Wall-In-A-Box: Understanding Coulomb Earth Pressure
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Walk through the formula that generates the active earth pressure on a retaining wall.
We put Coulomb’s earth pressure theory to the test using our retaining wall visualization tool – Wall-In-A-Box.
Download our complimentary comprehensive guide to precast modular block (PMB) walls, the Precast Modular Block Design Manual Vol. 1 - Gravity Walls.
If you’ve ever wondered how Coulomb's earth pressure theory actually works or how it applies to real-world retaining walls, you’re in the right place. This video dives into its practical application, breaking down the fundamentals of Coulomb’s theory and viewing it in action using our new retaining wall simulation tool, Wall-In-A-Box. Retaining wall design expert Jamie Johnson, PE, walks you through key concepts, from calculating earth pressure coefficients to watching live wall failures that align with theoretical predictions. Check out this video for a hands-on exploration of one of retaining wall design’s oldest and most fundamental concepts.
Understanding Coulomb's earth pressure theory is essential for designing stable retaining walls. By using the Wall-in-a-Box tool to observe the failure planes and friction forces in different types of walls, we can gain valuable insights into how retaining structures behave under pressure.
Learn About Other Retaining Wall Failure Plane Theories and Much More
Co-authored by your host, Jamie Johnson, PE, the Precast Modular Block Design Manual Vol. 1 - Gravity Walls is the most comprehensive publication you’ll find on retaining wall design and installation.
And it’s free!
Contributing Expert
Jamie Johnson, PE
Jamie possesses more than 30 years of design experience in civil engineering. He began as a consulting engineer working for a small civil engineering and surveying firm in northern Michigan. Jamie joined Redi-Rock International in 2006 where he held multiple roles including staff engineer, chief engineer, and director of operations. He is currently director of innovation for Redi-Rock’s parent company, Aster Brands. Jamie holds Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech University and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Michigan.
While experiencing his mid-life crisis a few years ago, Jamie purchased an E flat tuba. He has survived the crisis and has since added a B flat tuba and a Baritone to the collection that also includes his original tenor and alto trombones. It goes without saying that he likes to toot his own horn.
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