Abstract
Strong dependence of earth pressure coefficient on strain increment ratio was revealed based on triaxial loading tests along different constant strain paths. From this finding, a new methodology was developed for solving earth pressure problems under any boundary strain constraint. Using this method, new earth pressure equations were obtained by extending the formulas of Rankine and Coulomb theories. The equations proposed can be used to determine lateral earth pressures due to normally consolidated cohesionless soil for any lateral deformation between the active and passive states of stress, including the state of rest. Pragmatic charts corresponding to several simple cases were provided for actual design. Simplified methods were also suggested to determine the parameters in the proposed equations and to evaluate the earth pressures for different types of lateral deformation.
