Two-parameter beam-column model and back analysis for flexible earth retaining walls

Flexible earth retaining walls with tiebacks or struts are often used as a supporting system for ground excavations. In this study, a numerical model for the analysis of flexible earth retaining walls is developed based on the two-parameter beam-column model which considers the shearing interaction between neighboring soils. For more realistic description of soil behavior, the non-linear P-y curve is proposed and used for the analysis. In order to verify the proposed model, two model wall tests are conducted. It is seen that calculated results using the proposed method show good agreement with measured results. A back-analysis program is also developed for estimating wall behavior and changes in soil properties for staged excavations in practice. The back-analysis program is based on the proposed beam-column model and numerical optimization technique. Field monitorings at two construction sites are conducted to verify the proposed back-analysis program. It is observed that wall movements obtained from the back analysis match well measured wall movements at both sites.