Analysis of Retaining Wall in Static and Seismic Condition with Inclusion of Geofoam Using Plaxis 2D

Abstract

This paper presents the study carried out to analyze the static and seismic behavior of the retaining wall and backfill soil. The lateral earth pressure on retaining wall plays an important role to ensure safety of such structure. The dynamic lateral earth pressure on retaining wall during earthquake condition is always greater than static lateral earth pressure and can induce large destabilizing force. Plaxis 2D software accomplishes the analysis of retaining wall in static and seismic conditions. The retaining wall with backfill material was analyzed with inclusion of compressive material EPS geofoam, which was placed at the interface of retaining wall and backfill material as an absorber to decrease lateral earth pressures on retaining wall. Parametric study of retaining wall has been done by changing various densities of EPS geofoam and thickness. This study shows that inclusion of EPS geofoam reduces the pressure on retaining wall in static as well as seismic condition.