Analysis methods for the reinforcement loads of geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining walls

Geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) retaining wall is a new type of earth retaining structure. It has the advantages of cost-effectiveness, good performance, and high adaptability, but its application is in need of a rational method to analyze the reinforcement load. Several methods for the analysis of the reinforcement load of GRS retaining walls are discussed, focusing on their applicabilities and limitations. These methods include the active earth pressure method, the K stiffness method, the limit equilibrium method based on slope stability analysis, the nonlinear elastic methods, and the incremental method considering soil dilatancy. It is found that the active earth pressure method and the limit equilibrium method may reasonably calculate the reinforcement load at the strength limit state, providing that the soil strength is fully mobilized, which in turn is dependent on the reinforcement stiffness. Under working stress condition, the analytical methods considering soil-reinforcement compatibility may accurately predict the reinforcement load, providing that the long-term reinforcement stiffness and the influence of facing are properly taken into account. © 2017, Engineering Mechanics Press. All right reserved.