Seismic loading on cantilever retaining walls: Full-scale dynamic analysis: Fid-Bau Portal

Seismic loading on cantilever retaining walls: Full-scale dynamic analysis

Salem, Abdelwahhab N. / Ezzeldine, Omar Y. / Amer, Mohamed I.

Abstract The assessment of realistic seismic loading on cantilever retaining wall requires modeling of actual seismic events to act on an integral cantilever wall. In this sense, an analysis is carried out to simulate eight candidate earthquake time histories. Scaling effect on seismic motions is taken into consideration through a one-dimensional numerical calculation using SHAKE2000 software. Two-dimensional PLAXIS finite element analysis is carried out through a full-scale seismic analysis of a typical cantilever retaining wall. Results of the analysis quantified seismic earth pressure in terms of magnitude and point of application. These results are presented in a non-dimensional chart to be compared with up-to-date seismic loading propositions. In conclusion, a relationship is proposed to relate the horizontal seismic inertial coefficient with a representative lateral seismic active earth pressure coefficient.

Highlights • Finite element modeling can capture cantilever retaining walls seismic behavior. • Ground response one-dimensional analyses should be performed on input motions. • Hardening soil with small strain can well simulate the backfill dynamic behavior. • Seismic resultant forces tend to increase to reach at rest state at end of shaking. • Horizontal inertial coefficients for strong motions have a unique response.