Clock- Counter-
wise clockwise
1 W1 = 4.5 x 0.5 x 24 54 -- 0.25 13.5 --
2 W2 = 2.5 x 0.5 x 24 30 -- 1.25 37.5 --
3 W3 = 2 x 4.5 x 18 162 -- 1.5 243 --
4 Pa = ½ x 0.3072 x 18 x 52 -- 69.12 1.67 -- 115.43

Let the angle of friction between the concrete and foundation material be  = 200.
 = tan20 = 0.364

FS =

Since the factor of safety against sliding is less than 1.5, it is not safe.

F0 =

Since the factor of safety against overturning is greater than 2, it is safe.

#22. A line load of 50 Kn/m is located at a distance of 3 m from the back face of a
retaining wall 5 m high. Determine the lateral force on the wall due to the line load.

Refer to Figure 10.22a. (Page no.466)

so, Eq. (!0.48) is used for calculations, from which

we next determine pressure against the wall at intervals of 1 m. The following table
shows the results of the calculations:

m n = z/H
(Kn/m2)
0.6 0 0 0
0.6 0.2 0.573 5.73
0.6 0.4 0.678 6.78
 0.6 0.6 0.531 5.31
0.6 0.8 0.367 3.67
0.6 1.0 0.248 2.48

The distribution of lateral pressure is shown in Figure 10.22b. For simplicity, we assume
that the variation of is linear between each depth interval considered (shown as
broken lines on Figure 10.22b). so,

SHEET PILE AND ANCHORED SHEET PILE

# A cofferdam is to be constructed of cantilever sheet piling. It has to retain a soil of bulk
density of 2.3 g/cc, and an angle of internal friction of 33 degree, up to a height of 5m.
Find the depth to which the piles should be driven, assuming that two third of the
theoretical passive resistance is developed on the embedded length.

With reference to Fig 13.6 (P364, Garg), h = 5m, d =? Density = 2.3 g/cc

φ=33 degree

Now, Ka for cohesionless soil, assuming the backfill to be horizontal, is given by

Kp = 1/Ka = 1/0.294 = 3.4

Pa = ½ Ka γ H2 = ½ X 0.294 X 22.56 X (5+d)2 = 3.316 (5+d)2

Now, the actual passive resistance developed on front side in the embedded portion i.e.
Pp/F

= 2/3 X theoretical passive pressure (as given)

= 2/3 Pp = 2/3 [1/2 X Kp X γ X d ] = 25.57 d
2 2

Taking moment about point C, we get

Therefore,

or (5+d)3 = 7.71 d3

we have to solve this equation, and find out the value of d. We can do so by trial method,
or by assuming (5+d) = x.

x3 = 7.71 (x – 5)3

or x = 10.1m

5 + d = 10.1, or d = 6.12m

# An anchored sheet pile wall is to support a mass of cohessionless soil up to a height of

5 meters above the ground level with the horizontal surface. The anchor ties are 1 m
below the top at a horizontal spacing of 1 m. Unit weight of the soil is 24 kN/m 3, and  =
280. Find the maximum depth of piles required theoretically, neglecting friction on the
surface of the pile.

Solution: The given dimensions are shown in Figure 13.10 (P 367, Garg), showing the
forces acting on the anchored sheet pile. When wall friction is neglected, the value of Ka
and Kp can be computed by Rankine’s formulas as:

Kp = 1/Ka, therefore Kp = 1/0.36 = 2.77

Taking moment about anchor point B:

Solving by hit and trial, we get d = 1.89 (approx)

Hence, the minimum depth of sheet pile h + d = 6.89 = 6.90 m (say)

Note: Factor of safety for computation of depth of embedment is not considered in above
example)

#An anchored bulkhead 4.8 m high retains sand. The anchor rods are 1 m below the top
and the depth of embedment is 1.44 m. Determine the factor of safety against failure.
Angle of internal friction of sand is 35 degree, and the sand is submerged throughout with
a unit weight of 10kN/m3. Comment, if the depth of embedment is adequate? If not,
obtain the depth of embedment which renders the design adequate.

Solution: Figure 13.11 (p 368, Garg)

For  = 35 degree, Ka = 0.27, and Kp = 3.69

Ma = Moment of Pa about B

= Pa x (3.8 – 1.16) = 82.11 kN/m run

Moment of Pp about B (Mp) is given as:

A factor of safety of F will reduce the passive restoring force Pp and its moment Mp by
1/F times:
 , and

when d = 1.44 m, we have

for equilibrium, equate Ma with Mp, and get

Since F is less than 2 and does not cover extra 20% embedment required for scoure etc.,
the depth of embedment is inadequate.

To make a safe design, we use a value of F = 2 to compute Mp and equate to Ma

Ma = 82.11 kN.m/m run

Equating Mp and Ma, we get

3.075 x d2 (11.4 – d) = 82.11

Solving by hit and trial, we get d = 1.66 m

Provide extra 20% embedment for scour.

Hence, the safe depth of embedment = 1.2 x 1.66 = 2.0 m say