EFFECT OF FINES CONTENT IN BACKFILL OF MECHANICALLY STABILIZED EARTH WALL ON WALL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This research work includes the effect of fines content in the backfill of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall on wall performance. Poorly graded sand was mixed with low-plastic fines with different potions by dry weight. The used soil mixtures were clean sand, sand with 10%, 20%, and 40% fines. Laboratory work has been performed to investigate the effect of fines content on the shear strength and compaction characteristics of clean sand. To study the effect of fines content on soil-geogrid interaction (Rinter), several data were collected from the geotechnical literature and carefully checked to develop an empirical equation for Rinter estimation. Different safety factors for the MSE wall were estimated for backfills with different fines content value. Finite element models; of MSE wall with a 4.40 m height and with varying mixtures of backfill; were developed using Plaxis 2D. Geogrid strain and maximum horizontal displacement were measured. Finally, the results were compared to specifications and limitations to suggest modification to present guidelines.