Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Earth Walls

الملخص

Reinforced earth has been applied for different types of load supporting and retaining structures in more confidence throughout the world. In this study, the finite element method is implemented and used to analyze reinforced earth walls. The computer program SIGMA/W is used in the analysis of plane strain problems. Eight node isoparametric elements are used to model the soil while structural elements having nodes that match with the surrounding elements, are used to model the reinforcement material. A parametric study is carried out to investigatethe effect of different parameters on the general behaviour of reinforced earth walls. These parameters include: the height of the wall (H), length of reinforcement (L) and external loads (static and cyclic). Three different heights were tried (3, 5, 7) m and three value of load (q) were used (5, 20, 50) kN/m². It was found that the wall with a small height (3 m) tends to translate and overturn about its foundation to the out, while the walls with greater heights (5m), translate to the out, and the horizontal displacement increases with depth.