Modeling Soil-Facing Interface Interaction With Continuum Element Methodology

Soil-facing mechanical interactions play an important role in the behavior of earth-retaining walls. Generally, numerical analysis structures requires use interface elements between dissimilar component materials to model soil–structure and capture transfer normal shear stresses through these discontinuities. In finite element method software programs, can be modeled using “zero-thickness” soil structural components. These a strength/stiffness reduction factor that is applied adjacent interface. However, some codes where zero-thickness (or other similar special elements) are not available, continuum only option. The approach allows more control features (i.e., material strength stiffness properties), as well sizes shapes at interfaces. This article proposes parameter values for will give same outcomes those difference commercial software. results show good agreement computed loads transferred from structure both methods interfaces). Both different modeling approaches very equivalent property demonstrate influence choice mesh size on when used