Formula Used:
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The Weight of Wedge formula calculates the weight of soil in the form of a wedge behind a retaining structure. It is used in geotechnical engineering to determine the soil pressure on retaining walls and foundations.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the soil properties and footing dimensions to determine the weight of the soil wedge that contributes to lateral earth pressure.
Details: Accurate calculation of the weight of wedge is crucial for designing stable retaining structures, determining lateral earth pressures, and ensuring foundation stability in geotechnical engineering projects.
Tips: Enter the angle of shearing resistance in radians, unit weight of soil in N/m³, and width of footing in meters. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the angle of shearing resistance?
A: The angle of shearing resistance is a measure of the shear strength of soil, representing the internal friction angle of the soil material.
Q2: Why is the width of footing squared in the formula?
A: The width of footing is squared because the weight of the wedge is proportional to the area of the wedge cross-section, which increases with the square of the footing width.
Q3: What units should be used for input values?
A: Angle should be in radians, unit weight in N/m³, and width in meters for consistent results in Newtons.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all soil types?
A: This formula is primarily used for cohesionless soils where the angle of shearing resistance is the dominant strength parameter.
Q5: How does the weight of wedge affect retaining wall design?
A: The weight of wedge directly influences the lateral earth pressure on retaining structures, which is critical for determining wall stability and required reinforcement.