Dynamic Response Analysis of Reinforced‐Soil Retaining Wall

Two methods found in current engineering practice for the dynamic response analysis of reinforced-soil retaining-wall structures are reviewed. The first method is an iterative equivalent linear elastic approach, and the second is an incremental elastic approach. Essential features of these two approaches have been implemented in the finite element programs QUAD4B and TARA-3. The predictive capability of the two methods of analysis are evaluated by comparing the computed time histories of horizontal accelerations and dynamic forces in the reinforcement layers with field test data previously reported for a full-scale instrumented wall reinforced with metallic strips. The field test data was obtained by subjecting the instrumented wall to seismic excitations generated by buried explosives detonated with delays. Accelerations on the order of 0.08g and duration of 0.70 were generated in the blast series considered for this study. The results of this study show that the incremental elastic approach used in TARA-3 gives the best prediction of dynamic wall response under blast loading.