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Development of a Full-Scale Retaining Wall Model to Evaluate Lateral Earth Pressure Reduction Using EPS Geofoam
Journal
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
ISSN
23662557
Date Issued
2022-01-01
Author(s)
Patil, Vikas
Junagade, Mrunmay
Murty, Dasaka S.
Abstract
Field verification of the controlled yielding technique using a full-scale retaining wall model is highly important for the design of optimum thickness and density of geofoam for different heights of wall and backfill conditions. In case of walls to be designed for at-rest conditions, for locations such as abutment of bridges, culverts, box culverts and basement walls, implementing the controlled yielding technique could substantially minimize lateral thrust on retaining walls and help in all dimensions of retaining walls. This technique consists of placing a compressible inclusion such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam between the retaining wall and backfill and is shown to reduce the lateral thrust on the wall below the at-rest condition. The study will present the development of a full-scale retaining wall model based on this technique, with the objectives of evaluating optimum thickness and density of geofoam, assessing scale effects and studying long-term creep of the geofoam. Accordingly, a reinforced concrete retaining wall of height 6 m and width 10 m, 4 m section with geofoam inclusion, 4 m without geofoam is constructed with locally available silty soil proposed for backfilling. This paper aims at presenting an overview of the ongoing construction of the model along with the required instrumentation setup as well as discussing the challenges encountered.
Volume
186
Subjects