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Geosynthetic Reinforced Segmental Retaining Wall Failure Buying Heavy Rainfall - A Case Study  

Yoo Chung-Sik (Dept. of Civil & Environ, Engrg., Sungkyunkwan Univ.)
Jeon Han-Yong (Dept. of Nano-Systems Engrg., Inha Univ.)
Jung Hye-Young (Dept. of Civil & Environ, Engrg., Sungkyunkwan Univ.)
Jung Hyuk-Sang (Daejung Consultant Co., Ltd.)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society / v.21, no.4, 2005 , pp. 135-143 More about this Journal
Abstract
This paper presents a case history of a geosynthetics-reinforced segmental retaining wall, which collapsed during a severe rainfall immediately after the completion of the wall construction. In an attempt to identify possible causes for the collapse, a comprehensive investigation was carried out including physical and strength tests on the backfill, stability analyses on the as-built design based on the current design approaches, and slope stability analyses with pore pressure consideration. The investigation revealed that the inappropriate as-built design and the bad-quality backfill were mainly responsible for the collapse. This paper describes the site condition including wall design, details of the results of investigation and finally, lessons learned. Practical significance of the findings from this study is also discussed.
Keywords
Geosynthetics-reinforced segmental retaining wall; Matric suction; Seepage analysis; Slope stability analysis; Unsaturated flow; Unsaturated shear strength;
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