Soil-geogrids interaction mechanisms - Role of the soil grains size and of the reinforcements bearing members

Abstract

ln this work the role of the soil grains size and of the bearing members of the geogrids on the soil-geogrid interaction mechanisms is shown. First, a theoretical discussion of how these factors affect the resistance of the studied interfaces is presented, including different proposals for its evaluation. Pullout tests were carried out in a large box, following the guidelines of the European standard in preparation. The results of sixteen tests (that correspond to 48 samples tested) with two distinct soils and four different geogrids are presented. Virgin samples and samples without bearing members were tested. A comparison between the experimental and the theoretical results is done and the main conclusions of the study are put forward.