Investigations of soil retaining structures damaged during the chi-chi (Taiwan) earthquake

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Abstract

Three soil retaining structures which failed during the Chi-Chi (Taiwan) Earthquake are investigated through surveying, boring, soil testing and slope stability analyses. Overturning and translational sliding of leaning-type concrete retaining walls used to stabilize highway embankments on colluvial deposits on hillsides are observed. Investigation into a geosynthetic reinforced wall with modular block facing indicates that the earth pressure resisting function of the facing elements and the vertical spacing of the reinforcement played important roles in the seismic stability of the wall. Furthermore, additional studies on the deformation of block walls and related testing methods for evaluating reinforcement-block connecting force are required. An investigation into a slumped 40m-high wrap-around reinforced slope shows that an unorthodox design tended to ‘stabilize’ a possible unstable slope by using a marginally stable reinforced wall.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)417-428
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers, Transactions of the Chinese Institute of Engineers,Series A/Chung-kuo Kung Ch'eng Hsuch K'an
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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