The Arch in Soil Arching
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 111, Issue 3
Abstract
Soil arching action or “bin effect” is usually quantified by use of a horizontal differential element whose support derives in part from Rankine theory. In the 1940's, Krynine mathematically proved this incorrect. The present analysis substitutes a catenary arch describing the path of the minor principal stress, which thus is complementary to a structural arch, and dips downward instead of upward if supportive. Soil arching action develops in two stages: The first involves rotation of the principal stresses adjacent to a rough wall and causes horizontal wall pressures to significantly exceed those from classical theory simulating a pressure distribution even in loose backfill soil. The second stage reduces pressures on the lower wall to give a curvilinear distribution typically centered at a height 0.42 times the height of the wall and in close agreement with published data.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 111 • Issue 3 • March 1985
Pages: 302 - 318
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 ASCE.
History
Published online: Mar 1, 1985
Published in print: Mar 1985
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