The method of level-layer analysis is improved to calculate the earth pressure with arbitrary displacement modes. By the stress analysis of the differential element under different displacement modes

it is supposed that the displacement mode only influences the equivalent internal friction angle of interlayer. And the relationship between them is incorporated into the method of level-layer analysis with the existing concept that the internal friction angle acts gradually; and then a new calculation method of earth pressure that quantifies the displacement mode is proposed. Further study indicates that the resultant earth pressure is independent from displacement mode and consistent with the results of Coulomb’s theory; but the distribution of earth pressure and the point of application of the resultant earth pressure vary greatly with the displacement mode. The results are in agreement with the experimental ones. So the presented mothed can be a reference for the calculation of rigid retaining walls.