GATE CE 2026 Set 1 — Question 46
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Geotechnical Engineering → Earth Pressure → Rankine Theory
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Question
As per the Rankine’s earth pressure theory, which of the following statements is/are FALSE?
Correct answer
(B) For the active earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is (45^ - φ/2) with respect to the major principal plane.; (D) For the passive earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is (45^ - φ/2) with respect to the major principal plane.
Solution
In Rankine's earth pressure theory, the failure plane makes an angle of with the major principal plane.
1.In the active state, the vertical stress is the major principal stress (), so the major principal plane is horizontal. The failure plane is inclined at to the horizontal (major principal plane). Thus, statement (A) is true and (B) is false.
2.In the passive state, the horizontal stress is the major principal stress (), so the major principal plane is vertical. The failure plane is inclined at to the vertical (major principal plane). Thus, statement (C) is true and (D) is false.
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