The deformation behaviour of reinforced earth wall

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the deformation behaviour of reinforced earth walls during construction and design options of controlling the deformation in practical situations. In this analysis two computer programmes are employed, finite element code programme SIGMAIW and finite difference code programme FLAC. In parametrical studies during computer analysis, it is found that the relative predominant factors controlling the deformations are soil stiffness, reinforcement stiffness or spacing, and the facing stiffness. Taking into consideration economic factors in practice, it is evident that reinforcement stiffness and spacing are the most affective factors to be adjusted for controlling deformations. Charts for estimating deformations are available in the literature from which designers can select suitable reinforcement stiffness and spacing to keep the deformation within acceptable limits. These are referred to in this thesis, and analysis results compared with them.