Sand-geogrid interfacial shear response revisited through additive manufacturing

Though it is known that the geometric features of geogrids are crucial for deriving optimal interface shear strength, not much work is done to optimize the size and shape of the apertures relative to the particle size of the soils in contact. Most of the commercial geogrids have rectangular or square apertures, which are many times bigger than the soil particles. The present study explores the effects of aperture size and shape of geogrids relative to the size of the sand particles on their interface shear response through direct shear tests and digital image analysis. Geogrids of different aperture sizes and shapes were manufactured using a 3D printer. Shear tests were carried out on three sands of different grain sizes interfacing with geogrids of five different aperture sizes and three different aperture shapes. Through these tests, interface shear response with a wide range of aperture ratio and different shapes of geogrids is understood. Shear zone thickness of different sand-geogrid interfaces was computed through Particle image velocimetry (PIV). Based on the tests and analyses, triangular apertures are found to be more efficient compared to other apertures. The optimal range of aperture ratio is found to be 2–11.29.     

Horizontal stiffness evaluation of geogrid-stabilized aggregate using shear wave transducers

Lateral restraint resulting from the interlock between geogrid and aggregate is recognized as a primary mechanism governing the load-bearing behavior of a geogrid-stabilized pavement base course. However, the level of geogrid–aggregate interlock and the local stiffness enhancement due to the lateral restraint has not been adequately quantified. In this paper, a new experimental method is proposed to evaluate the stiffness enhancement provided by the interlock of the geogrid–aggregate composite system using shear wave transducers. Repeated load triaxial tests were conducted to determine the resilient modulus and deformation characteristics of both geogrid-stabilized and unstabilized base course aggregates. The stabilized test specimens were evaluated for two geogrid types with rectangular and triangular apertures. For the shear wave measurements, three pairs of bender elements fixed at each mounting base were installed diametrically on the triaxial test specimens at three different locations above the mid-height level, where the horizontal shear modulus profiles of the geogrid-stabilized and unstabilized specimens were determined. The experimental results indicate that the shear modulus profiles obtained as a function of confinement changed significantly based on the geogrid inclusion and type, whereas there were no considerable changes in the resilient moduli from the different specimens, as they were only influenced by the applied stress states. The shear moduli estimated in the vicinity of the geogrid were greater than those at locations farther away from the geogrid, which was installed at the mid-height of the specimen. The shear modulus profiles varied according to the confining stress, and the shear modulus ratio of the stabilized to unstabilized specimens clearly demonstrated the stiffness enhancement provided by the two different geogrids. Accordingly, the shear modulus profiles estimated from the horizontal shear wave measurements of the bender element can be effectively used to determine the mechanically stabilized layer characteristics of a geogrid, and therefore quantify the local stiffness enhancement provided by the geogrid–aggregate interlock.     

Evaluation of tensile load-strain characteristics of geogrids through in-soil tensile tests

This paper evaluates in-soil tensile load-strain characteristics of geogrids with the help of a custom designed and developed in-soil tensile setup in the laboratory. Displacement controlled in-soil tensile tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of normal stress, soil type, and presence of sand-sandwiched layer, on the tensile load-strain characteristics of geogrid. Confinement of geogrid within the soil and application of normal stress were found to increase the mobilized tensile load and secant tensile stiffness of geogrid. Secant stiffness improvement factors were determined to quantify the improvement in tensile load-strain characteristics of geogrid under confinement, on comparison to in-isolation values. Geogrid was observed to exhibit lower secant tensile stiffness when embedded in marginal soil, moist-compacted at wet of optimum. However, the concept of sand-sandwiched geogrid was found to improve the tensile load-strain behaviour of geogrids embedded in marginal soil compacted at wet of optimum.     

Displacement and load transfer mechanisms of geogrids under pullout condition

Reinforcing elements embedded within soil mass improve stabilization through a load transfer mechanism between the soil and the reinforcement. Geogrids are a type of geosynthetic frequently used for soil reinforcement, consisting of equally spaced longitudinal and transverse ribs. Under pullout conditions, the longitudinal ribs are responsible for tensile resistance, while transverse ribs contribute to a passive resistance. This paper describes a new analytical model capable of reproducing both load transfer and displacement mechanisms on the geogrid length, under pullout conditions. The model subdivides the geogrid into rheological units, composed by friction/adhesion and spring elements, mounted in line. Friction/adhesion elements respond to the shear component mobilized at the soil–geogrid interface. Spring elements respond to the geogrid's tensile elongation. Model parameters are obtained through tensile strength tests on geogrids and conventional direct shear tests on soil specimens. The need for instrumented pullout tests becomes therefore eliminated. Results predicted from this new model were compared to instrumented pullout test data from two types of geogrids, under various confining stress levels. The results revealed that the new model is capable of reasonably predicting load and displacement distributions along the geogrid.     

