Impact of Embedment Resistance on Required Reinforcement Force in MSE Walls

Abstract

This paper presents a limit equilibrium (LE) method to quantify the impact of the embedment resistance on the maximum mobilization reinforcement force required for global stability of the mechanically stabilized earth wall. This LE method is based on the log spiral failure mechanism and is rigorous in the sense that it satisfies equilibrium at the limit state. The presented formulation yields required reinforcement force, not taking into consideration limitations of the stiffness of the facing. Results show that the reinforcement would be eliminated when having enough embedment depth from an analytical parametric study standpoint. However, when the embedment depth is shallow, more reinforcements should be required on account of insufficient embedment resistance.