Geostatic Wall Pressures

It is shown that the single closed-form expression, ☌_h = k_wYH β - 2 (1 - H/Z)- (1 - H/Z)_β-9 where β=K₁/tanγ, models the pressure distribution behind rigid rough retaining structures inactive and passive failure modes under translation, rotation about the base, and rotation about the top. Each condition is represented by two condition specific parameters in the expression. These are K_w, the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at the wall interface, and a, a shape parameter representing the size of the region failed soil behind the wall. For translating walls, K_w is given by K_w=tan₂θ + k/1 + Ktan²θ and β is approximated by βw=K_wcos²θ/ (cos δ)^1/2 ± [sin (θ+δ) sinθ]^1/2. Further investigations of these parameters are necessary for rotating walls.