土工格栅纵横肋的筋土承载特性分析

为研究土工格栅纵横肋与砂土的界面受力特性,进行了不同法向压力的格栅拉拔试验,分别设计了横向与纵向剪除横肋的6种拉拔试验工况,研究横肋减少对格栅受力、拉拔阻力峰值和位移及似摩擦系数的影响,并分别对比了整体剪切和刺入剪切破坏模式下的格栅拉拔阻力,揭示格栅筋土界面的相互作用机理。结果表明,随着横肋的减少,格栅拉拔阻力和似摩擦系数不断地变小;横肋沿横向减少的格栅最大拉拔阻力大于横肋沿纵向减少的最大拉拔阻力,完整横肋有助于筋土界面的加筋作用的充分发挥。理论计算格栅界面摩擦力约为18%~19%的试验拉拔阻力,而试验获得的格栅界面摩擦力与试验拉拔阻力的比值为29%~33%,横肋与土体挤压咬合产生的承载力分量占了总拉拔阻力的67%~71%,横肋极大提高了土工格栅的拉拔阻力。     

多层加筋垫层刚性桩网复合地基的承载特性

为研究多层加筋垫层刚性桩网复合地基的承载特性,将设置有多层土工格栅的加筋垫层视为大挠度薄板进行分析,运用层合板理论,模拟多层土工格栅与碎石垫层之间的相互作用,建立加筋垫层抗弯刚度矩阵的计算方法。考虑刚性桩网复合地基的三维应力和位移边界条件,根据静力平衡条件,建立加筋垫层应力函数和挠度微分控制方程,并利用伽辽金方法进行求解。在此基础上,利用Winkler地基梁理论和大挠度薄板理论对桩土应力比和格栅拉力进行计算。最后,运用实际工程对计算方法进行验证,并综合分析格栅总层数、铺设间隔和位置等因素对桩土应力比及格栅拉力的影响。研究结果表明:理论计算结果与实测结果较为吻合;随着格栅总层数的增大,桩土应力比增大而格栅拉力降低,铺设2～3层格栅效率最高;随着铺设格栅间隔和底层格栅距桩帽距离的增大,桩土应力比降低,而格栅拉力增大。     

Large scale direct shear tests of soil/PET-yarn geogrid interfaces

The interface shear strength of soil against geosynthetic is of great interest among the researchers in geosynthetic properties. This study conducts a series of large scale direct shear tests to investigate the interface shear strength of different soils (sand, gravel, and laterite) against PET-yarn geogrids of various tensile strengths, percent open area, and aperture patterns. First, the appropriateness of different set-ups of a lower shearing box is examined in this study. It reveals that a lower box which is filled with the test soil and is of the same size as the upper box is more suitable for testing the soil/geogrid interface. The test results show that the soil/PET-yarn geotextile interface has significantly lower shear strength than soil strength. The ratio of shear strength soil/PET-yarn geotextile interface to internal shear strength of soil is about 0.7–0.8 for Ottawa sand and for laterite, and it is about 0.85–0.95 for gravel. On the other hand, the soil/geogrid interface has higher shear strength. The ratio of shear strength soil/PET-yarn geogrid interface to internal shear strength of soil is about 0.9–1.05. It is found that the shear strength ratio of soil/PET-yarn geogrid interface is positively correlated to the transverse tensile strength of the PET-yarn geogrid. However, it is negatively correlated with the aperture length and percent open area of the PET-yarn geogrid. The interface shear test results of PET-yarn geogrid against different soils are compared with the test results predicted by a classical model for analyzing the applicability of the classical model. Further, a simple model is proposed herein to estimate the bearing resistance provided by the transverse ribs of geogrid. It shows this component to be about 0–15% when PET-yarn geogrid is against Ottawa sand or laterite, while it is smaller when the PET-yarn geogrid is against gravel.     

