model at failure.

Using the LE methodology in Chapter 9 (but with log spiral method),

Figure 4-6 (right) shows the locus of predicted and measured location of Tmax-i. The exact locus
of Tmax-i is rather insensitive in the LE calculations and hence, the agreement is considered good.
The computed Tmax-i in the prototype was 654 lb/ft; the ultimate strength of the geotextile in the
prototype as reported by Zornberg et al. (1998) was 662 lb/ft. Clearly, the calculated locus of
Tmax-i and the actual values Tmax-i, both relevant to design, calculated using peak plane strain
φ=39.5° (Figure 4-6), are in as good of an agreement as one can expect.

Figure 4-5. General layout and dimensions of tested centrifugal models (after Zornberg et
al., 1998)

Figure 4-6. Prototype at failure deduced from centrifugal model test (left) and predicted
and measured locus of Tmax-i (right)

Mohamed et al. (2013) used centrifugal models to study the stability of two-tiered walls with
different offsets (Figure 4-7). Geotextile reinforcement and poorly graded sand with a peak plane
strain friction angle of 42.3° were used. For analysis, the Spencer method, combined with
general shaped slip surface (i.e., not a predetermined slip surface geometry), was employed using

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