A physical model for the interaction between unsaturated soils and retaining structures

Abstract

Temporary and permanent retaining structures interact with soils that are usually in unsaturated conditions. In this work, a 1g-scale physical model is presented to investigate the interactions between retaining walls and unsaturated soils. The physical model is equipped with a water-filled hydraulic cylinder connected to a pressure-volume controller to measure the horizontal component of the later earth thrust and high capacity tensiometers to measure soil matric suction. A system of low-friction linear guideways has been installed at the base of the wall-model. The failure surface is observed through a 3 cm thick glass wall on one side of the container. A series of images are acquired during the tests, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique has been used to identify the displacement field. Selected test results on a fine sandy soil are presented, emphasizing the differences in the lateral thrust between dry and partially saturated conditions. The presented results show the impact of the partially saturated condition on both the magnitude of the horizontal component of the lateral earth thrust and the failure mechanism at active state.

A Numerical Model to Study the Response of Piles under Lateral Loading in Unsaturated Soils

“…Some of the appeal derives from the potential use of unsaturated soil mechanics as a tool to reduce the carbon footprint of various civil engineering applications [1][2][3][4][5]. For instance, Speranza et al [6] suggested that the increase in strength resulting from the suction s may be conveniently adopted to reduce the overdesign of the retaining structures in temporary works, leading to a reduction in emissions and materials used. Dynamic centrifuge tests on a shallow foundation performed by Borghei et al [7] indicated that groundwater fluctuations significantly affect the seismic response of geotechnical systems and that neglecting them does not necessarily lead to safer or more economical design solutions.…”

Impact of Suction on the Near Surface Lateral Soil Response using Centrifuge Modeling

“…Numerous studies have also incorporated unsaturated soil mechanics in the geotechnical analysis of various problems, such as in situ testing, seismic response of foundations, and the analysis of retaining structures, to mention a few [6][7][8][9]. Komolafe and Ghayoomi [10] recently incorporated suction stress in the determination of the theoretical ultimate lateral resistance of cohesionless soils.…”