HAND-OVER

I am looking for a person who is interested in geotechnology, and is capable of continuing the renewal of current earth pressure theory according to my findings, and to defend it. I can provide a collection of literature, own graphical material, and the rights to my publications, see https://erddruckgiesler.de.

For further information, also see https://erddruck-blog.jimdofree.com/blog/.

Interested persons with proficiency certificate are welcome to contact me via info@erddruck.de

Factual summary

Any attempt to obtain online information about earth pressure primarily leads to Wikipedia Figs. 1 and 2 (German), and Fig. 3 (English): Lateral earth pressure – Wikipedia 

In Fig. 1, active earth pressure (inwards) is indicated by the upper arrow, while passive earth pressure (outwards) is indicated by the lower arrow. Fig. 2 shows the horizontal force against the wall at height h/3 in accordance with current German regulations (identical for all soil types).

In English-speaking countries, earth pressure force against the wall is shown (Fig. 3, red arrow). This representation is similar to Coulomb’s classical earth pressure teachings (Fig. 4).

Even for less knowledgeable readers, the graphics make clear that the horizontal forces acting on the wall due to soil (Figs. 1 and 2) cannot be identical.

Unfortunately, according to current German calculation regulations EC7/DIN 4085, earth pressure forces against the supporting wall must still (erroneously) be applied in the lower third of the calculation height for all soil types (Fig. 2).

Even if (in English literature) the horizontal earth pressure force acts against the upper third of the wall (Fig. 3) and thereby comes closer to Coulomb’s classical teachings (Fig. 4) than the German regulations (Fig. 1), also the English approach is flawed by the use of empirical soil indices.

As proved by my comprehensive laboratory investigations with different soil types in dry, moist, and wet conditions, and published in my own writings, it is possible to calculate soil indices such as inclination angle, shear angle, load bearing capacity, and other parameters regarding soil density and its water content. Consequently, the use of empirical soil indices in earth pressure calculations would be obsolete. Moreover, also the teachings in English literature would benefit by taking the innovations into account.

My own “Study on earth pressure” proves that the height of the horizontal force acting against the wall is determined by the existing soil type, i.e. it cannot be fixed to a predetermined or selected height. In order to confirm this thesis, a test with set-up 4 (Fig. 5) was conducted in the study. The right chamber of the glass container was filled with layers of dry basalt grit, and paper strips places between the layers. After pulling out the secured but movable glass pane, no force flow could be detected in the lower third of the wedge height. Further test set-ups revealed that the properties of soils such as density, frictional and shear angles can be calculated, and these values determine the value of earth pressure and its height against the wall. My own literature can be found under: erddruckgiesler.de.

As in Coulomb’s teachings (Fig. 4) with reactive earth pressure A, my own test set-up shows no force flow in the lower third of height ‚h‘.

Regardless of these new findings, publications on earth pressure have appeared recently – e.g. by Achim Hettler / Karl-Eugen Kurrer (2019), in which Fig. 2 is claimed to be up-to-date, but the calculation results contain several errors that do not comply with the basics of pure physics. Also for the calculation of earth pressure, physics reveal indisputable facts, so that no empiric values are required for these calculations (DIN 4085).

If major accidents with injuries and fatalities, such as in Cologne and Nachterstedt, as well as immense financial damage are to be avoided in future, it is high time that earth pressure calculations are placed on a true scientific basis. Expert testimony is intended to uncover the causes of accidents in order to prevent them in future. However, the evidence presumably presented to the court in Cologne regarding the collapse of the Historical Archives rather reveals the incompetence of the expert in the field of civil engineering (see https://erddruckgiesler.de/einsturz-des-koelner-archivs/.

But now I would like to end my efforts to introduce new earth pressure teachings by quoting Vincent van Gogh:

„What would life be, if we had no courage to attempt anything?“

I believe it is worth getting started.

Also important!

Contrary to current expert opinion, the new theory permits landslides to be calculated in advance – see my study, page 196 „2.52 Landslide into the Concordia lake near Nachterstedt in 2009“, and my book, page 352ff.