Finite Element Modeling (FEM) vs. Simplified Force-Based Methods for Rigid Retaining Walls Under Earthquake Excitation

Abstract

The performance of conventional rigid retaining wall under harmonic and transient ground motions is evaluated using three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations. Rotation of wall about the base is found to be the predominant failure mechanism of the gravity retaining wall under seismic excitation. Earth pressure distribution corresponding to the peak ground acceleration is found to be nonlinear and unique in shape. The earth pressure distribution is strongly related to the rotational movement of the wall. Existing force-based methods for rigid retaining walls overestimated the earth pressure under seismic conditions compared to these numerical simulations.