A Case History of MSE Wall Failure: Finite Element Modeling and Evaluation

This paper presents a case history of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall failure along with the results of finite element modeling and evaluation of the failure mechanism. The 11.5-meter high wall is comprised of steel reinforcing strips embedded in compacted backfill and connected to reinforced concrete facing panels. Some of the facing panels were installed atop abandoned drilled caissons that were originally constructed for an adjacent building. At ten of the caisson locations, the reinforcing strips sheared at the connection with the wall panels, and the panels fell off the wall. Results of the finite element analyses indicate that failure occurred due to excessive tensile stresses in the reinforcing strips as a result of differential settlement between the panels and the strips. Parametric analyses were performed for the present and final loading conditions to help devise corrective measures to prevent any future failure of the MSE wall.