Comparison of geosynthetic reinforced soil wall solutions using analytical design methods and numerical modelling

ABSTRACT: European design standard (prEN-1997 202x) permits the use of suitably verified numerical models for the design of reinforced soil walls (RSW). The paper first compares three analytical design method outcomes (Coherent Gravity, Simplified, and Stiffness method) available in US (AASHTO 2020) and Canadian (CSA 2019) design codes. Polyester (PET) strap reinforcement arrangements from each method were then simulated using a 2D finite element model (FEM) which considered construction stages and transient compaction conditions. The models for each arrangement were analyzed using different material factors applied to the soil frictional strength. Serviceability limit states (SLS) and ultimate limit states (ULS) were evaluating via horizontal wall deformations, soil shear strains, and maximum reinforcement tensile loads. Numerical results remained within SLS and ULS criteria. The maximum tensile loads from the numerical models were close to, but lower than the predicted loads using the Stiffness Method, which in turn were lower than the loads predicted using the Simplified and Coherent Gravity methods.