Numerical Simulation of MSE Wall Behavior Induced by Surface-Water Infiltration
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 12
Abstract
A series of numerical simulations, including transient seepage analyses and stress deformation analyses, was performed to predict the behavior of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall subjected to surface-water infiltration. In this research, two mechanisms to cause the deformation because of wetting were considered: (1) the deformation induced by shear strength decreases and (2) the volumetric deformation (swell or collapse) because of wetting. The effects of low as-compacted water content and a low-quality compaction zone behind the wall face on the wall behavior were investigated. As result of the simulations, the wall deformations (face deflections and reinforced-soil settlements) and reinforcement tensions (maximum tensions) are presented at the end of construction and after periods of surface-water infiltration.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 12 • December 2013
Pages: 2110 - 2124
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 13, 2011
Accepted: Mar 20, 2013
Published online: Mar 22, 2013
Published in print: Dec 1, 2013
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