Analytical Method for Predicting Lateral Facing Deflection of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Abutment Walls

Geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) walls have been recently used as bridge abutments to directly support spread footings on the reinforced soil mass. This application reduces the requirement for using traditional deep foundations, such as piles or drilled shafts, to support bridge beams. GRS abutment walls are generally subjected to high footing loads that are close to the wall facing. Although GRS abutment walls with modular block facing have been the subject of a number of studies, there are limited methods to predict the profile of the lateral facing deflections along the height of the GRS abutment walls. Lateral deflections along the facing of GRS walls are of significant importance and are difficult to predict. In practice, design engineers need numerical modeling or software to predict the deflection profile. The objectives of this study were to develop an analytical approach to estimate lateral deflections of the wall facing along the height of the GRS abutment walls. Two sets of equations were developed, and experimental test results were used for verification of the proposed analytical approach. There is agreement between the results from proposed approach and the measured data. The maximum lateral deflections predicted from the proposed equations are almost identical to the measured data. The facing lateral deflection profiles with depth are within close range of measured data. The proposed analytical equations for determining lateral deflections provide an effective and simple tool in design of the GRS abutment walls.