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Height of Wedge of Soil given Angle of Inclination and Slope angle Calculator

Height of Wedge Formula:

\[ h = \frac{H \times \sin\left(\frac{(\theta_i - \theta) \times \pi}{180}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{\theta_i \times \pi}{180}\right)} \]

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1. What is Height of Wedge of Soil?

Definition: This calculator determines the height of a soil wedge based on the angle of inclination, slope angle, and height from toe to top of the wedge.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and construction professionals analyze slope stability and soil mechanics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ h = \frac{H \times \sin\left(\frac{(\theta_i - \theta) \times \pi}{180}\right)}{\sin\left(\frac{\theta_i \times \pi}{180}\right)} \]

Where:

  • \( h \) — Height of Wedge (m)
  • \( H \) — Height from Toe to Top of Wedge (m)
  • \( \theta_i \) — Angle of Inclination (degrees)
  • \( \theta \) — Slope Angle (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the vertical height of the soil wedge using trigonometric relationships between the angles and height measurements.

3. Importance of Wedge Height Calculation

Details: Accurate wedge height calculation is crucial for slope stability analysis, retaining wall design, and earthwork calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the height from toe to top, angle of inclination, slope angle, and optional tolerance percentage. All angle values must be in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the angle of inclination?
A: The angle between the potential failure plane and the horizontal plane.

Q2: What is the slope angle?
A: The angle of the ground surface from horizontal.

Q3: Why include a tolerance percentage?
A: The tolerance (±5% by default) accounts for measurement uncertainties and material variations.

Q4: What units are used?
A: Height is in meters, angles in degrees.

Q5: When would I adjust the tolerance?
A: Increase tolerance for less precise measurements or more variable soil conditions.

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