Performance of a two-tier geosynthetic reinforced segmental retaining wall under a surcharge load: Full-scale load test and 3D finite element analysis

This paper presents the results of a full-scale load test and a 3D finite element analysis on a two-tier, 5 m high, geosynthetic reinforced segmental retaining wall (GR-SRW) subjected to a surcharge load aiming at investigating the response of the GR-SRW to various levels of surcharge load. The results of the load test at working stress condition revealed that the GR-SRW's response to the test load was well within the serviceability limits, and that the currently available design guideline tends to over-estimate the surcharge load-induced reinforcement forces. The predicted results for the surcharge load well in excess of the test load indicated that the surcharge load-induced reinforcement strains exponentially decrease with depth, showing a good agreement in qualitative terms with that assumed in the FHWA design guideline. The predicted wall deformation at the allowable bearing pressure of 200 kPa was within the serviceability level demonstrating an excellent load carrying capacity of the GR-SRW. Design implications and the findings from this study are discussed.