Numerical and physical modelling of Kaolin as backfill material for polymer concrete retaining wall

Abstract

The failure mechanism of backfill material for retaining wall was studied by performing a numerical analysis using the finite element method. Kaolin is used as backfill material and retaining wall is constructed by Polymer Concrete. The laboratory data of an instrumented cantilever retaining wall are reexamined to confirm an experimental working hypothesis. The obtained laboratory data are the backfill settlement and horizontal displacement of the wall. The observed response demonstrates the backfill settlement and displacement of the retaining wall from the start to completion of loading. In conclusion, numerical modelling results based on computer programming by ABAQUS confirms the experimental results of the physical modelling.