Present Situation on Retaining Wall Design

FOLLOWING Coulomb, a great number of papers appeared on Retaining Wall Design, until by
1930 the theoretical basis of earth pressure against stiff walls due to failing soil had largely been established. In contrast, little was known about the values of the soil constants to be used in the theory, or the influence of the type and degree of wall movement on the distribution of pressure on the structure. In consequence, theories were mainly confined to the classroom, while empirical rules or semi-empirical use of simple theorics served the practical basis of design.

P.W. Rowe