Analysis and Design of Retaining Wall having Reinforced Cohesive Frictional Backfill

Abstract

The case of a rigid wall with inclined back face retaining reinforced cohesivefrictional backfill subjected to uniformly distributed surcharge load has been analyzed using limit equilibrium approach. The analysis considers the stability of an element of the failure wedge, which is assumed to develop in the reinforced earth mass adjoining the back face of wall. The non-dimensional charts have been developed for computing the lateral earth pressure on wall and the height of its point of application above the base of wall. The theoretical findings have been verified by model tests on a rigid wall retaining a dry cohesive-frictional soil reinforced by geogrid strips. Experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. A design example has been included to illustrate the design procedure.

Finite element analysis of a concrete-rigid wall retaining a reinforced backfill

“…There is no direct evidence in the published literature to prove the validity of results. But, the trend of reduction in front face deformations (20-60 %), depends upon the properties of backfill and foundation strata and is same as reported by Mittal et al [18]. Hence, the current approach is an attempt of the writers to use the proposed methodology as a first order estimate of lateral displacements during construction of rigid walls.…”

“…Hence, it is concluded that, the reduction in front face deformation varies from 20 to 60 % depending on backfill and foundation soil properties. The results obtained by Mittal et al [18] are specific to reduction in lateral earth pressure on the wall. There is no direct evidence in the published literature to prove the validity of results.…”

“…Also, the estimation of facing deformations have been restricted to a design charts proposed by Chrsitoper et al (FHWA [9]). The case of a rigid wall retaining reinforced cohesive-frictional backfill subjected to uniformly distributed surcharge load has been analyzed by Mittal et al [18] using limit equilibrium approach. They have concluded that, there is about 40 % reduction in the lateral earth pressure on the wall due to reinforced backfill.…”

“…Garg et al [10] have discussed a concept of economical placement of the unattached reinforcement in the backfill for vertical walls and also, provided a non-dimensional design charts. Mittal et al [18] have carried out theoretical analysis and model tests of a rigid wall retaining a reinforced backfill and concluded that, unattached reinforcing strips, embedded in the cohesionless backfill behind a rigid wall are effective in reducing the lateral earth pressure on the wall.…”

Different Loading Systems for Reinforced Earth Walls under Strip Footing Load

“…Some experimental studies of strip footing, retaining wall and reinforced backfill in the reduced scale are done by Pinto and Cousens [16] Pinto and Cousens [17], Shinde and Mandal [18], Mittal et al [19] and Ahmadi and HajialilueBonab [20]. Physical models in this study were prepared and tested at Brandenburg University of Technology CottbusSenftenberg (Pachomov et al [21]).…”