Abstract：Based on the existing test results, the strength anisotropy of the sand is analyzed and the relationship between the internal friction angle and the angle between the principal stress and deposition surface is obtained. Then, according to the active earth pressure solution for isotropic sand, the active earth pressure formula considering anisotropy of sand is derived. The analysis considers the change in strength due to the rotation of the principal stress at the two slip surfaces (the soil-wall interface and slip surface in the soil), assuming that the internal friction angle changes with the direction of the principal stress as a parabola. Finally, the influences of internal, soil-wall friction angle and anisotropic parameter on active earth pressure are discussed. The research indicates: The distribution of active earth pressure for anisotropic sand is similar to that for isotropic sand; however, as the anisotropy parameter increases, the active earth pressure coefficient and the height of the application point decrease approximately linearly. The active earth pressure calculation method for isotropic sand underestimates the magnitude of active earth pressure and the height of the application point, which is not conducive to the safety and stability of the retaining structure.
