Dynamic Response of Non-Yielding Wall Supporting Over-Consolidated Sand

The prediction of the seismic response of non-yielding wall systems is complex. Over the years, researchers have presented numerous solutions to this problem, which often yield varying results concerning maximum forces, deformations, and the residual state of the system during a severe loading condition. In addition, few of the available methods of analysis can explicitly consider the compaction-induced lateral force when the backfill is dry, sandy soil and the wall is closer to a source of vibration. In this research, a numerical model is developed and validated by experiments to study the transient and residual dynamic responses of non-yielding walls supporting over-consolidated sand. A numerical parametric study is conducted, considering the effects of backfill soil friction angle, soil over-consolidation ratio, and wall modulus of elasticity. The response of the soil–wall system is investigated by considering the maximum and residual deformation of the wall, distribution of lateral earth pressure, as well as the magnitude and location of the resultant earth force. The findings of this study show that the maximum transient and residual forces and deflections often considerably exceed the static values in non-yielding walls subjected to ground motions. In general, increasing the backfill friction angle increases the maximum deflection and force increments. A surge in the backfill over-consolidation ratio reduces the maximum and the residual deflection and force increments. Finally, increasing the panel wall elastic modulus lowers the maximum and residual deflection increments, raises the maximum force increments, and decreases residual force increments. Results from the study on residual strength can be useful for implementation in performance-based design procedures under extreme loading conditions.