Acta Scientiarum Polonorum

Abstract: Taking into account general design recommendations given in the Eurocode EC 7-1 for backfilled retaining structures, the problem of determination of the coefficient of earth pressure at rest K₀ is discussed. The case of compaction–induced earth pressure acting on the vertical rigid wall (ρ = 0) –wherein compaction of fill layers (ΔH = const, IS = const) is realized by removal mechanical loading – is analyzed in details. In accordance with the hysteretic stress model HSM, where K₀ = σh’: σv’ is determinated for normally consolidated (NC) and for over-consolidated (OC) soils (Fig. 3), three zones of earth pressure are presented (Fig. 5): HI – reaction zone for OC-soil, where the coefficient KI = K0,OC ≈ 1; H_II – mediate zone with residual stress coefficient K_II = K_0,OC < K_I; H_III – typical zone for NC-soil, where K_III = K_0,NC. Additional compaction–induced earth pressure should be considered even in case of plate – cantilever retaining walls (in the STR – analysis). The relationship between lateral pressure and technical conditions of backfill compaction as well as height of the retaining structure are pointed out in final conclusions.