Behaviour of MSE Wall with different Soil Properties and Reinforcement Length

Abstract

The Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) retaining wall is used as an alternative designed structure for conventional cast-in-place concrete type walls and gravity walls. The MSE wall behaves as a coherent block considered as flexible, which can sustain loading types and deformations due to the interaction between the backfill and the inclusion materials. The construction of MSE walls is cost effective, requires less site preparation, and is technically more feasible. MSE wall behaviour highly depends upon type of reinforcement and backfill used in the system. However, use of backfill with high fine content and poor drainage behavior can cause excessive wall movement or even failure. In the present study, MSE wall was modelled using finite element numerical tool PLAXIS 2D, to study the effect of backfill and reinforcement on MSE wall behaviour. Wall deformations were analysed by varying soil parameters such as, soil friction angle and unit weight soil of retained and foundation soil. It was observed that, as the friction angle of the foundation soil increased, wall deformations were reduced. Also, it was seen that, length of the reinforcements has significant effect on wall deformations. Deformations were reduced as the length of reinforcements increased.

Parametric Study of Mechanically Stabilised Earth Wall using PLAXIS

“…FLAC, MSEW, ReSSA and PLAXIS are such popular computer programs which can be used for numerical simulation and analysis of MSE walls. Many parametric studies using such programs were also carried to get insights into the design and behaviour of MSE walls with different geometries, materials and loading conditions [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. In a study conducted by Kenneth et al [19], PLAXIS, a finite element programme, and UTEXAS4, a limit equilibrium programme, were used to examine stresses and stability of MSE retaining walls.…”

“…On weak foundation soil weak backfill soil is more suitable, on medium foundation soil medium backfill soil is more suitable and on good foundation soil good backfill soil is more suitable. Using the finite element numerical programme PLAXIS 2D, Hulagabali et al [15] analysed the impact of backfill and reinforcement on the behaviour of MSE walls. Soil parameters, including friction angle and retained and foundation soil unit weight, were studied to determine their effects on wall deformations.…”

“…Deformations were reduced as the length of reinforcements increased. Hulagabali et al [15] used the PLAXIS 2D to analyse the reinforced wall with different types of geogrids. Different types of soil were used for the backfill and the foundation, including sand, gravel, silt, and clay.…”

Factors affecting the deformation of facing elements for MSE wall design

“…Many factors can influence the MSE wall performance and deformation behavior . A. Hulagabali et al [4], found that as the unit weight of retained soil increases, there was increase in wall deformations, and as the friction angle of the reinforced and foundation soil increased, wall deformations were reduced with increase in reinforcement length. Also, reinforcement stiffness and length were identified as influential parameters affecting the horizontal movement at a specific MSE wall height.…”