Question

The lateral earth pressure on a retaining wall is called passive earth pressure when

• A. Wall is moving vertically downwards
• B. Wall is at rest
• C. Wall moves away from backfill
• D. Wall moves towards backfill

Hint:

Remember: - Active pressure: Wall moves away from backfill. - At-rest pressure: Wall does not move. - Passive pressure: Wall moves towards backfill.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the concept of passive earth pressure.
Passive earth pressure develops when the retaining wall is pushed towards the backfill, causing the soil to resist this movement. This results in an increase in lateral pressure. Active Earth Pressure: Wall moves away from the backfill.
At-Rest Earth Pressure: Wall remains stationary.
Passive Earth Pressure: Wall moves towards the backfill.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
Wall moving vertically downwards: Not relevant to passive pressure.
Wall at rest: Refers to at-rest pressure.
Wall moves away from backfill: Refers to active pressure.
Wall moves towards backfill: Matches definition of passive pressure.
Step 3: Select the correct option.
Based on the definition: $$ \boxed{\text{Wall moves towards backfill}} $$