Numerical Investigation of The Mobilization of Active Earth Pressure on Retaining Walls

The correct estimate of lateral earth pressure is important for the design of earth retaining structures. This study presents an investigation into the lateral earth pressure distribution on a wall and in particular the effect of arching at deeper levels of backfill for both at-rest and active conditions. Three-dimensional numerical simulations are performed using the ABAQUS finite element software. The effect of wall displacement. wall-backfill interaction, subsoil-wall interaction, subsoil-backlitl interaction, soil modulus and friction angle on the mobilization of an active condition are investigated. The results of these simulations indicate that the true lateral stress distribution on a wall is non-linear and backfill arching increases by wall displacement and backfill-subsoil friction while increasing friction between the backfill and wall or subsoil and wall has no substantial effect on arching. The results are further compared with those from physical model tests. An active state is mobilized at wall displacements smaller than those suggested by Terzaghi's physical model tests. By increasing backfill-subsoil friction and backfill stiffness, the active state is mobilized at smaller wall displacements.