Parametric, Seismic and Static External Stability Analysis of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Wall

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls are an alternative engineering structure to traditional reinforced-concrete retaining walls with significant and adaptable height at a lower cost. The main objective of this study is to perform a detailed numerical analysis of the MSE wall considering the effect of parameters such as; reinforced soil, the vertical spacing between reinforcements, the tensile strength of reinforcement, surcharge magnitude, and wall height on the external stability of MSE wall under the static and seismic loading conditions. The analysis has been carried out using the Geo5 numerical tool to obtain the Factor of Safety (FS) against external stability checks. Variations of FS against overturning and sliding for wall-facing and reinforced blocks are compared for various parameters considered in this study. Also, Global Safety Factor (GSF) is analyzed using limit equilibrium methods. From the detailed parametric analysis for external stability of the MSE wall, it has been found that the GFS and the FS against overturning and sliding for wall facing are higher for minimum vertical spacing and greater reinforcement tensile strength. The increased surcharge magnitudes and wall heights reduce the FS. Reinforced soil with well-graded gravel has a significant effect on FS than clayey soil and poorly-graded sand.