Paolo Carrubba

A COMPARISON OF NUMERICAL METHODS FOR MULTI-TIED WALLS

Abstract Simplified and analytical approaches are currently used in the analysis of multi-propped walls; the former assume the soil to be everywhere at failure, whereas the latter take into account soil–structure interaction. The aim of the paper is to compare the results obtained by methods of analysis with increasing degree of complexity: comparisons between equivalent reaction, subgrade reaction and full finite element analysis are shown for multi-tied diaphragm walls in dry sand. Soil parameters were assumed constant in the analysis, while wall geometry, wall stiffness and anchors prestressing were varied according to current retaining wall practice. Results of analysis show that, if a proper selection of geotechnical data is made, simplified and analytical approaches give comparable values for wall embedment, maximum bending moment and anchor load.