The earth pressure on the rigid wall depending on the separation distance during the adjacent ground excavation

Background When the ground would be excavated and retained adjacent to the existing structure, earth pressure acting on the rigid wall of the existing structure could be changed depending on its separation distance from the retaining wall, its wall friction, and the deformation of retaining wall. Methods Model tests were conducted in the uniform sandy ground for various separation distances and wall frictions. Test equipment consisted of the model test box, the rigid wall and the earth retaining wall. Location of the retained earth wall was varied. They were 0.4H, 0.8H and 1.2 H (H is the height of rigid wall). Friction angle of the rigid wall was varied. They were 0, ϕ/3, 2ϕ/3. Results The earth pressure on the rigid wall was changed under the influence of the deformation of retaining wall, the separation distance of the retaining wall, and the friction of rigid wall. It was found out that the separation distance has more effects on the earth pressure reduction than that of the wall friction. Conclusions Change of earth pressure on the rigid wall induced by the ground excavation adjacent to it was affected by the friction of rigid wall, the separation distance, and the displacement of earth retaining walls. Earth pressure on a rigid wall was reduced in a larger amount when the wall friction of rigid wall increased.