Consider the given statements and select the correct option.
Statement I: Passive earth pressure is always greater than the earth pressure at rest
and active earth pressure.
Statement II: In passive state, the structure becomes the actuating element and soil
becomes the resisting element to maintain the stability
Statement I: True
1. In soil mechanics, lateral earth pressure is classified into three states:
2. Active Earth Pressure (Pa): Develops when the retaining wall moves away from the backfill.
3. Earth Pressure at Rest (P0)): Develops when the retaining wall does not undergo lateral movement.
Passive Earth Pressure (Pp)): Develops when the retaining wall moves towards the backfill.
For conventional cohesionless soil conditions:
According to Rankine's theory
Ka = Coefficient of active earth pressure
kp = Coefficient of passive earth pressure
f = Angle of internal friction
Therefore, Statement I is correct under conventional earth-pressure assumptions
Statement II: True
In the passive earth pressure condition, the retaining structure moves towards the
soil mass.
• The structure acts as the actuating element, applying pressure to the soil.
• The soil acts as the resisting element, developing passive resistance against the movement of the structure.
• This passive resistance helps maintain the stability of the retaining structure.
Therefore, Statement II is correct and explains why passive earth pressure is
greater than active
earth pressure and earth pressure at rest under conventional conditions.
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