This study analyses two full-scale model tests on mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. One test was conducted with a rigid and one with a flexible wall face. Other parameters were the same in these two tests, like the
number and type of geogrid layers, the vertical distance between the layers and the soil type. The loads and
strains on the reinforcement are measured as function of the horizontal and vertical earth pressure and compared
with analytical models. Specifics regarding the behavior of the geogrids under the compaction load during the
construction of the model and under strip footing load are included in the study. Results are compared with
AASHTO and the empirical K-stiffness method. In this study, an analytical method is developed for the MSE walls
taking into account the facing panel rigidity both after backfill construction and after strip footing load. There is
good agreement between the proposed analytical method and the experimental results considering the facing
panel rigidity. The results indicate that the tensile force on reinforcement layers for rigid facing is less than the
flexible facing. The maximum strains in the reinforcement layers occurred in the upper layers right below the
strip footing load. The maximum wall deflection for the flexible facing is more than for the rigid facing. The
maximum deflection was at the top of the wall for the rigid facing and occurred at z/H = 0.81 from top of the
wall for the flexible facing.