Lateral Earth Pressure on Retaining Structure with Anchor Plates

Abstract

An earth‐retaining structure that derives its stability from anchor plates placed in the backfill soil is described. The system has been used for railroad/highway bridge abutments and as earth‐retaining walls to contain soil. It can easily be installed in stages to reach the desired height, and compares favorably with the conventional retaining wall in construction cost. An analytical solution has been formulated to calculate the system equilibrium state from which the equilibrium lateral pressure can be determined. Based upon the results of a parametric study using granular backfill, it was found that the most significant factor that could effect the lateral earth pressure and the amount of outward wall movement is the ratio of the area of the anchor plates to the area of the wall. The analytical solution provides the basis of a more rational design procedure for the system described.