Seismic Earth Pressure Theory for Retaining Walls Under any Lateral Displacement

Abstract

Based on the concept “intermediate soil wedge” which is dependent on mobilized frictional resistance, a new theory has been developed for evaluating the seismic earth pressures against retaining walls under any condition between the active and passive states. For this theory, the seismic earth pressure is separated into four components according to their formation. New equations are proposed to determine the distribution, resultant and point of application for each component. An equivalent seismic coefficient is introduced to take into account non-uniform seismic acceleration distribution with depth. The equations place special emphasis on dependence of the seismic earth pressure on mode and level of wall movement. The equations can be reduced to the Mononobe-Okabe equation for the limiting conditions. Their applicability was confirmed by comparing the predictions with a number of previous model test results.