Lateral Earth Pressure
Active and Passive Pressures Retaining walls are designed to support soil masses that cannot sup-
port themselves. The pressure exerted by the soil mass on the wall is
called “active pressure.” The soil on the other side of the retaining
structure exerts a resisting “passive pressure” on the wall.
Active pressure on a retaining wall increases with pore-pressure and
the depth of the soil being retained. Passive pressure increases with
the depth of the soil on the other side of the wall.
If the water level behind the wall can be lowered, active pressure on
the wall will be reduced and a lighter, less expensive wall can be
built. If the water level cannot be lowered because the resulting set-
tlement would damage adjacent buildings, a heavier, more expensive
wall must be built.
Before construction of the wall, pore-water pressures are monitored
to determine the existing water level and the permeability of the soil.
With permeable soils, water can be directed to a sump and pumped
out. In other soils, more elaborate dewatering systems must be de-
vised.
After construction of the wall, pore-water pressures are monitored to
detect any seepage that would increase active pressure on the wall
and reduce its factor of safety.
Basic Soil Mechanics
RETW-p2.cdr
Passive Pressure
Active Pressure
Rembco Geotechnical Contractors specializes in
slope stabilization,
soil nail wall,
foundation repair
and support,
grouting,
shoring,
micropile
construction,
rock drilling, and we remediate
sinkholes. We use a
problem-solving approach in the geotechnical portions of buildings, bridges, water plants, sewage plants, tunnels,
installing caisson bottom, and roads. We are experienced in these applications:
micro piles,
sinkhole repair,
permeation and
pressure
grouting,
soil nails,
cement grouting,
chemical grouting,
micropiles,
compaction grouting, and
rock anchors.
Rembco techniques apply when adding new structures: especially
rock anchor,
microfine cement,
soil nailing, and
micropile
installations for foundation support. Our specialties are
soil nails,
rock anchor,
chemical and
compaction grouting,
mini piles,
sinkhole repair,
micropiles, and
soil nailing.
