Abstract: The magnitude and distribution of earth pressure against retaining wall is a common concern in the design of retaining wall. The distribution of earth pressure on a retaining wall normally presents nonlinear feature under the influence of boundary conditions, friction of wall back, etc. However, the accuracy of several current earth pressure calculation methods considering soil arching effect needs to be verified. In this paper, a series of 2D visual model tests were carried out on a self-developed apparatus measuring the earth pressure of the retaining wall, using test setup and analogical soil that was mixed with elliptical steel rods. The application of analogical soil in collaboration with loadometers to accurately measure the variation of earth pressure can reduce errors in the measurement of lateral pressure using the pressure cell. Two conditions include static condition and active translation model were considered in simulating and measuring the distribution of earth pressure. The results were compared with that of several theoretical methods. Due to impacts of the friction on retaining wall and soil arching effect, both the static and active earth pressure present nonlinear distribution. Meanwhile, the measured static earth pressure is less than theoretical value, while the measured active earth pressure is in good agreement with that of Paik’s method. Due to the influence of wall friction, the inclination angle of sliding surfaces is less than that of the theoretical value at the rupture surface. Moreover, inclination of stresses caused by the friction between wall induces the development of arch-shaped slip surfaces.

Key words: earth pressure, retaining wall, model test, soil arching effect, analogical soil