When determining if a question involves active or passive Rankine earth pressures, what aspect is primarily evaluated?

When determining if a question involves active or passive Rankine earth pressures, what aspect is primarily evaluated?

• A. The amount of soil displacement
• B. The diagram in the geotechnical section
• C. The type of wall used
• D. The weight of the wall

Answer: (B)

The determination of whether a question involves active or passive Rankine earth pressures primarily revolves around assessing the diagram in the geotechnical section. This diagram is crucial because it depicts the relationship between the soil and the retaining wall, illustrating key elements such as wall height, soil properties, and the configuration of the wall. Active Rankine earth pressure occurs when the soil is allowed to expand or displace, thus leading to reduced lateral pressures against the wall. Conversely, passive pressure develops when the wall moves towards the soil, resulting in increased soil pressure against the wall. The diagram provides vital insights into these interactions, such as the angles of repose and the orientation of forces acting on the wall, enabling the determination of whether the scenario represents an active or passive state. While other factors, such as the type of wall or soil displacement, may influence the overall analysis, they do not directly inform the classification of the lateral earth pressures in the way the diagram does. The diagram's clarity in illustrating the stress distribution and forces at play make it indispensable for correctly identifying whether the situation is characterized as active or passive Rankine earth pressure.

The determination of whether a question involves active or passive Rankine earth pressures primarily revolves around assessing the diagram in the geotechnical section. This diagram is crucial because it depicts the relationship between the soil and the retaining wall, illustrating key elements such as wall height, soil properties, and the configuration of the wall.

Active Rankine earth pressure occurs when the soil is allowed to expand or displace, thus leading to reduced lateral pressures against the wall. Conversely, passive pressure develops when the wall moves towards the soil, resulting in increased soil pressure against the wall. The diagram provides vital insights into these interactions, such as the angles of repose and the orientation of forces acting on the wall, enabling the determination of whether the scenario represents an active or passive state.

While other factors, such as the type of wall or soil displacement, may influence the overall analysis, they do not directly inform the classification of the lateral earth pressures in the way the diagram does. The diagram's clarity in illustrating the stress distribution and forces at play make it indispensable for correctly identifying whether the situation is characterized as active or passive Rankine earth pressure.