Finite element analysis of a concrete-rigid wall retaining a reinforced backfill

Abstract

In this paper a rigid wall retaining a reinforced backfill with self-weight as well as with a uniform surcharge load has been analyzed by finite element method. The reinforcement is assumed in the form of strips that are not attached to the wall. Analyses are performed using a software code which is developed in FORTRAN-77 and validated for reported case histories in the literature. This study also can be extended to the other types of reinforced earth systems like segmental walls, mechanically stabilized reinforced earth walls etc. The system is modeled as a plane strain two-dimensional problem. The investigations are conducted to examine the influence of reinforcement, stiffness and Poison’s ratio of backfill and foundation strata on the performance of a rigid wall. The studies show that, there is substantial reduction in the front face displacements of a rigid wall. The extent of reduction in the front face deformations depend upon the stiffness of foundation and backfill strata. The present work also, demonstrates the methodology to derive the design charts for deflections at top and base and height of rotation of a rigid wall by varying the stiffness of backfill and foundation strata for particular geometrical dimensions of wall. These charts are useful to the designer to choose the option of a rigid wall with a reinforced backfill, considering the available foundation and to satisfy the codal provisions regarding the serviceability criteria of a rigid wall. Additionally, the paper highlights potential areas of ongoing and further work that may offer a better understanding of the serviceability limit state of reinforced soil walls.