Finite element based investigation of backfill effects on seismic behaviour of a cantilever wall

摘要

A series of finite element analyses were conducted to investigate the backfill effects on seismic behaviour of a cantilever retaining wall incorporating backfill and subsoil interactions. Considering four different backfill soil conditions, the dynamic analyses of backfill-cantilever wall-soil/foundation system were carried out in time domain. The cohesionless soil was modelled as an elasto-plastic medium with viscous boundary applied on the artificial boundary of soil to simulate the wave energy absorption. Backfill-cantilever wall interface behaviour was taken into account by using interface elements between the wall and soil to allow for de-bonding. The magnitudes of lateral displacements and stresses were determined. The corresponding results were presented in graphical form. The obtained results show that the earthquake behaviour of cantilever retaining walls can change considerably due to the backfill interaction. Thus, the backfill interaction should be considered in design criteria of cantilever walls.