Publication

Abstract :

In this study, the impact of body waves on the seismic passive thrust on a cantilever retaining wall with cohesionless backfill subjected to surcharge loading at the top surface of the backfill is analyzed. The seismic analysis is carried out using the modified pseudo-dynamic approach along with the classical limit equilibrium approach. The impact of surcharge loading in passive conditions is thoroughly explored in this study. The results are obtained in terms of the earth pressure coefficients by writing a code in MATLAB. The confluence of surcharge and phase difference in body waves as they traverse through the backfill soil substantially alters the magnitude of seismic earth pressures. A detailed parametric study conducted in the present study indicates that the seismic passive thrust is sensitive to surcharge coefficient and damping ratio, in addition to several parameters like seismic horizontal and vertical acceleration, wall roughness, and interface friction angle. Failure to consider the impact of surcharge and the varying phase difference of seismic waves in the available seismic analysis may lead to inaccurate and conservative predictions of seismic passive earth pressure. The present findings suggest that the sustainable and cost-effective design of retaining structures can be ensured by using the modified pseudo-dynamic technique, in conjunction with the surcharge effect along with the effect of body waves.