Numerical simulation of geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls under seismic shaking

This paper presents the results of numerical simulation of three full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls that were seismically loaded by a shaking table. Material model parameters were determined from the available laboratory data. In particular, the backfill was simulated with a cap model with parameters dependent of stress level. Hardening parameters of cap model were determined from hyperbolic relation derived from the relevant hydrostatic compression tests. A discussion on the calibration of modeling parameters is presented. Responses compared include (a) maximum wall displacement, (b) maximum backfill settlement, (c) maximum lateral earth pressure, (d) maximum bearing pressure, (e) maximum reinforcement tensile load, (f) absolute maximum acceleration in reinforced soil zone, and (g) absolute maximum acceleration in retained soil zone. Qualities of simulations were evaluated and are discussed. It was found that not all the calculated results agree well with the measured data. However, strong inference or high confidence is anticipated for the closely matched responses such as lateral earth pressure and horizontal displacement utilizing the calibrated model described herein. As indicated by the calculated results, seismic wall displacement decreases with decreasing reinforcement spacing. Factors responsible for comparison discrepancy are discussed. Variability within the measured data is thought to have contributed to some of the comparison discrepancies.