Finite element modeling of mechanical behavior of geogrid reinforced soil retaining walls

Geogrid-reinforced soil retaining walls have gained popularity owing to their numerous advantages, such as ease of construction, aesthetic appeal, and robust seismic performance. However, the behavior of geogrid-reinforced soil structures is intricate and necessitates further investigation to comprehend the impact of numerous parameters on their performance. This study aims to numerically model a geogrid-reinforced soil retaining wall featuring segmental-facing geogrid reinforcement, utilizing ABAQUS as the finite element software. Through this research endeavor, a deeper understanding of the behavior of such structures can be attained. Based on the Mohr-Columb behavior, mechanical characteristics of the soil, the foundation, and the reinforced earth retaining wall have been simulated and static loading has been applied to the reinforced retaining wall for analysis. The influence of number of layers, the length of the layers, and the angle of the geogrid layers on the deformation of soil wall, has also been considered. The results of the research indicate that geogrid parameters have optimal values, and if these optimal values can be determined while achieving the lowest soil settlement, economic costs can be minimized. The results indicate that a 10 degree angle of the geogrid layers is the optimal angle, and if it is used, the maximum settlement of the wall is reduced by 23.5% compared with a zero-degree angle of the layers. Increasing the geogrid layers number from nine for the wall under examination, there was no significant reduction in the displacement of the wall and forces created within the geogrid layers as a result of the change in geogrid layer arrangement.