3 Consider two cases used to retain a granular soil What wou

3. Consider two cases used to retain a granular soil. What would be reasonable lateral earth pressure coefficients to use for a concrete gravity structure versus a flexible steel sheetpile wall?

Solution

In case of concrete gravity retaining walls the self weight is enough to restrict the movement of wall towards or away from the backfill soil, So \"K₀\" i, e coefficient AT REST will be reasonable to use.

In case of flexible structures the movement can occur easily due to flexibility of the structure. Hence the backfill will \"push\" the structure away from it. Hence \"K_A\" i, e ACTIVE E. Pressure coefficient will be reasonable to use.