Numerical and sensitivity analysis of Bearing Reinforcement Earth (BRE) wall

Abstract

Numerical and sensitivity analysis of the Bearing Reinforcement Earth (BRE) wall were carried out using PLAXIS 2D. The numerical and sensitivity analysis was performed by varying the foundation conditions (thickness, T and modulus of elasticity, E of the weathered crust) and the BRE wall properties (number of transverse members, n, reinforcement length, L, wall height, H, reinforcement vertical spacing, Sv and axial stiffness of reinforcement, EA). The studied L/H ratio is between 0.7 and 1.0 and the geotextiles elements were used to model the reinforcement. The settlement of the BRE wall is governed by E, T, and H, irrespective of the BRE wall properties. The bearing stress distribution is essentially the same even with different E, T, n, Sv, EA. The magnitude of bearing stress is mainly controlled by H. The lateral movement pattern is primarily dependent upon Sv for a particular H. The inward movement exists for small Sv value while the outward movement exists for large Sv value. The magnitude of lateral movement is controlled by E, T, L and n. For a particular foundation condition (E and T), an increase in n is more advantageous than an increase in L because the lateral movement is insignificantly reduced when L/H > 0.8. The maximum tension and AASHTO recommended failure plane were found not to coincide in the serviceability state. In the serviceability state, the tie points must be stronger than the reinforcements for the wall height > H/2 while the reinforcement must be stronger than the tie point for the wall height < H/2. The simplified K versus H relationship is a practical tool to examine the factor of safety based on the conventional method.