Authors:
Anand M Hulagabali; Anitha Nayak; C H Solanki; G R Dodagoudar;
Abstract:
Reinforced earth retaining walls are being utilized more frequently in civil infrastructure projects as an alternate design structure to typical reinforced concrete retaining walls and other structures for supporting earth fills. The main objective of this study is to model and analyze a two-dimensional Segmental Precast Concrete Panel (SPCP) wall using the two-dimensional finite element tool PLAXIS and investigate the behaviour of the wall concerning the effect of reinforcement type and surcharge loads. The present study also includes the study of the effect of reinforcement type, surcharge loads and the influence of different supporting systems on the deformations and ground surface settlements of the SPCP wall. Ribbed steel reinforcements, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) geogrids, and Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geogrids are used to evaluate the wall deformations for reinforcement types. For ribbed steel reinforcement, ground settlements and wall deformations are 14% and 25% less compared to PET and HDPE geogrid reinforcements respectively. With the increase in surcharge on the backfill soil, wall deformations and surface ground settlements are increased significantly by 150%. To decrease the deformations of walls resting on soft soil, pile foundations and aggregate piers are considered as supporting solutions. In the case of reinforced blocks with pile foundation as supporting systems, the wall deformations and settlement are 60% lesser than aggregate pier supporting systems.
Keywords:
Segmental Precast Concrete Panel, PLAXIS, Reinforcement Type, Aggregate Pier, Pile Foundation, Wall Deformation