Numerical simulation of compaction-induced stress for the analysis of RS walls under working conditions

This paper aimed to verify numerical modelling of compaction-induced stress (CIS) for the analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) walls under working stress conditions. Data from a full-scale well-instrumented GRS wall was used for a numerical analysis. The results from the wall used in this study have already been used for validation in several other numerical modelling studies. Nevertheless, in none of these studies was the real value of CIS specified for the vibrating plate compactor used in the wall employed. In the present study, the real value of CIS is employed. The CIS is modelled using a new procedure presented in this paper in addition to two other procedures found in the literature. The results indicate that when the real value of CIS was simulated using a strip load applied to the top of each backfill layer, the numerical model accurately represented the measurements. The accuracy of the results, however, depends on the width of the strip load used to model the CIS. Nevertheless, as this type of compaction modelling procedure is time consuming, modelling of CIS by applying a distribution load at the top and bottom of each soil layer is suggested as an alternative procedure.