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Parametric Finite Element Analysis of Back-to-Back Mechanically Stabilized Earth (BBMSE) Walls on Sloped Ground: A PLAXIS 2D Case Study Investigating Geometry and Reinforcement Effects

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Abstract:

Back-to-Back Mechanically Stabilized Earth (BBMSE) walls in near slopes present complex stability challenges not fully addressed in current design standards. While most previous studies focus on isolated retaining walls, this study pioneers the investigation of coupled mechanical interactions between twin BBMSE walls under slope inclination (β = 35°, 40° and 45°). Employing advanced finite element modeling (FEM) (PLAXIS 2D), we systematically analyze three governing parameters: (1) slope angle (β); (2) wall-to-slope crest distance (Lₓ = 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m), and (3) geosynthetic reinforcement stiffness (J = 1100, 5000 and 10000 kN/m). The results quantify how these parameters influence failure mechanisms, peak tensile forces, wall displacements, and lateral earth pressures. The outcomes demonstrate that geometric configuration (β ; Lx) and reinforcement stiffness (J) are critical for BBMSE walls system stability. The horizontal displacement of the walls was observed in unequal, as the value on the right wall was greater than the left wall (the difference reaches 17%) . and the maximum tension in soil reinforcement were found to be unequal between the right and left sides due to the slope. The results highlight the critical role of geometric configuration and reinforcement properties in enhancing the performance of back-to-back walls on sloped ground and these findings challenge conventional design approaches and provide actionable recommendations for optimizing BBMSE walls in sloped environments.

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Periodical:

International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa (Volume 77)

Pages:

67-84

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-hSdq2Q

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Online since:

December 2025

Authors:

Imad Eddine Debbabi*, Aissa Bensmaine3, Abdelkader Dram

Keywords:

Back-to-Back MSE Walls, Failure Mechanisms, Finite Element Analysis, Geosynthetic Reinforcement, Lateral Earth Pressure, PLAXIS 2D Modeling, Reinforcement Stiffness, Slope-Structure Interaction

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© 2025 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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