What does earth pressure represent in the context of retaining walls?

Earth pressure in the context of retaining walls represents the total force per unit area exerted by the soil on the wall. This pressure arises from the weight of the soil itself and the lateral pressure exerted by that soil due to its weight and moisture content, as well as any live loads or surcharge that may be present.

When a retaining wall is constructed, it holds back soil, which exerts pressure against the wall due to gravity. The calculation of earth pressure is essential for the design of retaining walls because it allows engineers to determine the necessary strength and stability of the wall to withstand these forces. Earth pressure can vary depending on factors such as soil type, moisture content, wall height, and backfill conditions, making it a crucial aspect for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of retaining structures.

This understanding of earth pressure helps engineers in their designs, ensuring that walls can adequately resist the forces acting upon them, while other factors such as water weight, wind load, or loads from above, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically pertain to the definition of earth pressure as it relates to the lateral forces exerted on retaining walls.