Abstract: A calculation model of reinforced earth retaining wall embankment under train loads was established by using two-dimensional finite element software PLAXIS. The rationality of the model was proved by comparing the measured and calculated values of vertical and lateral earth pressures. Moreover, by changing the reinforcement spacing and soil-filling height, the variation regularity of lateral earth pressure, horizontal displacement of wall panel as well as maximum tension of reinforcement material was analyzed. Results show that: at a given height, the vertical earth pressure increased along the reinforcement length direction; the lateral earth pressure increased with the increase of filling height and decreases along the wall height direction. The lateral earth pressure, the horizontal displacement of panel and the maximum tension of reinforcement material all increased with the increasing of reinforcement spacing and changed a little with the filling height decreasing. The overall performance of reinforced earth retaining wall under train loads can be optimized by increasing reinforcement spacing and reducing filling height.

Key words: Plaxis, reinforced earth retaining wall, train load, finite element calculation