Seismic-induced permanent displacement of geosynthetic-reinforced segmental retaining walls

Abstract

This paper describes the application of conventional displacement methods to estimate seismic-induced permanent displacements of geosynthetic-reinforced segmental retaining walls constructed on firm foundations. Permanent displacements associated with three sliding mechanisms are investigated: (1) external sliding along the base of the total wall structure; (2) internal sliding along a reinforcement layer and through the facing column; and (3) block interface shear between facing column units. A pseudostatic method based on the Mononobe-Okabe earth pressure theory is used to determine the value of critical acceleration associated with each potential failure mechanism. Newmark's sliding block displacement method and a number of emperical methods are briefly summarized and can be used to estimate the permanent displacements of segmental retaining walls. An example is given to illustrate the application of the methods presented. Key words: segmental retaining walls, geosynthetics, seismic, Newmark, sliding block, displacement methods.