Stability of reinforced earth wall during rainfall - numerical investigation

강우시 보강토 옹벽의 배수여부에 따른 안정성 - 수치해석 연구

This study concerns the effect of drainage in reinforced soil on its stability during rainfall. A series of finite-element analysis based transient seepage analysis were performed on a number of cases with different drainage conditions in terms of layers of geotextiles installed in the reinforced zone. The results were then coupled with the limit-equilibrium slope stability analysis to investigate the variation of global stability factor of safety with rainfall infiltration into the reinforced wall. The results were thoroughly analyzed to get insight into the mechanism of pore water pressure reduction effect of the geotextile and into its effect on overall slope stability. It is shown that layers of geotextile installed in the reinforced zone can prevent decrease in suction in the reinforced zone during rainfall, thereby reducing potential risk of decreasing shear strength of the reinforced zone. Practical implications of the findings were discussed.