A simple numerical model for analysis of propped embedded retaining walls

Abstract A simple, efficient and practical numerical model is described for analysis of cantilevered and strutted flexible retaining walls. The model accommodates a variety of features that affect the performance of retaining walls in the field such as application and removal of struts, application of surcharge, changes in the water table, changes in the soll properties and simulation of staged excavations. Unlike conventional finite element and finite difference models that require a considerable effort and knowledge to prepare the input data, the proposed model requires only a few lines of data to define the problem and control the analysis. The computational results include bending moment, shear force and deflection of the wall, strut loads and lateral stresses in the soil at any stage of the analysis. The model can be used effectively to perform a broad suite of parametric studies at the design stage and also as a reliable tool for predicting performance. To demonstrate the latter, the model is applied to analyze several problems involving different wall types in stiff and soft soils. Despite the implicit idealizations in the formulation of the model, such as a linear variation of soil stiffness with depth, the model is shown to provide results that are acceptable for design purposes and of the same quality as those obtained from conventional finite element models.