Parametric Finite Element Investigation of Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls

This paper presents the details of a finite element technique that has successfully predicted the performance of two reinforced soil retaining alls constructed using different methods of construction. The numerical and experimental results · show that the method of construction has significant influence on the performance of these structures which is not accounted for in the conventional design procedures. Another factor which influences the strength and stiffness behaviour of reinforced soil structures is the dilation of soils. The increased shear strength of dilatant soils play an important role in their behaviour. The ef feet of dilation angle on the response-of reinforced soil retaining walls is clearly shown by the numerical results presented in this paper. The results presented in the paper confirm the validity of some of the
assumptions made in the current limit equilibrium design methods with regard to the location of internal failure surface.