Centrifugal model tests of uniform surcharge loading on L-shaped retaining walls

摘要

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation using centrifugal modelling to study the behaviour of L-shaped or cantilever wall supporting dense Leighton Buzzard sand backfill. The effects of a uniform surcharge on propped and unpropped wall at the top have been investigated. The wall was instrumented to measure the normal and shear stresses on the stem and on the base. A comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of the limiting equilibrium theories shows that the lateral stresses are grossly under-predicted. The assumption of linear stress distribution commonly assumed is not realistic.