Computation of Passive Earth Pressure Coefficients for a Horizontal Cohesionless Backfill Using the Method of Slices

Abstract

An approximate and acceptable solution for a retaining wall problem is developed using the method of slices. The failure surface consisting of log spiral followed by a tangent is considered in the analysis. To make the analysis statically determinate, the effect of wall friction is assumed to decrease linearly away from the wall. Static equilibrium conditions are used for the analysis of forces acting on the slices. The passive pressure coefficients for a vertical retaining wall with different wall friction and internal friction angles are computed. The results show a close agreement with some of the available solutions.