الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSEWs) are widely used as a cost-effective earth-retaining system. The current design standards are based primarily on understanding of two-dimensional plane-strain behavior regardless of the 3D behavior and mechanisms associated with wall curves and corners. The objective of this research work is to better understand the performance of MSEW corners under service loading by performing field monitoring accompanied with a thorough material characterization and validation using 3D finite element modelling. Finally, a parametric study was undertaken using the developed 3D finite element model to study the influence of curve radius, curve angle including concave/ convex configurations, geogrid stiffness, facing stiffness, and soil relative density on the performance of curved walls. A comprehensive field monitoring program was performed on a modular-block MSEW of curved configuration located at New Giza, which is a new development in Giza, Egypt. The wall has a height of 11 m with right angle configuration and of radius 15 m, reinforced with 18 layers of polyester (PET) geogrids. The field monitoring program comprised: (a) strain gauges installation for 22 geogrid layers distributed between three stations with a total of 194 points, and (b) surveying of facing deformation at 144 points located at eight stations along the straight and curved segments of the wall. Material characterization and laboratory tests were undertaken on the used backfill soil and geogrids. Assessment of variation of geogrid stiffness with time and calibration factors between global to local strains were derived |