Seismic response analysis of geosynthetic reinforced soil segmental retaining walls by finite element method

The paper presents the results of a finite element analysis of the dynamic response of a geosynthetic reinforced soil retaining wall that is constructed with dry-stacked modular concrete blocks as the facia system. In the finite element model, the cyclic shear behavior of the backfill soil is described by a hyperbolic stress-strain relationship with Masing hysteretic unload-reload behavior. The reinforcement material is modelled using a similar hysteretic model which takes into account the measured response of cyclic load-extension tests performed on unconfined geogrid specimens in the laboratory. Interface shear between wall components is simulated using slip elements. The results of finite element analyses giving the seismic response of a typical geogrid reinforced segmental retaining wall subjected to prescribed acceleration records are presented. The results of analyses highlight the influence of dynamic loading on: (1) wall displacement; (2) cumulative interface shear force and displacement between facing units; (3) tensile forces developed in the reinforcement and; (4) acceleration response over the height of the wall. A number of implications to the design of these structures are identified based on the results of these simulations.