Amin Keshavarz

The connection point between the wall stem and the foundation is often considered as a rigid point. However, this connection may not be fully rigid. This paper evaluates the effect of variation in the rotational stiffness (Sr) and wall height on the behaviour of a retaining wall using finite-element method (FEM). The results of the numerical analysis are presented in the form of displacements, normal and shear stresses as well as the factor of safety considering the rigid and rotational retaining walls. In the case of rotational wall, the plastic points are concentrated in proximity to the connection point between the wall stem and the foundation. However, this concentration fades as the value of Sr increases. Moreover, the factor of safety of retaining wall decreases as the value of wall height increases.