Evaluation of Extent of Damage to Geogrid Reinforced Soil Walls Subjected to Earthquakes

The aim of this study is to establish a simple method for evaluating the extent of damage to geogrid reinforced soil walls (GRSWs) subjected to earthquakes. Centrifuge tilting and shaking table tests were conducted to investigate the seismic behaviour of GRSWs, with special focus on the effects of the tensile stiffness of the geogrids, the pullout characteristics and the backfill materials. As a result, it was found that GRSWs showed large shear deformation in the reinforced area after shaking, that such deformation was influenced by the tensile stiffness of the geogrids, the pullout resistance and the deformation modulus of the backfill material, and that finally slip lines appeared. However, the GRSWs maintained adequate seismic stability owing to the pullout resistance of the geogrids, even after the formation of slip lines. It is considered that such slip lines appeared due to the failure of the backfill material. Since the maximum shear strain occurring in the backfill can be roughly estimated from the inclination of the facing panels, using a simple plastic theory, it is possible to evaluate whether the backfill has reached its peak state or not. The formation of slip lines observed in the centrifuge model tests could be well explained by this method. Finally, the method is proposed to estimate the failure sections in the GRSWs using a Two Wedge analysis.     

交通荷载作用下桩承式加筋路堤性能分析

为了研究交通荷载作用下桩承式加筋路堤的性能,采用FLAC3D软件建立桩承式加筋路堤的三维动力流固耦合分析模型,对比分析桩间距、路堤高度、格栅模量、桩体模量等对路面沉降及路基中孔隙水压力的影响。结果表明:随着格栅模量、桩体模量的增加或桩间距、路堤高度的逐渐减小,桩承式加筋路堤路面的工后沉降逐渐增大;随着桩间距、路堤高度、格栅模量的增加或桩体模量的逐渐减小,路基中累积的超孔隙水压力最大值逐渐减小。     

Compaction-induced stress in geosynthetic-reinforced granular base course——A discrete element model

A discrete element method (DEM) model was used to simulate the development of compaction-induced stress in a granular base course, with and without geogrid reinforcement. The granular base course was modeled as a mixture of uniformly sized triangular particles. The geogrid was modeled as a series of equally spaced balls that interact with each other through long-range interaction contacts. The long-range interaction contact was also used to simulate a deformable subgrade. The compactor was modeled as a solid cylinder rolling at a constant speed. The DEM model shows that the geogrid-reinforced granular base course gains additional compaction-induced stress due to the residual tensile stress developed in the geogrid. The residual tensile stress in the geogrid increases with the number of compaction passes. Parametric analyses were also conducted to assess the effects of geogrid stiffness and subgrade modulus on the compaction-induced stress.     

Numerical investigation into the stiffness anisotropy of asphalt concrete from a microstructural perspective

A micromechanical model was built in this paper to investigate the stiffness anisotropy of asphalt concrete (AC) using the discrete element method. Four three-dimensional cubic AC digital samples with different aggregate particle orientations were built using discrete element software PFC3D. The aggregate gradation and shape, air voids and mastic included in the digital samples were modeled using different contact models, with due consideration of the volumetric fractions of the different phases. Laboratory uniaxial complex modulus test and indirect tensile strength test were conducted to obtain material input parameters for numerical modeling. Simulation of the uniaxial cyclic compressive tests was performed on the four cubic samples loaded in three different directions. Dynamic stiffness in different directions was calculated from the compression stress–strain responses. Results show that the AC stiffness is significantly dependent on preferential orientation of aggregate particles. The AC stiffness in the long-axis direction of aggregate particles is shown to be up to 43% higher than the stiffness in the particle short-axis direction. The stiffness anisotropy of AC decreases as the mixture temperature drops.     

Physical and numerical modelling of strip footing on geogrid reinforced transparent sand

This paper presents the results of laboratory scale plate load tests on transparent soils reinforced with biaxial polypropylene geogrids. The influence of reinforcement length and number of reinforcement layers on the load-settlement response of the reinforced soil foundation was assessed by varying the reinforcement length and the number of geogrid layers, each spaced at 25% of footing width. The deformations of the reinforcement layers and soil under strip loading were examined with the aid of laser transmitters (to illuminate the geogrid reinforcement) and digital camera. A two-dimensional finite difference program was used to study the fracture of geogrid under strip loading considering the geometry of the model tests. The bearing capacity and stiffness of the reinforced soil foundation has increased with the increase in the reinforcement length and number of reinforcement layers, but the increase is more prominent by increasing number of reinforcement layers. The results from the physical and numerical modelling on reinforced soil foundation reveal that fracture of geogrid could initiate in the bottom layer of reinforcement and progress to subsequent upper layers. The displacement and stress contours along with the mobilized tensile force distribution obtained from the numerical simulations have complimented the observations made from the experiments.     

