Numerical Analysis of the Deformation Behavior of Geogrid-Reinforced MSE Wall Having FHR and SPT Wall Facing

Abstract

The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall has been widely used globally for several decades now. The study on MSE wall is continuously growing as well as various innovations on its designs and techniques. The natural complexity of soil behavior makes the study on MSE wall system challenging for researchers. One of the factors that affect the deformation behavior of MSE wall structure is the wall facing system. Hence, this study is undertaken to investigate the deformation behavior of geogrid-reinforced MSE wall, having full height rigid (FHR) and segmental panel-type (SPT) wall facing, using finite element method (FEM) in Plaxis 2D program and small-scale experimental study. Both numerical and experimental models are using discrete geogrids reinforcement with three different reinforcement length ratios of 1H, 0.7H and 0.5H (where H is the wall height). The results from the series of numerical analysis and experimental tests showed that the vertical displacement on top of the MSE wall and the horizontal displacements of the FHR facing were smaller than those of the SPT wall facing, regardless of the reinforcement length. In addition, the reinforcement length has minimal effect on settlement for MSE wall with FHR facing but is more visible for MSE wall with SPT wall facing. The magnitude of the reinforcement effect may not be great in this study because the MSE wall models are only 0.60m high. But it is expected that the higher wall height might induce greater reinforcement length effect.