Influence of phase on the calculation of pseudo-static earth pressure on a retaining wall

R. S. Steedman, X. Zeng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Centrifuge modelling tests show clearly the phase change in lateral acceleration in the backfill behind a retaining wall as shear waves propagate from the base of the model towards the ground surface. However design calculations for the dynamic lateral earth pressure on a retaining wall which use a pseudo-static approach assume that the backfill experiences a uniform acceleration throughout. Researchers have agreed that the total lateral earth pressure calculated using this approach is approximately correct, but have disagreed over the distribution of the dynamic increment of pressure. The paper presents an analysis which takes into account a finite shear wave velocity in the backfill, thus making an allowance for the phase change in a prototype structure. It is found that the phase change does not have a significant influence on the magnitude of the total earth pressure but it has a marked effect on the distribution of the dynamic increment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCambridge University, Engineering Department, (Technical Report) CUED/D-Soils
Edition222
StatePublished - 1989

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of phase on the calculation of pseudo-static earth pressure on a retaining wall'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this