Main goal of this paper is to present results of the numerical simulations of a real-scale gabion retaining wall tests. 4.5 m high wall was loaded and unloaded with water pressure, displacements of the crest of the wall were measured. Finite Element Method was used to simulate experiment and obtained results are compared with experimental ones. Usage of homogenized Coulomb-Mohr type continuum for gabions is proposed. Strength parameters of the model (cohesion and friction angle) are estimated on the base of large scale triaxial tests of the gabions and static tensile tests of the mesh. Influence of the “cut-off” condition on obtained results is analyzed. Elastic model for gabions is used for comparison of the results. Interface elements and truss joints between the gabions are used to simulate joints between gabions with limited strength. Good correlation between displacements obtained in experiment and numerical simulations was observed, especially in loading phase, so presented methodology of numerical modelling allows to model gabion retaining walls behavior close to the reality and could be used in engineering practice.

This paper presents the results of laboratory testing and Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling of high-strength double-twisted steel hexagonal wire mesh used for constructing gabion cages, slope protection systems, rockfall protection barriers. Gabion cages, filled with soil (usually rock particles) are commonly used in civil engineering (for example, in order to form a retaining wall). Static tensile tests of single wire and double-twisted wire were performed. The stiffness and ultimate tensile strength were examined. Special attention was paid to the double-twist behaviour. The unloading tests were also performed and the range of elastic deformation of both single wire and double-twisted wire were determined. The obtained laboratory results (stress–strain relationships for single wire and double-twisted wire) were included in a numerical model of the repeatable cell of mesh (truss model). The simulation in both directions, parallel and perpendicular to the double twist, was performed. On the basis of the obtained load-strain relationship, an anisotropic membrane model for mesh was proposed and calibrated. The obtained value of tensile strength of the mesh (266 kN/m) is much higher than for other meshes known form literature (30–60 kN/m).

This paper presents the results of Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling of double-twisted steel hexagonal wire mesh used to construct gabion cages. Gabion cages, filled with soil (usually rock particles) are commonly used in civil engineering (for example in order to form a retaining wall). Static tensile tests are modeled and the obtained force - displacements curves are compared with the laboratory test results (known from literature). Good accordance between numerical and laboratory test results is observed. Three different material models for single wire and double twist are tested. Special attention is paid to double-twist modelling. Simulations of the damaged mesh are also performed, strength and stiffness reduction is analyzed. Anisotropic membrane model for mesh is proposed and calibrated. Parameters for homogenized Coulomb - Mohr media for gabion (filling and mesh) are estimated. Such homogenized Coulomb - Mohr model could be used in engineering practice to model behaviour of real gabion structures.