Seismic Deformation Behaviour of Segmental Geogrid Reinforced Soil Wall

Abstract

This paper presents results from a series of 1g shaking table tests on seismic deformation behaviour of segmental geogrid reinforced soil walls using multiple reinforcement stiffness along the wall. The reinforcement stiffness arrangement along the wall height was uniform, alternating and grouped schemes. During the experimental program, digital image analysis technique was employed to capture the failure mechanism and distribution of shear strains in the backfill. It was found that the facing wall deformation strongly depends on the reinforcement stiffness arrangement. The deformation of the models consisted of overturning, sliding, and bulging. By constructing walls with alternating reinforcement stiffness, similar deformation behaviour compared to uniform reinforcement stiffness was observed. However, placing weak reinforcement stiffness either in the upper half or lower half of the wall height, large deformation occurred in these locations, and bulging deformation was observed. The shear strains were also dependent on the reinforcement arrangement prior to critical acceleration. The highest values of shear strains were observed in walls constructed in a grouped arrangement.