Passive Earth Pressure

Definition

Passive earth pressure refers to the lateral force exerted by soil on a retaining structure when the structure moves away from the soil, such as when it is pushed or tilted. This pressure develops due to the soil’s resistance to deformation and plays a crucial role in the design and stability of various types of retaining walls. Understanding passive earth pressure is essential for calculating the forces acting on walls and ensuring they remain stable against soil movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passive earth pressure is greater than active earth pressure due to the additional forces exerted when a wall moves away from the soil.
2. The calculation of passive earth pressure can be done using Rankine's or Coulomb's theories, which consider factors like wall friction and soil cohesion.
3. In the case of a cantilever wall, passive earth pressure can provide significant resistance against overturning and sliding forces.
4. When analyzing retaining walls, understanding the conditions that lead to mobilization of passive earth pressure is crucial for effective design.
5. Different types of retaining walls respond uniquely to passive earth pressures; gravity walls rely heavily on their weight while reinforced earth walls use reinforcement techniques.

Review Questions

• How does passive earth pressure differ from active and at-rest earth pressures, and what implications does this have for retaining wall design?
  • Passive earth pressure is unique in that it occurs when a retaining structure moves away from the soil, while active pressure occurs when the wall moves towards the soil. At-rest pressure exists when there is no movement between the wall and soil. The distinction between these pressures is vital for retaining wall design because it affects how engineers calculate forces acting on walls. For instance, passive pressure can provide additional support for stability and must be included in design considerations to prevent failure.
• Discuss how Rankine's and Coulomb's theories are applied in determining passive earth pressure for different types of retaining walls.
  • Rankine's theory simplifies calculations by assuming no wall friction and that soil is homogeneous, making it useful for basic calculations of passive earth pressure. In contrast, Coulomb's theory accounts for wall friction and sloped backfill, providing more accurate results in complex situations. These theories allow engineers to predict how much passive pressure will be mobilized depending on wall movement and soil conditions, ensuring safe designs for gravity, cantilever, and reinforced earth walls.
• Evaluate the role of passive earth pressure in the overall stability analysis of retaining walls, particularly in varying soil conditions and wall movements.
  • Passive earth pressure plays a critical role in stability analysis by providing counteracting forces against potential failures like sliding or overturning. When soil conditions change—such as variations in cohesion or density—engineers must reassess how much passive pressure can be mobilized. Understanding these dynamics allows for more accurate predictions of a wall's behavior under different loads and movements. By effectively integrating passive pressures into stability assessments, engineers can enhance the safety and durability of retaining structures in fluctuating environmental conditions.

Related terms

Active Earth Pressure: The lateral pressure exerted by soil on a retaining structure when the wall moves towards the soil, causing soil to yield.

At-Rest Earth Pressure: The state of lateral pressure in which the wall remains stationary relative to the soil, leading to a specific pressure distribution.

Soil Mechanics: The study of the behavior of soil as a material, including its physical and mechanical properties that influence its interaction with structures.