Retaining & Earth Pressure
Lateral Earth Pressure Calculator
Compute active (Ka), passive (Kp), and at-rest (Ko) lateral earth pressures using Rankine and Coulomb theories with slope, batter, water table, and surcharge superposition.
Lateral Earth Pressure Calculator
Compute active (Ka), passive (Kp), and at-rest (Ko) lateral earth pressures using Rankine and Coulomb theories with slope, batter, water table, and surcharge superposition.
Inputs
1. Earth Pressure State & Theory
2. Wall Geometry & Soil Parameters
Results
Enter wall height and soil shear strength above, or click a Demo Preset at the top to compute lateral earth pressure.
Theory and formulae
Lateral Earth Pressure Theory
About this calculator
This free lateral earth pressure calculator runs entirely in your browser: what you enter is never uploaded. Switch between metric and imperial units at any time. Use the calculation steps and the theory section to check the working, and print a calculation sheet with the inputs, results and formulae for your records.
Methods and references: Rankine, Coulomb, FHWA-NHI-06-088.
Topics: earth pressure, rankine, coulomb, active pressure, passive pressure, at rest, surcharge, retaining wall.
Engineering notice: Results are for preliminary estimation, screening and education. All inputs and outputs must be independently verified by a qualified professional engineer before use in any design or construction decision. Read the full disclaimer
Disclaimer
This calculation sheet was generated with Geotechnical Toolbox for preliminary estimation, screening, educational and verification purposes only. Geotechnical engineering involves site-specific ground conditions and uncertainty. All inputs, methods, results and figures must be independently checked and approved by a qualified Professional Engineer (P.Eng. / PE) before being relied on for design, construction or any safety-critical decision. Results reflect the values entered at the time of printing. The author and site accept no liability for errors, omissions or damages arising from their use.
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