Parametric Study of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall

Abstract

Conventional embankment construction needs more right of way space and more backfill material or heavy retaining walls to retain the soil. This may lead to foundation problems in areas of weak soil. Reinforced soil can be used for greater heights, vertical slopes, less and uniform deformations. They are easy to work with, takes less time and are cost effective. This paper attempts to make parametric analysis of geosynthetic reinforced wall known as Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall. Numerical simulations are done using a Finite Element Program (PLAXIS 2D). Soil is simulated as Mohr-Coulomb material and geosynthetic reinforcement modeled as elastic material. Parametric analysis of spacing of geosynthetics, stiffness values, aspect ratio (L/H), slope of wall, angle of internal friction and height of wall on factor of safety (FOS) and maximum horizontal displacement are studied. The analysis showed that increasing geosynthetics stiffness greatly reduces maximum horizontal displacement. Increasing the aspect ratio has a direct effect on FOS due to increased length of geosynthetics available. The increase of water table decreases the FOS by about 45%.