Assuming the variation of the seismic coefficient with height and by using the pseudo-dynamic method, the thin-layer micro-element method and limit equilibrium principles,a new formulation was proposed to calculate the active seismic pressure on retaining wall.The angle of critical failure wedge,the active earth pressure coefficient and the resultant force point can be calculated using the developed formulation.The relationship between the seismic coefficient and the earth pressure distribution on retaining wall were studied.The results showed that the earth pressure coefficient is between the Coulomb’s earth pressure coefficient and the Rankine’s earth pressure coefficient.The resultant force point is change with the time,and is much higher than that of the traditional method aboutH/3.The distribution of earth pressure on retaining wall follows a non-linear pattern at each moment.The seismic coefficient and the internal friction angle have great influence on the earth pressure distribution.
