On the slices-based limit equilibrium method for the active earth pressure applied by soils with nonlinear strength behavior

The slices-based limit equilibrium method was used to study the active earth pressure applied by soils with nonlinear strength behavior. An iterative scheme and a local minimization process were employed to consider the dependence of the peak friction angle on the normal effective stress and the mathematical nature of the active earth pressure, respectively. The preference of iterative variable for local minimization processes as well as the influence of the distribution of interslice force angles on the active earth pressure and its points of application were discussed. Numerical examples show that the slices-based limit equilibrium method is reliable in predicting static and dynamic active earth pressures upon vertical or sloping retaining walls for soils with both linear and nonlinear failure criteria. The use of nonlinear strength parameters in the slices-based method was also discussed.