Visualisation and quantification of geogrid reinforcing effects under strip footing loads using discrete element method

Geogrids have been commonly used in reinforced soil structures to improve their performance. To investigate the geogrid reinforcement mechanisms, discrete element modelling of unreinforced and geogrid reinforced soil foundations and slopes was conducted under surface strip footing loads in this study. For unreinforced and reinforced soil foundations, the numerically obtained footing pressure-settlement relationships were validated by experimental results from the literature. In the numerical modelling of unreinforced and reinforced soil slopes, identical models and micro input parameters to those used in the numerical modelling of unreinforced and reinforced soil foundations were used. The geogrid reinforcing effects under strip footing loads were visualised by the qualitative contact force distributions in the soil structures, as well as the qualitative and quantitative tensile force distributions along the geogrids. In addition, the qualitative displacement distributions of soil particles in the soil structures and the quantitative vertical displacement distributions along soil layers/geogrids also indicated the geogrid reinforcing effects in such practical reinforced soil structures. The discrete element modelling results visualise and quantify the load transfer and spreading behavior in geogrid reinforced soil structures, and it provides researchers with an improved understanding of geogrid reinforcing effects at microscopic scale under strip footing loads.     

柔性与硬性地工格网在砂土与风化泥岩围压下之力学特性

地工格网（以下称格网）用於加劲土壤时，除考虑无围压下的张力行为之外，围压下之力学性质更是设计考量的重点。实际工程应用而言，基於经济考虑，期以现地土壤作为回填材料。本研究分别以拉出、围压抗张与直剪三种试验来探讨格网放土壤中之力学行为；并利用凝聚性泥岩与非凝聚性细砂作为回填材料，评估两种回填材料对加劲成效之影响。结果显示，柔性格网之肋条在拉出过程中易扭曲，造成主应力面旋转的现象，以致拉出阻抗大放硬性格网；围压下格网抗张的应力-应变行为可分为三阶段，即束制阻抗期、张力发展期与破坏期。束制阻抗期大都於3％应变内即已完成；在低围压情况拉出阻抗达20％～60％之拉出强度（相同应变），在高围压下达150％。由直接剪力试验结果可以预测：（a）格网／泥岩加劲结构-低围压时，剪力破坏面应通过格网／泥岩之界面；而高围压时，剪力破坏面应通过泥岩上体。（b）格网／细砂加劲结构-低围压与高围压下剪力破坏面应通过格网／细砂之界面。     

Linear viscoelastic behaviours of bituminous mixtures and fiberglass geogrids interfaces

One major research topic is to characterize the mechanical behaviour of actual reinforced pavement structures from laboratory experimentation and take it into account for the design. This investigation aims to verify the effect of fiberglass geogrid presence on interface linear viscoelastic (LVE) behaviour separately and as a system along with the bituminous mixture layers. To conduct the research, two different fiberglass geogrids, with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 100 and 50 kN/m, and tack coat made of straight-run bitumen and modified by polymer were combined for the fabrication of three reinforced configurations. In addition, two unreinforced configurations were also fabricated. The first was a single layer slab and the second was a double-layered slab composed of two bituminous mixtures (same type) bonded layers by a tack coat. Complex modulus tests were carried out in specimens cored in two different directions, vertically (V) and horizontally (H) cored. The experimental data were fitted using the 2 Springs, 2 Parabolic Elements and 1 Dashpot (2S2P1D) model. The test results showed that all interfaces’ complex modulus obtained for V specimens were LVE. Moreover, complex viscous properties of the interfaces were obtained from the used binder. The interface containing polymer modification presented the highest stiffness.     

A shakedown limit calculation method for geogrid reinforced soils under moving loads

A method to calculate the elastic shakedown limit of transportation systems (e.g. pavements and railways) supported by geogrid reinforced soils is presented. For the first time, lower-bound shakedown theory is combined with a strength-based geogrid simulation approach, resulting in a rapid method to quantify the benefit of geogrids on the elastic shakedown limit. It allows decoupling of elastic stress generation and shakedown calculations, meaning it is straightforward to implement, and requires minimal computational effort. Therefore it presents a useful tool to optimise geogrid design for transportation structures such as highway pavements and railways. To show the capability of the method, shakedown limits are calculated for a variety of geogrid configurations using elastic stresses induced by a moving Hertz load. The effect of geogrid depth, soil cohesion, soil friction angle and loading type (normal versus tangential) are investigated for reinforced and non-reinforced soils. It is found that the optimum depth is sensitive to the soil strength properties. Regarding loading, it is shown that for highly tangential loads, shallower geogrids are effective, while for loads with a minimal tangential component, deeper geogrids are effective.     

