Question

Which of the following statements (with regard to earth pressure) are correct?

A. Any movement of the retaining wall away from the fill corresponds to active earth pressure. 
B. Under earthquake loading, the pore pressure decreases in saturated silty soil. 
C. Coulomb's earth pressure theory does not take the roughness of wall into consideration. 
D. Rankine's earth pressure theory considers that the retaining wall has a vertical backfill. 
 

• A. A and B only
• B. B and C only
• C. A and D only
• D. C and D only

Hint:

Remember: Active pressure develops when wall moves away, Passive when wall moves towards the backfill.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Examine Statement A.
Active earth pressure occurs when the wall recedes from the backfill.

Step 2: Examine Statement B.
Pore pressure in saturated silty soils typically rises during seismic events, rather than falling.

Step 3: Examine Statement C.
Coulomb's theory accounts for wall friction (surface roughness).

Step 4: Examine Statement D.
Rankine's theory posits a vertical wall, a horizontal ground surface, and omits wall friction.

Step 5: Conclusion.
Statements A and D are accurate.