Numerical modeling of gravity retaining wall using EPS geofoam under seismic condition

Abstract

It is crucial to consider seismic conditions while designing retaining walls. The majority of the model test and numerical analysis went into the seismic condition of the retaining wall. Because of the greater pressure acting on the wall as a result of the extremely high movement of the building during the earthquake, it has been claimed that retaining walls sustain the most damage when subjected to seismic conditions. Every time it is not possible to do laboratory tests before using it in the field. Therefore, it becomes imperative to create some numerical models that predict the most promising field behavior. Numerical modeling of a 4.0 m high gravity retaining wall is done using finite element code PLAXIS under seismic conditions. Effect of surcharge load (30 kPa) and three EPS geofoam thickness (t/H = 10, 20, and 30%) on lateral earth pressure using Northridge earthquake data and Harmonic Sinusoidal Excitation. Reduction of lateral earth pressure and permanent wall displacement observed while using EPS geofoam thickness. As the thickness of EPS geofoam increases higher reduction in lateral earth pressure and permanent wall displacement. Five peak base earthquake acceleration (0.1–0.5 g) is considered for this study and the effect of this earthquake acceleration on lateral earth pressure, isolation efficiency, and permanent wall displacement are analyzed. Five distinct excitation frequency values namely 0.3f₁₁, 0.5f₁₁, 0.85f₁₁, 1.2f₁₁, and 1.4f₁₁ have been used in this investigation and their effects on isolation efficiency are also analyzed.