Abstract:A three dimensional seepage coupling finite element modeling using Z_Soil3D was performed on a reinforced soil embankment/wall(RSW) on soft clay. The settlement，horizontal displacement，geogrid strain, and stability of the RSW were analyzed and compared with the measurements as well as the calculation results from 2D finite element program Plaxis2D. The results show that it’s reasonable to use the equivalent vertical conductive coefficient to simulate the foundation treated with prefabricated vertical drains. The calculated foundation settlement and RSW deformation varying with time agree well with the measurements. Compared with 2D FEM, 3D FEM can more deliberately simulate the elements of geosynthetics, soil and their interface and consequently well capture the bulging of RSW facing during step loading. The calculated strain of each geogrid increases with an increase of foundation settlement and the strain of base reinforcement reaches the maximum value of those all, which agrees with the finding of variation of geosynthetics strain with foundation settlement. The simulated slip surface which exhibits arc in plan view is in consistence with the observed failure mode of the RSW. Therefore, 3D FEM is more capable to capture the behavior of this RSW on soft clay.
