Parametric Studies on the Behaviour Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls uner Static and Dynamic Loadings

Abstract

Nowadays Geosynthetics have been used as a routine reinforcement in earth structures such as soil retaining walls (mechanical stabilized earth (MSE) walls), column-supported embankments, soil slopes, and paved/unpaved roads. Reinforced soil structures are bothe economically and technically vary advantageous over their conventional counterparts, especially under poor soil conditions and when there are property line limitations. Various researchers have carried out extensive investigations into the mechanisms of reinforcement of the above-mentioned applications; especially the geosynthetic-soil interactions and they have subsequently considered them into design methods.

This dissertation presents case studies and analyses of reinforced soil retaining walls were carried out. The bahaviour of the walls under static and dynamic loadings was investigated numerically with the aid of finite element progarn-Plaxis and EERA Shake 91. The finite element analyses provide relevant information on the mechanical behaviour of the wall that was otherwise difficult to obtain from the limit equillibrium based design approaches. Practical implications of the findings of this study are highlighted along with the role of numerical modelling in the analysis and design of geosynthetic- reinforced retaining walls.