Some simplifications of Coulomb's active earth pressure theory : Ingold, T S Ground Engng, V11, N4, May 1978, P23–24, 42

Abstract

Coulomb's earth pressure theory was published in 1776. Since that time this theory has been extended and embellished by many researchers. To this day Coulomb's theory still holds good for the calculation of active earth pressure for idealised smooth walls and rough walls where the angle of wall friction is positive. One criticism of Coulomb's theory, especially when applied to rough walls or sloping backfill, is that the resulting equations are arithmetically complex and tedious to evaluate. This note reconsiders Coulomb's theory and suggests simplifications which yield more manageable equations which can be used without significant loss of accuracy. /Author/