REINFORCED EARTHED WALLS ON SOFT SOiLS

Abstract

A non-linear finite element analysis of earthed walls constructed on soft soils was carried out. The behavior of foundation soils was modeled by elastic plastic cap model. The fill behavior was taken to be elastic-perfectly plastic with ultimate failure surface of the Drucker-Prager type. Reinforcements were modeled using 2-node truss elements and the material behavior was taken to be nonlinear elastic.

The proposed procedure was used to make two studies: a comparative study between a soil wall with skin facing and the same wall retained by a reinforced concrete wall to investigate the the effect of the retaining wall constructed on soft soil and. parametric study of reinforced earth walls.

Soil properties, reinforcement and their reinforced earth wall were studied.

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Those studies were preceded by: a review of the appl•ication of the finite element technique to analysis of reinforced soil walls and' its potential and constraints. A review of a constitutive modelinof soils and concrete and study of two cap models assessed with respect to their advantages and limitations for solving problems in geomechanics engineering. A review of some of various formulations available for large displacement analysis.