Investigation of seismic response of cantilever retaining walls: Limit analysis vs shaking table testing

The earthquake response of cantilever retaining walls is explored by means of theoretical analyses and shaking table testing conducted at University of Bristol (EERC - EQUALS). The theoretical investigations employ both limit analysis and wave-propagation methods, which take into account different aspects of the problem such as inertia, strength, kinematics and compatibility of deformations. The experimental programme encompasses different combinations of retaining wall geometries, soil configurations and input ground motions. The response analysis of the systems at hand aims at shedding light onto salient features of the problem, such as: (1) the magnitude of soil thrust and its point of application; (2) the relative sliding versus rocking of the wall base and the corresponding failure modes; (3) the importance of the interplay between soil stiffness, wall dimensions and excitation characteristics, as affecting the above; (4) the importance of wall dynamics and phase differences between peak stresses and displacements. The results of the experimental investigations are in good agreement with the theoretical models and provide a better understanding on the complex mechanics of the problem. •Exact theoretical solutions are given for the case of cantilever retaining walls.•Design issues related to design codes are commented.•Shaking table tests on scale models are reported and discussed.•Good agreement is observed between experimental data and theoretical predictions.