Earth pressure distribution behind rigid non-yielding walls under the effect of repeated loading on backfill

One of the most important factors in optimized design of non-yielding retaining walls like basement walls and bridge abutments is to determine the exact variation of earth pressure acting on such walls. In this paper, the distribution of at rest earth pressure behind a laboratory model of a fixed and rigid retaining wall with a cohesionless dry backfill is measured under the effect of static and repeated loads. The same conditions of the experimental model are then simulated numerically with a two-dimensional finite-difference analysis computer code. For the purpose of model verification, the results of numerical model are compared to the results of the experimental model, which is similar in geometrical and geomechanical properties. Cyclic surcharges with different amplitudes and frequencies are applied in different distances from the wall, and the earth pressure distribution, the resultant force, and its point of application are investigated. The effect of soil and loading parameters on the at rest earth pressure is also evaluated, and a parametric study has been carried out. The results of model show a significant increase in the earth pressure due to cyclic loading compared to static loading, especially in the initial cycles of loading. It indicates that the effect of cycling nature of loading should be essentially taken into account in the design of retaining walls.