Failure Analysis Of A Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Wall Using Finite Element Program Plaxis

Abstract

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls have been increasingly used in many federal, state and private projects over the last 20 years. MSE walls are reliable, constructible, and cost effective. However, failure of MSE wall has become a problem for all agencies using them. This study presents the failure analysis of a segmental block, MSE retaining wall located in Rockville, Maryland. The top of MSE wall moved about 12 inches to 18 inches. An extensive geotechnical investigation program was undertaken to investigate the MSE wall failure. This study presents the results of investigations to determine the causes of failure. The computer program PLAXIS is used to determine the possible causes, pattern and mode of failure. These results present the reference model or model calibration. The simulated model results are similar to the displacement observed in the field. After that, parametric studies were conducted. Based on the parametric studies, charts were developed to represent the effect of various parameters on the displacement of the MSE wall. The horizontal and vertical movements of the wall were also studied individually and all results were presented in appropriate graphical forms. Moreover, the difference between the axial force and extreme displacement between the upper and lower most geogrids were also presented.