Semianalytical Solution for Earth Pressure of Narrow Granular Backfill with a Log-Spiral Failure Surface behind Retaining Walls under Translational Mode

Abstract

A novel semianalytical method is proposed to estimate the earth pressure exerted on rigid retaining walls supporting a narrow granular backfill in this study, which is based on the assumption of a log-spiral failure surface. This study adopts the differential element limit equilibrium method, coupled with the stress analysis considering the deflection of principal stress trajectory, to obtain the stress distribution against retaining walls. The resultant earth pressure, the point of application, and earth pressure distribution can be obtained by the finite-difference method. The method proposed in this study is verified via comparisons with model test results, centrifuge test results, and discrete-element method results. Furthermore, a series of extensive parameter studies are conducted to investigate the effect of backfill width and interface friction on resultant earth pressure, the point of application, and earth pressure distribution for further studies.