Significance of flow rule for the passive earth pressure problem

Abstract Determination of earth pressures is one the fundamental tasks in geotechnical engineering. Although many different methods have been utilized to present passive pressure coefficients, influence non-associated plasticity on problem has not discussed intensively. In this study, finite-element limit analysis and displacement are applied for frictional materials. Results compared with selected data from literature terms shape failure mechanism robustness numerical simulation. The results study show that coefficients determined an associated flow rule comparable Sokolovski solution. However, comparison a reveals significantly over predicted when following rule. Moreover, computational costs determination considerably larger Additionally, shows instabilities arise surfaces become non-unique. It shown may be overcome by applying approach suggested Davis (Soil Mech 341–354, 1968).