Performance of Model Gabion Type Retaining Walls Built Using Cylindrical Cells: A Laboratory Study

Abstract

Behavior of gabion walls built using scrap tyres/scrap metal drums in the field, was simulated in the laboratory by constructing gabion type retaining walls using PVC cells. Experimental work was carried out in the laboratory in a steel tank. Gabion type walls were constructed using PVC cells made by cutting 6″ PVC pipe into cells of 5.0 cm in height. The total PVC cells wall is 1.0 m in length, 0.33 m in width and 1.0 m height ‘H’. Dial gauges to measure horizontal deformations were located at the top, one-third, 0.59 and 0.79 m from bottom of the wall. Lateral deformations of PVC cell walls were measured during and at the end of the construction, and with uniform surcharge loading for wall inclinations of 2.5°, 5.0° and 7.5° from the vertical. Horizontal deformations with surcharge loads were more at normalized heights between 0.6H and 0.7H. Face deformations of flexible walls constructed using PVC cells were within the limits as per the guidelines specified by AASHTO, FHWA and EN.