Passive Pressure

Definition

Passive pressure is the horizontal resistance of the soil to forces applied against it.

Purpose

Passive pressure is a critical factor in geotechnical engineering and construction. It helps in designing retaining walls, foundations, and other structures that interact with soil, ensuring stability and preventing soil failure or excessive movement.

Examples of Use

• Retaining Walls: Calculating passive pressure to design walls that resist soil forces.
• Basement Walls: Considering passive pressure for walls that must withstand soil loads.
• Bridge Abutments: Ensuring stability of abutments by accounting for passive soil pressure.

Related Terms

• Active Pressure: The pressure exerted by soil when it is allowed to expand or move.
• Bearing Capacity: The capacity of soil to support the loads applied to the ground.
• Soil Mechanics: The study of the behavior of soil under various conditions.

Notes

• Calculation: Accurate calculation of passive pressure is essential for safe and effective structural design.
• Soil Properties: Factors such as soil type, density, and moisture content affect passive pressure.