The Use of the Horizontal Slice Method to Determine the Pseudostatic Coefficient in Two-Tiered Geogrid and Metal Strip–Reinforced Soil Walls

A pseudostatic coefficient is required for pseudostatic analysis of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, but there are no clear criteria for its selection. The current study assessed the horizontal pseudostatic coefficient (kh) for MSE walls by considering the effects of a tiered configuration and reinforcement type. A series of shaking table tests were performed on reduced-scale models of integrated and two-tiered MSE walls reinforced by metal strips and geogrids to determine the failure threshold acceleration, axial force distribution along the reinforcements at the failure stage, and geometry of the slip surfaces. Physical models were simulated using the limit equilibrium horizontal slice method to estimate the value of kh required to establish slip surfaces and reinforcement forces similar to those observed in shaking table tests. Based on the results, the horizontal pseudostatic coefficient was introduced as a function of the maximum horizontal acceleration, offset distance, and reinforcement type.