Table of Contents
Definition
Active earth pressure is the minimum amount of pressure that the soil can exert on a structure when it is pushed to the point where it starts to slide or move. This happens when all the internal forces within the soil are used up.
Description Of Active Earth Pressure
Active earth pressure is a force that acts on structures that are built on or near soil. This pressure is caused by the movement of the soil, and it can have a significant impact on the stability of the structure.
There are two main theories that are used to understand and predict the behavior of active earth pressure: the Rankine Theory and the Coulomb Theory.
The Rankine Theory, which was developed in the 19th century, divides the soil pressure on a structure into two components: the active component and the passive component. The active component is the pressure exerted by the soil that is actively moving, while the passive component is the pressure exerted by the soil that is not actively moving. This theory is commonly used to predict the behavior of active earth pressure, but it is not always accurate, as it assumes that the soil is homogeneous and dry, which may not always be the case.
The Coulomb Theory, which was proposed in the 18th century, states that the soil pressure on a structure is the result of the combination of the shear force and the normal force acting on the structure. This theory is also commonly used to predict the behavior of active earth pressure, but it is also an approximation, as it does not take into account all of the possible factors that could affect the movement of the soil.
Conclusion
It is important for civil and structural engineers to understand the concept of active earth pressure, as it can have a significant impact on the stability and safety of a structure. However, it is important to note that none of the theories used to explain its behavior are perfect, and it is essential to carefully consider all possible factors when designing a structure that will be built on or near soil.