ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the classic theories related to lateral earth pressure. It introduces three major types of retaining structures: concrete retaining walls, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls, and sheet pile walls. Lateral earth pressure/force is part of a soil-structure interaction problem. The magnitude of lateral earth pressure depends on the direction and amount of lateral movement of the retaining wall against the soil. The reinforced soil structure is a relatively new addition to the family of retaining walls. MSE is therefore a composite material, combining the compressive and shear strengths of compacted granular fill with the tensile strength of horizontal reinforcements. MSE wall involves the use of manufactured material in a structure that usually is intended to be used for a long time. The nonlinear soil stress-strain relationships, soil-structure interaction, and various types of lateral support systems can all be considered.
