Lateral earth pressure

About: Lateral earth pressure is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 5334 publications have been published within this topic receiving 62552 citations.

Finite element analyses of an in situ wall propped at formation level

Abstract: The use of formation-level props to support an in situ retaining wall can result in a structural system which is stiff and remote from rotational failure. However, the interaction between the wail, the soil and a continuous prop slab cannot be analysed using simple techniques. Finite element analyses have been carried out to investigate some of the factors affecting the behaviour of an in situ wall, propped at formation level, retaining 9 m of stiff overconsolidated boulder clay. This Paper describes the results of a parametric study in which the effects of soil/wall/prop stiffness and the pre-excavation earth pressure coefficient were investigated. It is found that, because the wall is very stiff, computed deformations are governed by the assumed stiffness of the soil rather than the flexura! rigidity of the wall. Bending moments in the wall are influenced significantly by the assumed pre-excavation lateral earth pressures and, to a lesser extent, by the nature of the structural connection between the wa...

Lateral earth pressures in expansive clay soils

Abstract: Lateral earth pressures produced by saturated clays with negative pore-water pressures and unsaturated expansive clays with positive matric suctions are considered from a theoretical standpoint. Si...

Calibration of dilatometer correlations

Abstract: The results of the dilatometer test combined with empirical correlations are used to estimate unit weight, coefficient of lateral earth pressure, overconsolidation ratio, constrained modulus, undrained shear strength for clays, and effective friction angle for sands. Recent work also suggests obtaining relative density, Young's modulus, liquefaction potential for sands, limit skin friction for piles in clay and constrained modulus for settlement analysis in sand. The paper evaluates the dilatometer correlations for clays and sands in light of the results obtained in a four-year research program at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute. The dilatometer is one of the only methods to provide estimates of unit weight, coefficient of lateral earth pressure and overconsolidation ratio simultaneously and very cost-effectively. Important uncertainties still exist, but the evaluation of well-documented sites and the use of consistent reference parameters should reduce the scatter observed in the data underlying the interpretation charts. The correlations are fairly well documented for clay deposits, but need considerable validation for silt and sand deposits.

Settlement of shallow foundations on granular soils

Abstract: A conceptual framework for understanding the effects of overconsolidation in reducing the compressibility of all types of soils is presented. A generally applicable method for estimating the settlement of footings on granular soils is presented. The procedure uses a combination of dilatometer and cone-penetration test results to identify the preconsolidation pressure, while soil moduli—either Young’s modulus or constrained modulus, depending on the boundary conditions—are obtained from the dilatometer test results. Calibration chamber test results are used to adjust the dilatometer moduli for the effects of stress path and for disturbance due to insertion of the instrument. Detailed examples are given to illustrate the use of the method and to compare the results obtained with those calculated using currently accepted methods for estimating settlements.