摘要: |
Analysis, design, and testing of independent reinforced concrete facing panels for mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls are reported. Panels are intended for use as full-height facing for a variety of mechanical reinforcements for fills, including geotextiles, polymer geogrids, and steel mesh. Panels provide a forming surface and permanent facing for MSE walls, but are independent of the reinforced fill. Panels are attached to stable MSE constructions with flexible anchors and that limit the earth pressures that can act on panels. Loads on panels are minimal, and panel size and appearance may be tailored to the requirements of individual projects and sites, offering options in construction and in appearance of the finished wall not previously available. Independent facing was tested in a prototype MSE wall using Ottawa sand fill reinforced by a nonwoven geotextile. In the test, flexible anchors performed as expected; earth pressures on panels were bounded by anchor yield loads; and, beyond an initial loading determined by anchor strength, earth pressures on panels did not increase with added surcharge. The basis for design of independent facing systems, methods for stress analysis of independent facing panels, an outline of construction procedures for MSE walls with independent facing, options for anchors and panels in independent facings, and a test of a prototype independent facing panel are presented. |