A NONLINEAR DYNAMIC MODEL FOR SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF EARTH-RETAINING DIAPHRAGM-WALLS

This paper introduces a simplified model for the dynamic analysis of diaphragm walls retaining dry cohesion-less soils with horizontal back-slope subjected to seismic excitation. The model is based on the well-known one-dimensional Winkler approximation and on the non-linear shear-beam model for the ground layers on both sides of the wall. The model can include anchor-ties and can account for non-linearity in all of its elements (retained soil, anchors and wall). A numerical application is presented, which includes a validation of the proposed model results versus those of a refined plane- strain nonlinear finite-element analysis carried out with a commercial code. Based on these preliminary results the model appears to yield quite accurate predictions of static and dynamic bending moment distributions and permanent wall displacements.