Reinforced earth - its design and application : Warwick, E R J Civ Engng, London, Sept 1982, P52–59

Abstract

Applications for reinforced earth structures, described by the author, have now extended beyond retaining walls and bridge abutments to sea walls, dams and dykes. In such applications galvanised steel reinforcing strip, extending into compacted backfill, are attached to concrete facing panels. Friction developed between the reinforcement and the fill creates sufficient tensile stress to stablilise the entire mass. Dimensions of the reinforcing strips are designed so that the equivalent cross-section at the end of the anticipated life will be sufficient to withstand loads. Such structures are designed to distribute forces evenly within the mass so avoiding stress concentrations and the risk of sliding along the base. Concentrated loads are distributed by transferring shear forces in the fill to tensile forces in the reinforcement. A number of reinforced earth construction projects are described including bridge abutments, railway track beds and sea retaining walls. (TRRL)