Field Test And Numerical Simulation Of Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall

In the design of reinforced earth retaining wall structures, the calculation of max tension force in the reinforcement is one of important contents. The max stress and strain of reinforcements in the reinforced retaining wall can be influenced by many factors such as height of wall,overloading, stiffness of panel, weight of soil, soil compaction, angle of inclination, reinforcement spacing and so on.Field test on the reinforcements of an ecological reinforced earth retaining wall is done by the author. Eight tested geogrids which were in a typical cross section have been arranged along the full height of retaining wall. The strain along the reinforcements have been tested during construction of the retaining wall.Based on an indoor model test reinforced earth retaining wall, The analysis and comparison of experimental and numerical results of facing displacements, toe reactions, vertical foundation pressures, reinforcement strains have been done with the finite element software PLAXIS. Influence of soil model on predicted wall response has also been done by changing the soil model.The modeling and analysis of the field tested reinforced soil wall has been done with PLAXIS. The deformation characteristics of slope, stress distribution in soil, strain in the geogrids, shear strain concentration zones have also been analyzed. The failure surface of slope has also been analyzed with strength reduction of PLAXIS. The displacement of reinforced earth retaining wall and tension of geogrids have been analyzed with return package in consideration.Strain of geogrids caused by compaction of different types of soil was summarized. The maximum tensile force of geogrids calculated by current design methods and finite element method is compared with field data. A new design method with soil compaction in consideration has been proposed.