ACE+ REVIEW CENTER

APRIL 2023 REVIEW PROGRAM

CIVIL ENGINEERING LICENSURE EXAM

HYDRAULICS AND PRINCIPLES OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Thursday, January 19, 2023 Module 28

LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

Active Earth Pressure Coefficient, Ka – the ratio between the lateral and vertical principal effective stresses when an earth retaining
structure moves away (by a small amount) from a retained soil.

Passive Earth Pressure Coefficient, Kp – the ratio between the lateral and vertical principal effective stresses when an earth retaining
structure is forced against a soil mass.

Coefficient of Earth Pressure at Rest, Ko – the ratio of the horizontal stress to the vertical stress
σh
Ko = = 1 − sin ϕ ; where ϕ = drained friction angle
σv

Preconsolidation Pressure
For over consolidated clays: OCR =
Present effective overburden pressure

ph = K o γ H

1
F= K γ H2
2 o

Rankine’s Theory (for Inclined Backfill)

Coefficient of Active Pressure: Coefficient of Passive Pressure:

cos i− √cos2 i− cos2 ϕ cos i+ √cos2 i− cos2 ϕ

Ka = cos i Kp = cos i
cos i+ √cos2 i− cos2 ϕ cos i− √cos2 i− cos2 ϕ

Rankine’s Theory (for Horizontal Backfill)

Coefficient of Active Pressure: Coefficient of Passive Pressure:

1−sin ϕ 1+sin ϕ
Ka = Kp =
1+sin ϕ 1−sin ϕ

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APRIL 2023 REVIEW PROGRAM

RETAINING WALLS

A retaining wall may be defined as a structure whose primary purpose is to prevent lateral movement of earth or some other material. For some special cases, as in
basement walls or bridge abutments, a retaining wall may also have a function of supporting vertical loads.

Active Pressure on Wall

Passive Pressure on Wall

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Factor of Safety

 Factor of Safety Against Sliding

𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠
𝐹𝑆𝑠 =
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠

 Factor of Safety Against Overturning About the Toe

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠
𝐹𝑆𝑜 =
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

The force 𝐹 at the base of the wall consist of the friction and cohesion.

𝐹 = 𝜇𝑁 + 𝑐𝑏 𝐵

Where: 𝑁 = normal reaction 𝜇 = coefficient of friction

𝑐𝑏 = base cohesion 𝐵 = base width of wall

Pressure Distribution at Base of Wall

The actual bearing pressure on the base of the wall is a combination of normal forces and the effects of moments.

B
R y = ∑ Fy R y ̅x = RM − OM e = − x̅
2

Where: RM = righting or stabilizing moments OM = overturning moments

Note that in computing RM and Ry, the passive resistance is not to be counted on if there is a chance that the soil in front of the wall may be eroded or
excavated during the life of the wall.

When e ≤ B/6

Considering 1 m length of wall:

Ry 6e
qmax = − (1 ± )
min B B

When e > B/6

Considering 1 m length of wall:

2R y
q max = −
3x̅

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APRIL 2023 REVIEW PROGRAM

BRACED CUTS

Bracing is used when temporary trenches for water, sanitary, and other lines are opened in soil. A braced cut is an excavation in which the active earth pressure from
one bulkhead is used to support the facing bulkhead.

The load is transferred to the struts at various points so the triangular active pressure distribution does not develop. Since struts are installed as the excavation goes
down, the upper part of the wall deflects very little due to the strut restraint. The pressure on the upper part of the wall is considerably higher than is predicted by
the active earth pressure equations.

The soil removed from the excavation is known as the spoils. Spoils should be placed far enough from the edge of the cut so that they do not produce a surcharge
lateral loading.

The bottom of the excavation is referred to as the base of the cut, mudline, dredge line, and toe of the excavation. Excavations below the water table should be
dewatered prior to cutting.

Braced Cuts in Sand

For drained sand, the pressure distribution is approximately uniform with depth.

Braced Cuts in Stiff Clay

For undrained clay, ϕ = 0º. In this case, the lateral pressure distribution depends on the average undrained
γH
shear strength (cohesion) of the clay. If ≤ 4 , the clay is stiff and the pressure distribution is given as:
c
pmax = 0.2 γ H to 0.4 γ H

Except when the cut is underlain by deep, soft, normally consolidated clay, the maximum pressure can be
approximated as:

4c
pmax = (1 − ) γH
γH

Braced Cuts in Soft Clay

γH
If ≥ 6, the clay is soft and the lateral pressure distribution will be:
c
4c
pmax = (1 − ) γH
γH

For cuts underlain by deep, soft, normally consolidated clays, the maximum pressure is:

pmax = γ H − 4c

γH
If 6 ≤ ≤ 8, the bearing capacity of the soil is probably sufficient to prevent shearing and upward heave.
c
γH
Simple braced cuts should not be attempted if > 8.
c

Braced Cuts in Medium Clay

γH
If 4 < < 6, the soft and stiff clay cases should both be evaluated. The case that results in greater pressure should be used when designing the bracing.
c

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Analysis of Strut Reaction

Since braced excavations with more than one strut are statically indeterminate, strut forces and sheet piling moments may be evaluated by assuming hinged beam
action.

The strut load may be determined by assuming that the vertical members are hinged at each strut level except the topmost and the bottommost ones.

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