Abstract: Based on the limit equilibrium concept, the trajectory axis of an arc-shaped arch is simplified to be linear considering the trajectory of the minor principal stress induced by arching effect. A new method for the active earth pressure is proposed through the improved horizontal elements, in which the differential flat elements are divided along the secant direction of the arc-shaped arch trajectory axis of the minor principal stress. Considering a translational rigid retaining wall and cohesionless soil, the theoretical formulas are obtained for the active earth pressure, the resultant earth pressure and the points of applying the resultant earth pressure. In addition, the internal frictional angle of soil, wall-soil frictional angle and angles of sliding plane and horizontal direction, which affect the unit earth pressure, the resultant force of earth pressure and the application point of the resultant force, are investigated. Finally, the proposed formulas produce satisfactory results through comparisons with the experimental observations and other theories.