Analytical earth thrust on walls with bilinear backface

Abstract

This paper gives the analytical solution of the active thrust on retaining walls with bilinear backface. The solution is obtained using the limit equilibrium method, following the approach of Coulomb. The topographic profile of the backfill behind the soil is considered to be linear or bilinear. The solution proposed here can also be used to calculate thrust in seismic conditions with the pseudo-static approach. The position of the application point of the active thrust is also given in a simple analytical form.