Mechanical Behavior of Interconnected Concrete-Block Retaining Wall

Abstract

A new type of retaining wall constructed with interconnected H-type concrete blocks is proposed. Advantages of such a wall include stability, proper drainage, allowance of large displacements or differential settlements, ease of constructability, and cost-effectiveness. Because of the individual action of the H-type concrete blocks, a discrete element method is used to perform the numerical analysis for the proposed retaining wall and retained soil. Some typical models of H-block retaining walls were presented to calculate the mechanical behavior of the block wall and retained soil. Calculations show that this type of retaining wall behaves well and is stable. To verify the adequacy of discrete element method (DEM) on the analysis of H-block walls, a field test was conducted, and comparisons were also made between the numerical and monitoring results.