Static Response of Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls with Nonuniform Reinforcement

Abstract

The structural response of reinforced‐soil wall systems with more than one reinforcement type (nonuniform reinforcement) is investigated using a numerical approach. The selected reinforcement types and mechanical properties represent actual polyester geogrid and woven wire mesh products. The model walls are mainly of wrapped‐face type and have different reinforcement lengths, arrangements, and stiffness values. Additional wall models with tiered and vertical gabion facings are included for comparison purposes. The numerical simulation of wall models has been carried out using a finite difference‐based program and includes sequential construction of the wall and placement of reinforcement at uniform vertical spacing followed by a sloped surcharge. The wall lateral displacements and backcalculated lateral earth pressure coefficient behind the facing in all nonuniform reinforcement wall models show a clear dependence on relative stiffness values of reinforcement layers at different elevations. An equation is proposed that can be used to predict the maximum reinforcement load in nonuniform reinforced wrapped‐face walls of given backfill types and reinforcement configurations similar to those investigated in this study.