长期荷载作用下土工格栅蠕变特性的试验研究

为探讨长期荷载作用下土工格栅的蠕变特性,在不同的外加荷载和环境温度的各种组合条件下,进行土工格栅的室内蠕变试验,以此获得格栅的蠕变关系曲线、载荷-应变等时曲线及拉伸模量的变化特征,并进行综合对比分析。根据试验与分析发现:荷载水平、环境温度和材料生产工艺是影响土工格栅长期蠕变特性的重要因素。进而,采用时温叠加原理,对于某一给定环境温度下确定土工格栅长期强度的经验估算模式和蠕变强度折减系数。试验结果与理论分析为土工格栅加筋结构长期工作性能的分析与评价提供参考依据。     

Quantifying the effects of geogrid reinforcement in unbound granular base

This study presents an effort to quantify the effects of geogrid reinforcement in the unbound granular base through laboratory testing. Two laboratory tests, the large-scale cyclic shear test and the repeated load triaxial test, were employed. The test protocol of the cyclic shear test was developed by modifying that for the triaxial test. The cyclic shear test was performed by applying a series of cyclic shear stresses to the geogrid-aggregate interface under different normal stresses. Two different types of geogrids were used as reinforcement in unbound granular material. Resilient modulus (M_R) from the repeated load triaxial test and a term named resilient interface shear modulus (G_i) from the cyclic shear test was used to characterize the effects of geogrid reinforcement in unbound granular base, respectively. The results of triaxial tests showed that the inclusion of geogrid had a negligible effect on the resilient modulus, indicating that the triaxial resilient modulus test may not be effective in evaluating the geogrid reinforcement in unbound granular materials. Compared to the triaxial resilient modulus test, the cyclic shear test showed great potential in identifying the effects of geogrid reinforcement, with an obvious improvement in the degree of interlocking between geogrids and aggregates.     

Effects of transverse members on geogrid pullout behavior considering rigid and flexible top boundaries

Geogrid pullout tests have been regarded as the most direct and effective way to describe the interfacial behavior between geogrid and soil. To investigate the coupled effects of geogrid transverse members and top-loading boundaries on the geogrid-soil interaction, numerical simulations of geogrid pullout tests using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) were carried out in this study. The rigid top boundary was simulated by a rigid wall, while the flexible top boundary was modeled with a string of bonded particles that could rotate and move up and down freely. The coupled effects of geogrid transverse members and top boundary conditions on the geogrid-soil interaction under pullout loads were visualized not only by the force distributions along the geogrids and in the specimens but also by the displacements of soil particles and geogrids. Additionally, the quantitative geogrid force and strain distributions along the geogrids, the lateral force distributions on the front walls, and the vertical displacements of top boundaries also showed the influence of transverse members on the geogrid pullout behavior considering the rigid and flexible top boundaries. The DEM investigation results of this study may provide helpful guidelines for regulating the geogrid pullout test apparatus and methods.     

New approach to junction efficiency analysis of hexagonal geogrid using digital image correlation method

Geosynthetics are commonly used in many civil engineering applications. At the same time, intensive development of these materials is being carried out. Therefore, it becomes more and more important to correctly determine the mechanical parameters of geosynthetics in laboratory tests. This is especially important for more complicated hexagonal geogrids. This article presents the results of the laboratory research carried out to evaluate the junction efficiency of hexagonal geogrid under static load by analyzing deformations of geogrid junctions and ribs. A new approach to determination the efficiency is given by the newly defined strain junction efficiency coefficient based on the true principal strains. In the laboratory tests the digital image correlation (DIC) method was used. This method allowed for the determination of displacements and strains of geogrid specimens in any direction and at any point. The results of the conducted research and analysis indicate that the proposed innovative junction effectiveness assessment method enables a better presentation of the geogrid performance at different levels of tensile load. In addition to the parameters given in the technical approval for this material, the proposed new strain junction efficiency coefficient can be an effective parameter for evaluating hexagonal geogrid performance at different strain levels.