Numerical modelling of gabion retaining wall under loading and unloading

[摘要] Main goal of this paper is to present results of the numerical simulations of a real-scale gabion retaining wall tests. 4.5 m high wall was loaded and unloaded with water pressure, displacements of the crest of the wall were measured. Finite Element Method was used to simulate experiment and obtained results are compared with experimental ones. Usage of homogenized Coulomb-Mohr type continuum for gabions is proposed. Strength parameters of the model (cohesion and friction angle) are estimated on the base of large scale triaxial tests of the gabions and static tensile tests of the mesh. Influence of the “cut-off” condition on obtained results is analyzed. Elastic model for gabions is used for comparison of the results. Interface elements and truss joints between the gabions are used to simulate joints between gabions with limited strength. Good correlation between displacements obtained in experiment and numerical simulations was observed, especially in loading phase, so presented methodology of numerical modelling allows to model gabion retaining walls behavior close to the reality and could be used in engineering practice.

[学科分类] 建筑学

[关键词] gabion;retaining wall;Finite Element Method (FEM);homogenization;numerical modelling