The GATE Grind

GATE 2026 CE (CE1) – Question 46

Geotechnical Engineering · Earth pressure theories: Rankine and Coulomb, sheet piles · 2 marks · Multiple select

As per the Rankine's earth pressure theory, which of the following statements is/are FALSE?

  1. For the active earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° + \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.
  2. For the active earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° - \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.
  3. For the passive earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° + \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.
  4. For the passive earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° - \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) For the active earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° - \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.; (C) For the passive earth pressure, the inclination of failure plane is $(45° + \phi/2)$ with respect to the major principal plane.

Explanation

In the active state the failure plane makes $45° + \frac{\phi}{2}$ with the major principal plane (the horizontal plane), and in the passive state it makes $45° - \frac{\phi}{2}$ with the major principal plane (the vertical plane). So A and D are true, and B and C are false.