TY - GEN
T1 - A numerical simulation on the dynamic response of MSE wall with LWA backfill
AU - Munjy, H.
AU - Tehrani, F. M.
AU - Xiao, M.
AU - Zoghi, M.
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - This paper describes the finite element analysis of an alternative mechanically-stabilized-earth (MSE) wall, subject to dynamic loading using PLAXIS®-2D. The model incorporates Lightweight expanded shale aggregates (LWA) as backfill materials. Dynamic loading includes sinusoidal harmonic motions from 0.2 to 6Hz frequencies. The numerical simulation is used to verify experimental shake-table studies on a small-scale prototype. The model features multiple layers of backfill materials reinforced with synthetic geo-grid sheets and loaded with a shallow foundation. Discussions include the effectiveness of numerical techniques to model various features of the MSE wall. Numerical results are compatible with the shake-table experimental data. Further, simulations indicate the effectiveness of using equivalent springs in the small-scale model to replicate absorbent boundaries in a true-scale MSE wall. Moreover, the numerical output shows the sensitivity of MSE wall response to the frequency of the base excitation. However, the effect of damping is not readily exhibited in analysis. In summary, the results contribute to better understanding of MSE response to seismic events, performance of lightweight backfills, and reliability of numerical solutions, while warranting further analytical work using advanced soil models.
AB - This paper describes the finite element analysis of an alternative mechanically-stabilized-earth (MSE) wall, subject to dynamic loading using PLAXIS®-2D. The model incorporates Lightweight expanded shale aggregates (LWA) as backfill materials. Dynamic loading includes sinusoidal harmonic motions from 0.2 to 6Hz frequencies. The numerical simulation is used to verify experimental shake-table studies on a small-scale prototype. The model features multiple layers of backfill materials reinforced with synthetic geo-grid sheets and loaded with a shallow foundation. Discussions include the effectiveness of numerical techniques to model various features of the MSE wall. Numerical results are compatible with the shake-table experimental data. Further, simulations indicate the effectiveness of using equivalent springs in the small-scale model to replicate absorbent boundaries in a true-scale MSE wall. Moreover, the numerical output shows the sensitivity of MSE wall response to the frequency of the base excitation. However, the effect of damping is not readily exhibited in analysis. In summary, the results contribute to better understanding of MSE response to seismic events, performance of lightweight backfills, and reliability of numerical solutions, while warranting further analytical work using advanced soil models.
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U2 - 10.1201/b17017-203
DO - 10.1201/b17017-203
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84902304060
SN - 9781138026889
T3 - Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering - Proceedings of the 8th European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, NUMGE 2014
SP - 1147
EP - 1151
BT - Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering - Proceedings of the 8th European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, NUMGE 2014
PB - Taylor and Francis - Balkema
T2 - 8th European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering, NUMGE 2014
Y2 - 18 June 2014 through 20 June 2014
ER -