This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation on the effect of rainfall on the performance of reinforced soil wall. The stress-pore pressure coupled finite element formulation was first introduced. The use of stress-pore pressure coupled finite element formulation was then illustrated for simulation of rainfall and a geosynthetic reinforced wall interaction. Using the results, the effect of rainfall on the geosynthetic reinforced wall was examined in terms of the time variation of lateral wall displacement and reinforcement loads. The results indicate that a geosynthetic reinforced soil wall backfilled with marginal soils can undergo significant increases in the wall displacement and the reinforcement loads. The role of matric suction within the reinforced zone is highlighted. Practical implications are also discussed.
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