Question

A backfill of a retaining wall consists of γ=19 kN/m^3 which is 6 m high. Find the total earth pressure per meter length. Given coefficient of earth pressure at rest is 0.5.

(a) 165 kN/m

(b) 178 kN/m

(c) 171 kN/m

(d) 345 kN/m

I have been asked this question in exam.

The question is from Earth Pressure at Rest topic in chapter Failure Envelopes & Earth Pressure of Geotechnical Engineering II

Answer 1

Right option is (c) 171 kN/m

The best I can explain: Given,

γ=19 kN/m^3

H=6 m

\(P_0=\frac{1}{2}K_0γH^2\)

\(P_0=\frac{1}{2}(0.5)(19)6^2 = 171 kN/m.\)