Load-bearing performance of MSE walls with different facing configurations

This study investigates the influences that the facing configuration and toe condition could have on the structural performance of MSE walls supporting line loads in transportation and urban development applications. Model walls with two alternative configurations of segmental and full-height panel facing are compared using a validated finite element limit analysis (FELA) method for this purpose. Parametric analysis was carried out to examine the influences that the wall facing height and toe condition, reinforcement design, and footing width and location could have on the load-bearing performance of MSE walls at a serviceability limit state. Results indicate that the bearing capacity of full-height panel walls are generally greater than that of comparable modular block facing alternatives, especially for shorter walls (H ≤ 6 m) with fixed toe condition. Additionally, the deformation shape of a segmental wall under footing load is typically bulged (i.e. C-shaped), whereas it is closer to linear in a full-height panel alternative. Results also indicate that a full-height panel facing can be more effective in increasing the bearing capacity of an MSE wall when it requires a more economical (i.e. lower-strength and more widely spaced) reinforcement design, and when the footing is located farther away from the facing.