Use this geological calculation for a transparent first-pass interpretation of measured rock, soil, fluid, well, stratigraphic, isotopic, geophysical, or seismic data under an explicitly selected model.

gamma

Soil unit weight in kN/m³.

z

Depth below ground surface in metres.

phi

Soil friction angle in degrees.

Rankine active lateral earth pressure sigma_a = Ka * gamma * z at a given depth behind a vertical wall with a level backfill. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

sigma_a (kPa)

Active lateral earth pressure in kilopascals.

• Geotechnical correlations and idealized failure models depend on stratigraphy, sampling disturbance, drainage, stress history, groundwater, density, anisotropy, scale, construction sequence, and laboratory or field method. Site-specific design requires investigation and code factors.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Compare independent measurements and models, retain units and analytical metadata, propagate uncertainty, and validate interpretations against logs, cores, maps, laboratory data, or field observations.

• Passive Earth Pressure Calculator

  Rankine passive lateral earth pressure sigma_p = Kp * gamma * z at a given depth in front of a vertical wall with a level backfill.

• Active Earth Pressure Coefficient Calculator

  Rankine active earth pressure coefficient Ka = (1 - sin phi) / (1 + sin phi) for a vertical wall and level backfill.

• Passive Earth Pressure Coefficient Calculator

  Rankine passive earth pressure coefficient Kp = (1 + sin phi) / (1 - sin phi) for a vertical wall and level backfill.