Finite Element Analysis of Segmental Precast Concrete Panel Reinforced Earth Retaining Wall

Reinforced earth retaining walls are being utilized more frequently in civil infrastructure projects as an alternate design structure to typical reinforced concrete walls and other structures for supporting backfill. The objective of the present study is to model and analyze a 2-dimensional Segmental Precast Concrete Panel (SPCP) wall using the 2-dimensional finite-element tool PLAXIS and analyze the behaviour of the wall concerning the effect of reinforcement type and surcharge loads. The present work also includes the investigations of the effects of reinforcement type and surcharge loads, as well as 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 those of 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 for aggregate pier supporting systems. KEYWORDS: Segmental precast concrete panel, PLAXIS, Reinforcement type, Aggregate pier, Pile Foundation, Wall deformation