ABSTRACT
This paper presents a numerical simulation of the bearing reinforcement earth wall by PLAXIS 2D. The bearing reinforcement was regarded as a cost-effective earth reinforcement. The model parameters for the simulation were obtained from the conventional laboratory tests and back analyses from the laboratory pullout tests of the bearing reinforcement. The change in bearing stresses, settlements, lateral movement and tensions in the reinforcements during and after construction is simulated. Overall, the simulated test results are in good agreement with the measured ones. The simulated bearing stress presents a trapezoid distribution shape as generally assumed by the conventional method of examination of the external stability of MSE walls. The simulated settlement is almost uniform due to a high stiffness of the rigid foundation and the bearing reinforcements. The maximum lateral movement occurs at about the mid-height of the wall, resulting in the bi-linear maximum tension plane.
