Mitigation of Disasters by Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Rains by Means of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls and Embankments

Abstract

The number of relevant case histories on the use of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) structures, including retaining walls and embankments, and their performance against large earthquake loads and heavy rainfalls is still limited. Their performance against tsunami is not well known, either. In view of this, in the first part, while focusing on the case histories during and after the March 11, 2011 East Japan Great Earthquake Disaster, Japan, performances of GRS structures against earthquake load and tsunami overflow are briefly summarized. Then, their application to rehabilitation works of the damaged structures is reported. In the second part, the development of Lshaped geosynthetic drain (LGD) is introduced, together with the relevant case history of rainfall-induced damage. In the LGD system, the water collected at vertically mounted geosynthetic drain sheet is drained through a horizontally installed drain. By having such an arrangement properly applicable to the drainage system, it is verified through a series of model tests and numerical analyses that the GRS structure is protected against any water invasion. It is also demonstrated that the use of steel slag in the construction of GRS structure is promising.

Geotechnical Engineering Aspect Related to Pidie Jaya–Aceh Earthquake Disaster and Mitigation

“…The damages level variation is varied such as exposure of the buildings and the foundations, peak ground acceleration variation of seeming by different local soil profile, and structures which might involve soil settlement or resonance induced foundation failures. Besides huge seismic loads, excessive of groundwater and inadequate strength of soil should also be considered [5]. Furthermore, local geological and geotechnical histories should also be a part of further measurements [6].…”

Effectiveness of Geogrid for Protecting Polder in Sundarban Coastal Region

“…Several researchers had used geogrid to solve numerous embankment stability related problems. Koseki and Shibuya [15] evaluated performance of geogrid reinforced embankments against large earthquake and heavy rainfall. Naggar et al [16] introduced geogrid reinforced bridge platform to reduce additional earth pressure caused by buried utility pipes in the road embankment.…”