Civil Engineering ⇒ Topic : Rankines theory Limitations

Limitations of Rankine's theory :
1. As the retaining walls are usually constructed of masonary or cement concrete, the back of the wall is never smooth and hence frictional forces develop.
2. On the assumption that wall back is smooth, the resultant pressure must act parallel to the surface.
3. The wall back may not always be vertical.
4. The retained soil may not always be cohesionless.