Pseudo-dynamic analysis of seismic stability of reinforced soil walls

In order to study seismic stability of soil walls reinforced with different materials, the two simplified failure surfaces are considered. Then, due to the limitations of pseudo-static method and the layering features of reinforced soil walls, the formula of the total reinforcement tensile force and critical angle of rupture is obtained by the combination of pseudo-dynamic method and horizontal slice method, considering both horizontal and vertical seismic force. The example analysis results show that the total reinforcement tensile force increases with the increase of seismic acceleration coefficient and unit weight of backfill or surcharge load; while it decreases with the increase of soil internal friction angle or cohesion. Furthermore, the total pullout reinforcement tensile force for flexible reinforcement material is larger than the total breakage reinforcement tensile force for rigid reinforcement material under the same conditions. Compared with the pseudo-static method and the method in the specification, the design of reinforced soil walls is more economic by using pseudo-dynamic method.