Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
1-31-1986
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Dorairaja Raghu
Second Advisor
John R. Schuring
Third Advisor
Edward G. Dauenheimer
Abstract
This paper investigated the effect of adhesion on the active pressure behind a retaining wall. No equation existed to solve for the active pressure for a sloped backfill that also takes into consideration cohesive and adhesive forces on a failure wedge. The trial—wedge solution(Culmann method) considers these parameters, but since it is a trial and error method it takes up too much time to solve. A shorter solution is desirable. An equation for the active pressure in terms of ρ(angle between horizontal and failure plane) was derived. A closed form solution for earth pressure was developed by setting the derivative of the active pressure with respect to ρ to zero. This solution for ρ and the equation for the active pressure were used together in a computer program to quickly solve for the active pressure behind a retaining wall. Using this program, the effect of adhesion was studied for various parametric changes.
It was found that adhesion decreased the active pressure exerted on a retaining wall. Due to this reduction less area of steel is required.
By utilizing these results, it will be possible to extend the limit of the economical height of cantilever retaining walls. Also a savings in construction and design of these retaining walls could be realized due to the reduced amount of materials used and the reduction in design time.
Recommended Citation
Gallagher, Thomas G., "Effects of adhesion on the active pressure exerted on a retaining wall" (1986). Theses. 3579.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3579
