Static and dynamic analysis of two mechanically stabilized earth walls

Abstract

The behavior of mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEW), with vertical precast concrete facing panels and polymeric strips, was analyzed under harmonic loading to investigate dynamic wall performance. To this end, finite element method (FEM) analyses were carried out. The numerical model was based on a full-scale test of a 6 m-high wall built in Jundiai, Brazil. The wall was reinforced with polymeric strips made from high tenacity polyester and heavily-coated with low linear density polypropylene. The accuracy of the numerical model was verified first by comparing numerical and experimental results under static loading. The same 2D FEM model was then subjected to harmonic loading to analyze stress and deformation of the geostrips under dynamic loading conditions. In this case, it was found that the axial forces in the reinforcement strips deduced from the numerical analyses are less than those predicted using the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) load and resistance factor design (LRFD) code under both static and harmonic loading. Under harmonic loading, and for the accelerations chosen in the simulations, the resulting active wedge was larger than for the static case.