Numerical Simulation of MSE Wall Behavior Induced by Surface-Water Infiltration

A series of numerical simulations, including transient seepage analyses and stress deformation analyses, was performed to predict the behavior of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall subjected to surface-water infiltration. In this research, two mechanisms to cause the deformation because of wetting were considered: (1) the deformation induced by shear strength decreases and (2) the volumetric deformation (swell or collapse) because of wetting. The effects of low as-compacted water content and a low-quality compaction zone behind the wall face on the wall behavior were investigated. As result of the simulations, the wall deformations (face deflections and reinforced-soil settlements) and reinforcement tensions (maximum tensions) are presented at the end of construction and after periods of surface-water infiltration.