Passive Earth Pressure in Narrow Cohesive-Frictional Backfills

Title

Passive Earth Pressure in Narrow Cohesive-Frictional Backfills

 Author

Li, Chutian (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Lai, F. (TU Delft Geo-engineering; Southeast University)
Shiau, Jim (University of Southern Queensland)
Keawsawasvong, Suraparb (Thammasat University)
Huang, Hanhui (Fuzhou University)

Date

2023

 Abstract

A narrow backfill zone is formed when retaining walls are built near existing stabilized structures (e.g., rock faces). In such circumstances, the classical passive earth pressure coefficient is no longer applicable, and a correction factor is required for the design. This paper aims to develop analytical solutions for estimating the passive earth pressure problem of narrow cohesive-frictional backfills behind retaining walls. The novel arched differential element method considers both effects of the horizontal shear stress in backfills and the soil arching, and it is employed to estimate the passive earth pressure distribution along with wall depth. The solutions are compared against those published experimental data, analytical approaches, and finite-element limit analysis solutions. The factors influencing the distribution of passive earth pressure are also undertaken using a series of parametric studies. To implement the derived solutions into a routine design, a modified practical design equation is presented following the standard Coulomb's solutions. This work provides a theoretical guideline for the initial design of retaining walls with narrow soils, and it should be of great interest to practitioners.


Subject

Arched differential element method
Cohesive-frictional materials
Narrow backfill
Passive earth pressure
Retaining structure
Soil arching effect

 To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:ee22d4bb-9bd3-4e8d-8e05-38a2448b00fe

 DOI

https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0002639

 Embargo date

2023-07-01

 ISSN

1532-3641

 Source

International Journal of Geomechanics, 23 (1)

 Bibliographical note

Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.

 Part of collection

Institutional Repository

 Document type

journal article

 Rights

© 2023 Chutian Li, F. Lai, Jim Shiau, Suraparb Keawsawasvong, Hanhui Huang
Files
PDF _ASCE_GM.1943_5622.0002639.pdf 1.4 MB
Close viewer