Numerical Modeling of the SR-18 Geogrid Reinforced Modular Block Retaining Walls
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 5
Abstract
The paper reports numerical model details and predictions of the end-of-construction performance for two instrumented and well-documented mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. The walls were constructed as part of the highway SR-18 approach fills for a bridge near Seattle, Washington. The geogrid reinforced block face walls were modeled using a commercially available two-dimensional (2D) finite-difference program. The paper provides details on how material properties were selected from laboratory testing of wall components and how the computer modeling was carried out. The paper shows that predicted wall deformations and reinforcement strains were in reasonable agreement with measured data using both linear elastic-plastic and nonlinear elastic-plastic constitutive models for the soil. The geogrid reinforcement was simulated using a nonlinear load-strain-time secant stiffness model and cable elements. The paper compares numerical predictions of reinforcement loads at end of construction with measured values and predictions using a AASHTO Simplified Method, K-stiffness Method, and Simplified Stiffness Method. The paper is a useful benchmark for modelers because it demonstrates what the authors believe are reasonable expectations of model accuracy for Class C predictions of deformations and reinforcement strains for these types of walls when high-quality project information is available.
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Acknowledgments
The work reported in this paper was supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) awarded to the second author.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 5 • May 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 1, 2015
Accepted: Sep 23, 2015
Published online: Jan 7, 2016
Published in print: May 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Jun 7, 2016
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