Work out earth pressure instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Rankine's theory gives the active coefficient as (1 - sin phi) / (1 + sin phi) and the passive as its reciprocal. Active pressure increases linearly with depth, so the soil thrust is the triangular area 0.5 Ka gamma H², while a uniform surcharge adds a rectangular Ka q H acting at mid-height.
Rankine coefficients
Ka = (1 - sin phi) / (1 + sin phi); Kp = 1 / Ka
Thrust
Pa = 0.5 Ka gamma H² + Ka q H
Preliminary estimate only. Earth pressure assessment must be carried out by a qualified geotechnical engineer using site-specific soil parameters and wall movement assumptions.
Ka = (1 - sin phi) / (1 + sin phi); Kp = 1 / Ka. Rankine's theory gives the active coefficient as (1 - sin phi) / (1 + sin phi) and the passive as its reciprocal.
When the wall cannot rotate, such as a basement wall braced by floors. K0, approximately 1 - sin phi, is larger than Ka and gives a bigger thrust.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Wall height, Soil unit weight, Angle of internal friction, Surcharge. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.