GATE CE 2019 Set 1 — Question 26
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Geotechnical Engineering → Earth Pressure → Active Earth Pressure
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Question
A retaining wall of height with smooth vertical backface supports a backfill inclined at an angle with the horizontal. The backfill consists of cohesionless soil having angle of internal friction . If the active lateral thrust acting on the wall is , which one of the following statements is TRUE?
Correct answer
(C) Pₐ acts at a height H/3 from the base of the wall and at an angle β with the horizontal
Solution
According to Rankine's theory for active earth pressure on a retaining wall with an inclined backfill:
1.The pressure distribution is triangular, so the resultant active thrust acts at a height of from the base of the wall.
2.For a smooth vertical wall, the resultant thrust acts parallel to the surface of the backfill. Since the backfill is inclined at an angle with the horizontal, the thrust also acts at an angle with the horizontal.
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