REINFORCED EARTH WALL EVALUATION

A reinforced earth wall was instrumented with eight (8) Sondex-type extensometers for measurement of horizontal movements; and with 64 Ailtech SG-129-6 strain gages for measurement of strains in the reinforcing strips. In addition to the eight (8) instrumented strips, six (6) short pullout strips were also installed. A total of 14 pullout tests were performed to determine the soil/metal friction coefficient in the field. The report summarizes the results of laboratory tests on soil properties and soil/metal friction, analysis of the reinforced earth wall, the results, and interpretation of extensometer, strain gage and pullout test data. The significant findings of this research are: The coefficients of friction obtained from the field pullout tests were lower than the laboratory values but the average residual values of pullout resistance in the field appear to be reasonably close to those obtained in the laboratory. Moisture content in excess of optimum and fines (material passing No. 200 sieve) in excess of 10 percent significantly affect the coefficient of soil/metal friction. The coefficient of soil/metal friction appears to be unaffected by the rate and method of pullout load application. The surcharge loading significantly decreases the effective length of the metal strips. The Sondex-type extensometers indicated little or no movements within the backfill. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Division of Materials and Testing, 1118 State Street
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120
• Authors:
  • Dash, U
  • Hawks, N
• Publication Date: 1979-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 100 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Coefficient of friction; Dislocation (Geology); Evaluation; Extensometers; Fines (Materials); Measurement; Mechanically stabilized earth; Pull out test; Retaining walls; Soil structure interaction; Soil water; Strain measurement
• Old TRIS Terms: Horizontal displacement
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00323183
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-79-001 Final Rpt., FCP 40S8-852
• Contract Numbers: 77-15
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 12 1981 12:00AM