A Calculation Theory of Earth Pressure Considering Microstructure of Porous Materials

Abstract

To explore a more reasonable earth pressure calculation theory, microstructure characteristics of soft clay in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou had been observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and were quantitatively analysed using Image-Pro Plus (IPP) software. The relationship between porosity and contact area of soft clay was got by considering the microstructure. Combining soil lateral stress transfer principle, a calculation theory of earth pressure considering soil contact area was got. The possible reason of the differences between earth pressure and the actual monitoring earth pressure was analysis by the case.