Seismic response comparison of various geogrid reinforced earth-retaining walls: based on shaking table and 3D FE analysis

Abstract

Abstract The performance of various geogrid earth-retaining walls integrated with a non-cohesion granular backfill for reducing earth pressure has been investigated through small-scale shaking table tests and full-scale 3D finite element analysis. This purpose involved a series of physical modeling tests involving different earth-retaining walls (0.83 cm, height 7.5 cm, thickness, and length 1 m) and arrangements of full-scale 3D finite element analysis (5 m, height, 0.3 m, thickness, and length 6 m). This research investigates and designs hollow prefabricated concrete panels, gravity-type stone masonry, and reinforcement concrete (GRE) walls. It also displays comparative studies such as the top displacement of the wall, deflection of the wall, lateral pressure of the wall, settlement of the backfill, and vertical settlement of the foundation across the height of the (GRE) walls. The understanding and findings based on shaking table experiments and FE simulations have been used to develop a critical model for estimating earthquake-induced displacement (GRE) walls. The validity of the proposed FE simulation model has also been examined in the shaking table experiment and the FE simulation results. Based on the findings, the hollow prefabricated concrete panels were the most practical alternative due to their lower deflection and displacement. The observation also found that the hollow prefabricated (GER) wall is the most viable option, as the backfill surface settlement and lateral pressure decreased with the inclusion of geogrid reinforcement.

Keywords

• Seismic analysis
• Reduce-scale experiments
• Conventional gravity-type retaining walls
• Finite element modeling
• Hollow prefabricated concrete structures