Full Scale Testing and Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of a Mechanically Reinforced-Earth System

Abstract

This study investigated various performance criteria for the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining system. Use of the MSE system is notable for the associated cost efficiency, flexibility, and high deformation tolerance compared to traditional concrete retaining systems. There have been recent cases highlighting the need for substantial foundation strengthening in MSE walls to satisfy bearing capacity requirements. Meanwhile, current methods used for design stress estimation in such flexible structures might be inadequate, as it does not account for many of the features that make an MSE system an attractive option, hence, it is important to study the performance of a full scale MSE system. This research utilized full-scale testing and numerical simulations to examine the mechanical behavior of MSE systems and developed numerical models to simulate the experimental setup. Two alternative bearing stress functions are presented over the conventional rigid block assumption, which tends to overestimate stresses. The results from these alternatives showed stress magnitudes that were closer to the measured stresses as well as the stresses from numerical simulations indicating better suitability in estimating the bearing stress for reinforced soil walls.