Experimental investigation on the performance of multi-tiered geogrid mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls with wrap-around facing subjected to earthquake loading

Construction of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls in multi-tiered configurations is a promising solution for increasing the height of such walls. The good performance of this type of walls after recent major earthquakes was reported in a number of technical studies. In the present study, an experimental approach was adopted to compare the seismic performance of single-tiered and multi-tiered MSE walls using physical modeling and through conducting a series of uniaxial shaking table tests. To do so, several geogrid-reinforced soil walls with wrap-around facing (i.e., three-, two-, and single-tiered) with a total height of 10 m were designed in the form of prototypes of 1-m-height wall models. The step-wise intensified sinusoidal waves were applied to the models in 14 typical forms. Comparing the shaking table test results confirmed the post-earthquake advantages of multi-tiered MSE walls. The results revealed that tiered walls exhibited better behaviors under earthquake loading in terms of the seismic stability of the wall, displacement of the wall crest, horizontal displacement of the wall facing, deformation mode and failure mechanism of the wall, settlement of backfill surface, and seismic acceleration responses. •Shaking table tests conducted on the single and multi-tiered reinforced soil walls.•The multi-tiered wall models exhibited much smaller residual lateral displacements than single walls at the facings.•The damage to the MSE walls will be less in the case of stronger seismic events if the walls constructed in the multi-tiered configuration.•Construction of the reinforced soil walls in tiered form can prevent the further increase in acceleration amplification factors.•All of the seismic response characteristics confirm the better dynamic behavior of the multi-tiered MSE walls in comparison to the single walls.