Abstract: Distribution of earth pressure of rigid retaining wall is closely related with mode of rotation and wall movement. Analytical method of earth pressure considering displacement can be used to calculate the distribution of active earth pressure only when the wall movement is known. The method of determining wall top displacement of active equilibrium condition and earth pressure distribution behind rigid retaining wall rotating about wall toe is put forward from the aspect of satisfying the requirement of overturning stability and eccentricity of wall base compressive stress. Influence of wall width and frictional coefficient behind retaining wall on earth pressure distribution is analyzed. Analytical results show that the earth pressure of active equilibrium condition is larger than Coulomb active earth pressure. The overturning moment rotating about wall toe induced by active earth pressure with working condition is also larger than it calculated by Coulomb active earth pressure. Active earth pressure distribution is more close to static earth pressure with increasing of wall width, and as the decrease of it the distribution of earth pressure will be transferred from static earth pressure to Coulomb active earth pressure. Frictional coefficient is closely related with overturning moment. The width of smooth wall back satisfying the requirement of overturning stability is increased distinctively compared with rough wall back.

Key words: soil mechanics, active earth pressure, rigid retaining wall, overturning stability, displacement