Analysis and design of mechanically stabilized reinforced earth wall

Abstract

Soil confinement systems are very important elements for every highway design. Different types of soil reinforced wall have evolved over the last past 20 years. For many years retaining structures were made of reinforced concrete. The cost of conventional retaining walls increases rapidly with increase in height of wall. Reinforced earth walls are cost effective soil retaining structures and can tolerate large settlements than conventional concrete retaining wall. Due to this reason Reinforced earth technology has completely replaced conventional concrete retaining structures. Geo-grid reinforced earth wall retaining structures have gained wide acceptance. Present research deals with analysis, design and construction of back to back RE wall. At present observations were done during construction of RE wall carried by TECHFAB India LTD for ensuring knowledge of designing the RE wall. Analysis and design of RE wall was done based on following FHWA - 043 code and BS: 8006. Similarly steel strips reinforced earth wall and concrete retaining wall are designed. Cost comparison is made which shows that Geo-grid reinforced earth walls are more economical than concrete retaining walls. Cost calculation of Geo-grid reinforced earth wall is done by varying angle of internal friction of reinforced soil.