A method based on the application of Kötter’s equation is proposed for the complete analysis of passive earth pressure on a vertical wall retaining horizontal cohesionless backfill. The unique failure surface consisting of log spiral and its tangent is identified on the basis of force equilibrium conditions. One distinguishing feature of the proposed method is its ability to compute the point of application of passive thrust using moment equilibrium. Another distinguishing feature is the prediction of distribution of soil reaction on the failure surface. The results show a close agreement with some of the available solutions.

Keywords: Kotter`s equation, Passive earth pressure coefficient, Cohesionless soil, Log spiral, Point of application, Horizontal backfill,

Submitted on October 01, 2010.
Final Acceptance on February 14, 2011.
Discussion open until April 30, 2012.
DOI: 10.28927/SR.343237