Abstract:
A two dimensional plane-stress finite-element type of analysis is presented to predict the behaviour of geogrids embedded in fill material under pullout loading conditions. The interactions between fill material and geogrid are simulated by nonlinear springs. The stiffnesses of the springs can be determined from simple tests in a specially designed shear box. The proposed FE analysis is applied to interpret test results from a large scale pullout test rig. The predicted behaviour of the geogrid under pullout load agrees well with the observed data including the load-displacement properties, the displacement distribution along the longitudinal direction and the mobilization of the frictional and bearing resistance.