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Currently, knowledge of the failure mechanisms of narrow backfills with retaining walls rotating about the top (RT mode) is still lacking which leads to inaccurate estimations of the earth pressure. Numerical simulations using finite element limit analysis find that under the effects of backfill geometries, interface strengths, and soil properties, the upper soil layer supported by soil arching retains its integrity and the lower soil layer is sheared by multiple curved sliding surfaces in the limit state. Based on the failure mechanisms of narrow backfills, a calculation model is established which considers the soil arching effect, curved sliding surface, and cohesive soils. Analytical solutions for the earth pressure of narrow cohesive backfills with retaining walls rotating about the top are derived by using the limit equilibrium horizontal slice method. Compared with previous studies, the present method predicts the earth pressure distribution with higher accuracy. Several extensive parametric studies have also been conducted. Thus, decreasing the aspect ratio of backfills, increasing the inclined angle of natural slopes, interface strengths, and soil cohesion are beneficial for maintaining backfill integrity and reducing earth pressure against retaining walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]