In the analysis of a rigid retaining wall, Coulomb''s active earth pressure theory (vs Rankine) additionally accounts for:
Choose the correct answer
Only cohesion of backfill
Wall friction angle (δ) between soil and back of wall — Rankine assumes smooth wall
Water pressure in backfill
Dynamic seismic loads only
Correct Answer
B. Wall friction angle (δ) between soil and back of wall — Rankine assumes smooth wall
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Coulomb''s theory accounts for wall friction angle (δ, angle between wall and failure wedge). More realistic than Rankine (smooth wall). Active force PA = ½γH²Ka (Coulomb). Coulomb Ka = sin²(α+φ)/[sin²α × sin(α−δ) × (1+√(sin(φ+δ)sin(φ−β)/sin(α−δ)sin(α+β)))²] where α = wall inclination, β = backfill slope. Direction of PA at angle δ from wall normal.
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