M. Moayyedian - Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
A. Shooshtari - Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
K. Moslem - Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Using finite element nonlinear analysis, the dynamic soil pressure on perimeter retainingwalls of structures is investigated. Nonlinear Drucker Prager failure criterion is used to model the soilbehavior in the near field. The far field soil and the middle structure are assumed to behave as linearelastic materials. The soil-wall interface behavior is modeled incorporating nonlinear interfaceelements. The internal friction angle of the soil is found to be an important factor in the dynamiclateral pressure that has been neglected in the previous investigations. Furthermore, a new diagram isproposed to determine lateral seismic soil thrust on rigid walls.

Retaining Walls, Rigid Walls, Dynamic pressure, Soil Structure Interaction