Non-linear and linear models in design of retaining walls

This study compares non-linear and linear elasto-plastic models in the numerical analyses of a retaining wall in stiff clay. The paper aims to be applicable to routine design, where often a non-linear elasto-plastic model is not available and instead a linear elasto-plastic model is used. Current guidelines suggest deriving the appropriate linear elastic stiffness from the non-linear soil behaviour, on the basis of the expected straining in the ground. However, it is not always straightforward to choose a representative strain level. The study presents profiles of linear elastic stiffness, back-calculated to match the maximum wall deflection of the non-linear analyses in the short term. On the basis of the non-linear soil stiffness-strain curve, the paper then derives a corresponding strain level for each linear elastic stiffness profile. Three different support systems are examined: a single-propped wall, a double-propped wall, and a top- down construction. A number of non-linear stiffness-strain curves are considered for the stiff clay and two K(sub)0 profiles are examined.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13532618
• Authors:
  • GRAMMATIKOPOUPOU, A
  • STJOHN, H D
  • POTTS, D M
• Publication Date: 2008-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 311-23
• Serial:
  • GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (PROCEEDINGS OF THE ICE)
  • Volume: 161
  • Issue Number: GE6
  • ISSN: 1353-2618

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Clay; Design; Linear systems; Mathematical models; Nonlinear systems; Retaining walls; Stiffness
• Subject Areas: Design; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01121368
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Feb 5 2009 8:45AM