Modeling of lateral earth pressures transmitted to retaining structures by finite element method using joint element

SUMMARY Modeling of Lateral Earth Pressures Transmitted to Retaining Structures by Finite Element Method Using Joint Element Discontuinities must be considered to express real condition of nature in the soil media. Although soil is analysed using continuities models, in this study soil- structure and various soils interaction is considered as discountinities. Discountinities have friction between soil and structure as well as various soils. Therefore, interaction between the wall and backfill is modelled by using finite element model with joint element. In this study, under the title of introduction the literature is given about the theoretical and experimental analyses. In following chapter, the finite element model and a Fortran-90 code that is called SWELPRES is given. In the investigation and discussion chapter, transmitted lateral pressure distributions behind the retaining structure are determined by SWELPRES. The results of SWELPRES have been compared with both the results of LATEXP2D, and the experimental observations performed by others. In addition, transmitted lateral pressure distributions behind the retaining wall are examined in various models with different thickness of backfills. Backfills and covers with various thickness are placed behind retaining wall and on the soil surface. Cohesive Non-Swelling soils and loose sand are used as backfill materials and their swelling pressures compared with each other. A relationship is developed between thickness of backfill and maximum lateral swelling pressure. Thus, how much thickness of backfill is necessary for the estimated lateral swelling pressure is determined at first. Besides, Expanded Polistiren (EPS) is research as backfill materials behind the retaining wall. Key Words : Soil suction, expansive soil, swelling pressure, joint element, finite^ ^ element method, retaining wall