GATE CE 2023 Set 1 — Question 57
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Geotechnical Engineering → Earth Pressure → Active Earth Pressure
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Question
A smooth vertical retaining wall supporting layered soils is shown in figure. According to Rankine’s earth pressure theory, the lateral active earth pressure acting at the base of the wall is _______ (round off to one decimal place).

Correct answer
34 to 37
Solution
1.Given Data:
- Surcharge,
- Layer 1: , , ,
- Layer 2: , , ,
3.Calculate Vertical Effective Stress () at the base ():
4.Calculate Lateral Active Earth Pressure () at the base:
5.Final Answer: Rounding to one decimal place, the lateral active earth pressure is , which falls within the range of 34.0 to 37.0.
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