DESIGN OF EARTH-REINFORCED EMBANKMENTS UNDER CYCLIC/DYNAMIC LOADING

In this paper, the mechanical response of both lightweight and soil-reinforced embankments subject to seismic loads is analyzed; in particular, the problem of designing these types of structure is tackled both numerically and theoretically. To clarify the main factors influencing the response of the structure, in particular the accumulation of irreversible strains in the foundation soil stratum, the theory of macro-elements is employed. With reference to lightweight embankments, a comparison between the numerical predictions obtained from standard approaches, based both on the pseudo-static limit equilibrium method and on the Newmark method, and those derived from finite difference numerical analyses is discussed. As far as reinforced embankments are concerned, the numerical results of a large series of finite numerical analyses are illustrated and critically discussed. Finally, in order to stress the complexity of the problems to be accounted for when this type of geotechnical structure is realized, a case history concerning the design of an earth structure for debris flow protection in a seismic area is presented and critically illustrated.