Experimental Study on Working Performance of Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall under Vehicle Dynamic Load

Abstract Vehicle dynamic loads significantly impact the stability of retaining wall structures. To investigate the performance of reinforced soil retaining walls under these loads, an indoor model test was conducted. This test considered the connection mode between the reinforcement and the panel, and reinforcement stiffness. The analysis examined the horizontal displacement of the reinforced soil retaining wall, the settlement at the top of the wall, the strain in the reinforcement, and the potential rupture surface. The results indicate that using a friction connection or reducing geogrid strength increases the settlement at the top of the wall. Variations in the stiffness of the middle and upper reinforcement significantly affect the settlement of the retaining wall. The connection mode and reinforcement stiffness influence the uniformity of horizontal displacement along the height of the wall, with the stiffness of the reinforcement playing a crucial role in limiting panel deformation. Furthermore, the distribution characteristics of strain along the height of the wall are generally consistent with the distribution pattern of the horizontal displacement of the panel. The connection between the reinforcement and the panel, as well as the reduction in reinforcement stiffness, will expand the range of potential rupture surfaces.