Analytical solution to estimate the point of application of resultant passive earth thrust against unsaturated retaining structures

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a simplified analytical solution for computing the magnitude and the point of application of the resultant passive earth thrust, as well as the passive earth pressure distribution against inclined walls retaining unsaturated soils under different steady flow conditions. The present analysis was performed based on the assumptions consistent with the Coulomb approach within the framework of the limit equilibrium method. Possible modifications of induced negative pore pressure or matric suction within the unsaturated zone above the water table have been considered depending upon the steady flow conditions, soil types, and groundwater table positions. Results of the parametric study showed considerable alterations in the passive earth pressure of unsaturated soils due to different parameters and highlight the importance of incorporating suction stress changes directly in the stability analysis of earth-retaining structures.

KEYWORDS:

• Thrust coefficient
• passive earth pressure
• unsaturated soils
• matric suction
• limit equilibrium

Notation

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Acknowledgments

The first author gratefully acknowledges the financial support received from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur for his postdoctoral research works.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.