Effect of polypropylene fibers on the uplift behavior of model footings embedded in sand

Abstract

The kinematics of failure and the uplift response of plates embedded in sand and in fiber-reinforced sand layers at distinct embedment depths, when subjected to vertical pullout tests, are the main topics discussed in the present technical note. The uplift capacity of plates in sand backfill layers is increased by the insertion of 0.5% fibers in the backfilled material. The enhancement of the uplift capacity increases from about 70% for embedment depth/plate diameter ratio (H/D) equal to 1.0 to about 30% for H/D equal to 2.0, when compared with sand backfill at the same embedment. Distinct failure patterns were observed for plates embedded in sand and in fiber-reinforced sand backfills: intense radial cracking was observed for sand backfill, but only a few concentric fissures were seen for fiber-reinforced backfill, the former starting at tiny displacements and the latter appearing at large displacements. The fiber-reinforced sand layers demonstrated the ability to continue to increase strength with ongoing deformation, suggesting a very ductile material.

Numerical Simulation of Vertical Pullout of Plate Anchors Embedded in Reinforced Sand

“…The experimental program was carried out in two parts. First, all the description of the pull out of circular anchor plates embedded in sand and fiber reinforced sand test was developed in the experimental program by Consoli et al (2012Consoli et al ( , 2013 such as the characterization of the backfill material (the configuration made for the test follows the instructions of ASTM D 1194ASTM D , 1994. The foundation consists of a steel cable and a rigid circular steel plate 300.0 mm in diameter and 25.4 mm thick.…”