Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Rankine theories for lateral earth pressure calculation?

Subject: Foundation engineering.

Answer 1

Advantages of rankine's earth pressure theory-

1. This theory is satisfactory for brittle materials. 2. This theory used in mining industry to test the soil samples before starting the mines. 3. This theory is used to find the active pressure and passive pressure easily among all other theories. 4. This theory is easy to understand and calculation is easy.

Disadvantages of rankine's earth pressure theory-. 1. This theory is not applicable for ductile material. 2. Retained soil may not be cohesionless always. 3. The wall back may not be horizontal always. 4. As the back of walls usually constructed of masonry or cement concrete , so wall may not be smooth it will dovelope the friction. 5. In this theory assume the resultant pressure must act parallels to the surface but in actual it acts inclide in the walls at an angle equal to angle of friction due to friction.

So these are the advantages and disadvantages of rankine's earth pressure theory.