1.

Using the Rankine theory, determine the total active thrust on a vertical retaining wall 5 m high if the
soil retained has a horizontal surface level with the top of the wall and has the following properties: φ
= 35°; γ = 19 kN/m3. What is the increase in horizontal thrust if the soil slopes up from the top of the
wall at an angle of 35° to the horizontal?
2.

Details of the soil retained behind a smooth wall are given in the above figure. Draw the diagram
of the pressure distribution on the back of the wall and determine the total horizontal active thrust
acting on the back of the wall by the Rankine theory.

3. A vertical retaining wall 6 m high is supporting soil which is saturated and has a unit weight of 22.5
kN/m3. The angle of shearing resistance of the soil, φ′, is 35° and the surface of the soil is horizontal
and level with the top of the wall. A groundwater level has been established within the soil and occurs
at a level of 2 m from the top of the wall. Using the Rankine theory calculate the significant pressure
values and draw the diagram of pressure distribution that will occur on the back of the wall.

4. A retaining wall supports a soil as shown below. Sketch the lateral pressure distribution acting on the
back of the wall.

∅′
5. Solve the problem 1 (Q1) using the Coulomb method. Assume that 𝛿 = .
2