Experimental and numerical studies on scaled-down dry-joint retaining walls: Pseudo-static approach to quantify the resistance of a dry-joint brick retaining wall

• DOI: 10.1007/s10518-019-00670-9
• Publication Date: 2019-06-24T20:22:32Z
• Authors: Nathanaël Savalle; Éric Vincens; Stéphane Hans
• Keywords: Earthquake engineering; Bricks; [SPI.GCIV.GEOTECH]Engineering Sciences [physics]/Civil Engineering/Géotechnique; [SPI.GCIV.GEOTECH] Engineering Sciences [physics]/Civil Engineering/Géotechnique; DEM; 0211 other engineering and technologies; Dry stone retaining walls; 02 engineering and technology; Masonry

A pseudo-static study on dry-joint brick retaining walls has been carried out as part of a preliminary work aiming at designing actual dry stone retaining walls located in seismic areas. First, scaled-down dry-joint brick retaining walls have been tilted towards failure and the influence of the wall geometry has been analysed. Then, numerical simulations have been performed using the Distinct Element Method to complement the observations made in the experimental tests. From both approaches, we found that the more slender the wall is, the less resistant to a pseudo-static action it results. Using the numerical model, it has also been found that the assemblage plays a significant role in the stability of dry-joint structures, with a particular emphasis on the critical role played by the headers. Moreover, the simulations brought to light complex features when failure is triggered in large walls.