Effect of Single and Double Anchored Systems on the Behaviour of Cellular Reinforced Fly Ash Walls

Abstract

This paper pertains to the model testing results of cellular reinforced fly ash walls subjected to surcharge loading. Fly ash is fine residue produced from thermal power stations as a byproduct. The enormous quantity of fly ash produced requires huge disposal area and creates environmental problems. In India, where the land to population ratio is small, acquiring huge areas of land for the safe disposal of fly ash is not easy. The utilization of fly ash and its disposal in an environmentally friendly manner is a foremost concern in India. In the present study a series of model experiments were carried out for proper utilization of fly ash as an alternative backfill material in the cellular reinforced fly ash walls. Locally available waste plastic water bottles were used to prepare the cellular reinforcement. The diameter of bottles used for cellular reinforcement is 50 mm and with varying heights of 10 mm and 20 mm. The effect of coverage ratio with single and double anchored cellular reinforcement systems on the horizontal displacement of full height facing panel and settlement of the backfill were studied. The observed failure surcharge pressure was higher for the double anchored system for both the reinforcement heights, indicating better performance of wall in terms of carrying load before failure. The cellular reinforcement of height 20 mm showed better performance over 10 mm.