Analysis of a geogrid-reinforced retaining wall project using finite element and limit equilibrium methods: A case study from Osmangazi districti, Bursa

In this study, the geotechnical design of a reinforced retaining wall project with a maximum height of 9.0 meters, planned to be constructed in the Osmangazi district of Bursa province, was carried out in all stages. The geotechnical design parameters of the soil units on the site were selected according to the geological profile created from the data of a total of 6 boreholes drilled on the site. The internal and external stability checks of the geogrid-reinforced retaining wall were performed using calculations according to AASHTO method, the limit equilibrium method, and the finite element method. In the parametric study section, different surface elements, "Mohr-Coulomb" and "Hardening-Soil" type of fill material models and single-stage and multi-stage modeling scenarios were evaluated and compared. The method providing reliable results in manual calculations and limit equilibrium method calculations varies depending on the case under consideration. In the parametric analysis results performed with Plaxis 2D, a maximum of 12% difference was obtained in terms of the amount of settlement according to the fill material and surface element variables. While a 5% difference occurs in the tensile stresses on the geogrids in terms of the fill material variable, a 35% difference occurs in models containing the surface element parameter. In summary, this thesis aims to serve as an exemplary template for the design of geogrid-reinforced retaining walls.