Geoscience Reference
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17
Post-Earthquake Investigation of
Several Geosynthetic Reinforced
Soil Retaining Walls and Slopes
During Ji-Ji Earthquake of Taiwan
Hoe I. Ling
Columbia University, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Dov Leshchinsky
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview on the application and seismic performance of
geosynthetic- reinforced soil structures in Taiwan. Taiwan has an unique
topography and geotechnical conditions that render a less conservative and more
challenging design compared to that of North America, Europe, and Japan. The
Ji-Ji (Chi-Chi) earthquake of 1999 gave an opportunity to examine the behavior
of reinforced soil structures. The performance of several modular block
reinforced soil retaining walls and reinforced slopes at the vicinity of the fault
was evaluated. Reinforced structures performed better than unreinforced soil
retaining walls. The failure cases were highlighted, and the cause of failure was
identified. The lack of seismic design consideration could be a major cause of
failure. The compound failure mode, the inertia force of the blocks, and the
connection stiffness and strength relative to the large dynamic earth pressure
were among major items that warrant further design consideration.
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