Reinforced earth retaining wall under vertical and horizontal strip loading

Abstract

A study was carried out on the structural response of a reinforced earth retaining wall model subjected to the action of a surcharge strip load aligned parallel to the wall head. Effects of both vertical and horizontal load components were investigated. Horizontal loads were applied in two directions, namely, towards the wall face and away from the wall face. The stress distribution pattern in the reinforcing elements and the change in stress distribution occurring in the reinforced earth medium were also studied. Results were generated for various loading conditions, including variations in the load distance from the wall face. Contour diagrams showing the ratio of reinforcing element stress to applied horizontal load intensity, as well as contour diagrams showing the ratio of horizontal soil stress to applied horizontal load intensity, were constructed. Experimental results were compared with the theoretical stress distribution that exists in a semi-infinite elastic medium, and also with design procedure currently in use for reinforced earth retaining walls under horizontal surcharge strip loading. Significant differences were found between the results based on the design method now in use and those obtained from the model study. Key words: reinforced earth, vertical and horizontal strip load, reinforcing elements, stress distribution, stress-sensitive regions, contours, deflections.