Study of a reinforced earth wall

Abstract

Reinforced earth structures' design is often based on empirical observations, obtained from instrumentation of real structures and reduced-scale models.

The extense variety of factors interfering in earth walls' behaviour makes it advantageous to use numerical models, which allow a more accurate study. These numerical methods are validated comparing the results obtained with the field measurements.

The results reported herein of the study of a retaining wall were obtained using a computer code, employing the finite element method, that is able of simulating the incremental buildup of the wall.  A good simulation of earth walls' stresses and strains is achieved using this model, as well as the soil foundation and interface elements behaviour, which accomodate slippage between material fill and reinforcements.

A comparative study is made with results obtained by different authors and with those from field measurements.