Analiza tendinţei de propagare a fisurilor în construcţiile de sprijin sub acţiunea presiunii pământului
Crack propagation trend analysis in retaining structures under earth pressure

Author(s): Anatolie Taranenco, Viorica Tibichi
Subject(s): Economy, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Architecture, Energy and Environmental Studies
Published by: INCD URBAN-INCERC
Keywords: stress intensity factor; crack propagation; retaining walls; earth pressure; circular economy;
Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates crack propagation trends in retaining walls subjected to earth pressure using stress intensity factor methodology combined with three-dimensional finite element analysis. The research demonstrates that active earth pressure can counterintuitively inhibit crack propagation through compression effects in upper zones of retaining structures. Analysis of three scenarios with varying crack depths reveals that stress intensity factors remain 30-70% lower under active pressure conditions compared to at-rest or passive states. Results indicate that proper consideration of earth pressure effects on crack stability can extend structural service life by 35-50%, directly supporting circular economy principles through reduced material consumption and waste generation. The study provides evidence-based decision criteria for maintenance interventions, optimizing resource allocation while maximizing infrastructure sustainability.

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