Effect of Earthquake and Hydrostatic Water Pressure on the Seismic Stability of Slopes Supported by Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls

Abstract

This study evaluates the stability of slopes supported by mechanically stabilized earth walls under combined hydrostatic and seismic loading conditions. Limit equilibrium, pseudo-static methods and permanent displacement approaches, including the Newmark rigid block method as well as coupled and decoupled techniques, are employed to assess the static and seismic performance of the soil slope under investigation. Parametric analyses are conducted using the Slide2 software package (Version 9.041) and verified against geotechnical design criteria to examine the effects of groundwater level and seismic intensity on factors of safety, failure mechanisms, and seismic-induced displacements of the slope. Results based on multiple strong ground motion records indicate that elevated water tables and hydrostatic pressures behind the wall, up to levels near the wall toe, do not significantly increase the failure potential or slope displacement. This behavior is attributed to the MSE wall acting as a rigid stabilizing system that enhances overall slope stability.