Earthquake Response of Connected and Unconnected Back-to-Back Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Walls

Dram, Abdelkader; Balunaini, Umashankar; Benmebarek, Sadok; Sravanam, Sasanka Mouli; Madhav, Madhira R.

doi:10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0002206

Cited by 13 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…However, although these mentioned studies are regarding numerical research conducted on back-to-back reinforced walls under static loading, the dynamic behavior of this type of reinforced soil structure has not been studied extensively. The main exceptions are the studies from Dram et al [8] and Samee et al [9]. Both studies also found that, numerically [8] and experimentally [9], a continuous layer of reinforcements by the connection of opposite walls significantly reduced the dynamic loads on the walls compared with those on unconnected walls [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The main exceptions are the studies from Dram et al [8] and Samee et al [9]. Both studies also found that, numerically [8] and experimentally [9], a continuous layer of reinforcements by the connection of opposite walls significantly reduced the dynamic loads on the walls compared with those on unconnected walls [8]. Furthermore, despite showing the worst performance in terms of lateral displacements increase, reinforcement layouts with reduced overlap, or even separated opposite walls, were proven to reduce the dynamic reinforcement loads [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

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Numerical Study of the Influence of the Interaction Distance, the Polymeric Strips Pre-Tensioning, and the Soil–Polymeric Interaction on the Performance of Back-to-Back Reinforced Soil Walls

2022

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This study describes the results of a series of 2D finite element method (FEM) numerical models of 6 m high back-to-back reinforced soil walls using the geotechnical software PLAXIS. These structures are used to support embankments, especially for bridge abutment approaches. The quantitative influence of problem geometry, strip pre-tensioning, strip type, and surcharging on horizontal displacements, development of soil shear and plastic zones, lateral earth pressure, and reinforcement loads is presented. The numerical results demonstrate that the back-to-back reinforced soil walls perform jointly when the distance of interaction between the two opposite walls is greater than the interaction distance, which is defined in FHWA, and is contrary to the results of the FHWA design guideline. The walls of the two opposing sides interact with each other when they are close enough and with an overlapping reinforcement layout. Pre-tensioning load can contribute to achieving vertical wall-facing alignment at the end of construction. Using perforated/holed strips, the tensile loads at the end of construction were reduced by about 30% due to the improved polymeric–soil interface strength and stiffness.

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