Three-dimensional behaviour of a reinforced earth-retaining structure within a valley

A reinforced earth-retaining structure within a valley is inherently a three-dimensional problem due to irregular topography. Using three-dimensional non-linear finite element analysis, this paper investigates the three-dimensional behaviour of a reinforced earth-retaining structure within a V-shaped valley in terms of reinforcement stress and deformation. The reinforcement within the structure deforms similar to a beam that bends horizontally at the end of the backfilling stage and under heavy rainfall conditions. In addition to the reinforcement stress developed in the principal direction, the reinforcement stress in the minor direction (perpendicular to the direction in which the valley runs) is noticeably mobilized due to three-dimensional effects, and is mostly concentrated at the central-front area of the reinforcement and at the end of the structure on the valley sides. Compared with two-dimensional conditions, the three-dimensional effect results in less mobilization of reinforcement stress in the principal direction and reduces the amount of lateral deformation developed within the structure. Three-dimensional effects need to be considered in the design of reinforced earth-retaining structures within a valley.