STABILITY ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED EARTH WALL UNDER STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADING USING RS2

Abstract

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls are widely employed in transportation infrastructure, where they are frequently subjected to both static and traffic-induced dynamic loads. This thesis presents a numerical investigation into the performance of a 6-meter-high geostrip-reinforced MSE wall under static and dynamic loading conditions using RS2 (Rocscience), a 2D finite element analysis (FEM) software. The study focuses on evaluating shear stress distribution and horizontal displacement while examining the effects of varying geostrip reinforcement lengths and the inclusion of filter media. Dynamic loading is simulated based on vehicle-induced excitation, representing the transient stresses and vibrations typically encountered near roadways or embankments. Results show a progressive increase in shear stress from the wall crest to the base under both loading conditions. Under dynamic loading, localized stress peaks emerge, attributed to transient wave interactions within the reinforced soil zone, especially near the anchorage regions. Horizontal displacement is the most significant at the top of the wall, with dynamic loading producing displacements up to ~104.79 mm, in contrast to sub-10 mm displacements observed under static conditions. Parametric analysis reveals that increasing reinforcement length from 0.3H to 0.7H effectively reduces both shear concentrations and lateral displacements. The incorporation of filter media—used for structural moderation rather than drainage— further enhances wall performance by facilitating better stress distribution and reducing deformation under traffic-induced dynamic loads. This study highlights the need for dynamic-specific design strategies for MSE walls subjected to vehicular loading. It concludes that longer geostrip reinforcements combined with structural filter layers significantly improve wall stability, displacement control, and long-term performance in transportation-related applications.