Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
(OP)
I have a great book by M.and A. Reimbert titled "Retaining Walls" that indicates the active pressure on a wall from a purely a granular or gravelly material is based on its angle of repose. Essentially the lateral pressures are considerably reduced when using a crushed stone for backfill in lieu of a mixed soil. The book is filled with nice experiments and totally disputes Rankines active pressure formula. Does anyone have any tips on this gravel issue. Thanks.





RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
Having measured pressure against high structure (not a wall capable of movement), I found that compacting earth (sand) near the wall will impose much higher pressures than those which the Rankine theory would predict.
In order to get those "at rest" or "active" pressures there has to develop some shearing effect in the backfill, with the wall moving some. In my case the wall didn't move.
The situation was resolved by requiring compactors to stay at about 2 feet away from the wall leaving a loose zone next to the wall. That was, in effect, a cushion that would give some and allow the active condition to develop in the compacted fill nearby. That loose zone did not settle, since it then hangs up on the wall on one side and the compacted fill on the other side.
RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill
RE: Lateral Pressure on Retaining Walls from Gravel Backfill