Rankine’s theory of earth pressure is a classical theory that describes the lateral pressure exerted by soil against retaining structures. This theory is based on the assumptions that the soil is homogeneous and isotropic, and that it is in a state of equilibrium. It also assumes that there is no friction between the soil and the retaining structure.
According to Rankine’s theory, the lateral pressure exerted by soil on a retaining structure can be divided into two components: active pressure and passive pressure. The active pressure is exerted on the retaining structure when the soil is pushing against the structure, whereas the passive pressure is exerted when the soil is pulling against the structure.
The active and passive earth pressures depend on the angle of internal friction of the soil, the angle of the wall, the height of the retaining structure, and the properties of the soil. Rankine’s theory provides mathematical equations to calculate the active and passive earth pressures, which are used in design and analysis of retaining walls and other geotechnical structures.
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