3<i>N</i> Formulation of the Horizontal Slice Method in Evaluating Pseudostatic Method for Analysis of Seismic Active Earth Pressure

Abstract

Analysis of seismic active earth pressure for a rigid or flexible retaining wall is one of the important topics of study in geotechnical earthquake engineering. Out of various methods, namely pseudostatic, pseudodynamic, and dynamic time history analysis, the pseudostatic method is preferred because of its simplicity and ease of computation. In recent years, numerous field and laboratory studies have indicated superiority of reinforced soil backfill during major seismic events. In the present study, 3N formulation of the horizontal slice method (HSM) has been used to evaluate the earth pressure factors (EPFs) in reinforced soil within the framework of pseudostatic methods. These factors are then used to analyze and design reinforced retaining walls. The important parameters in the active seismic earth pressure phenomenon, namely the depth of tension crack of the backfill and horizontal acceleration, are included in the study. It is concluded that HSM evaluates the EPFs with excellent accuracy and is useful for practical applications. Based on the results, further study to be undertaken in the future is indicated.