Comparative evaluation of methods to determine the earth pressure distribution on cylindrical shafts: A review

Various methods used for calculating and measuring the earth pressure distribution on cylindrical shafts constructed in sand are evaluated. Emphasis is placed on a comparison between the calculated earth pressure using different methods for given sand and wall conditions. The effects of the assumptions made in developing these solutions on the pressure distribution are discussed. Physical modeling techniques used to simulate the interaction between vertical shafts and the surrounding soil are presented. The earth pressure measured and the wall movements required to establish active condition are assessed. Depending on the adopted method of analysis, the calculated earth pressure distribution on a vertical shaft lining may vary considerably. For shallow shafts, the theoretical solutions discussed in this study provide consistent estimates of the active earth pressure. As the shaft depth exceeds its diameter, the solutions become more sensitive to the ratio between the vertical and horizontal arching and only a range of earth pressure values can be obtained. No agreement has been reached among researchers as to the magnitude of wall movement required to establish active conditions around shafts and further investigations are therefore needed.