Analysis of vertical facing panel-joint gap in reinforced soil walls

Abstract

This paper extends the numerical parametric study previously reported by the writers for the vertical load distribution and vertical gap compression between facing panel units in steel reinforced soil walls ranging in height from 6 m to 24 m. The presented study demonstrates how gap compression and magnitude of vertical load transmitted between horizontal joints are influenced by joint location along the height of the wall, joint compressibility, and backfill, and foundation soil stiffness. The charts provided can be used to make a preliminary estimate of the number and type (stiffness) of the bearing pads to ensure a target minimum gap thickness at the end of construction, demonstrate the relative influence of wall height and different material component properties on vertical load levels and gap compression, or used as a benchmark to test numerical models used for project-specific design.