Limit equilibrium approach to study the evolution of shear band systems in soils

摘要

The paper is concerned with the analysis of shear band systems appearing in dry soil behind flexible retaining walls under plane strain conditions. The experimental problem studied is that of an initially vertical, plane retaining wall, deforming because of the gradual excavation of sand from one side of the wall. The aim of the paper is to clarify some of the possible physical reasons for multiple shear bands developing behind such walls. The problem of shear band arrangement in a regular pattern, and their possible se- quence, are also considered.