Finite element analysis and design method of geosynthetic-reinforced soil foundation subjected to normal fault movement
Journal
Computers and Geotechnics
Journal Volume
139
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper presents a series of finite element analyses to investigate the performance and reinforcing mechanism of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) foundations subjected to normal fault movement. Numerical and experimental results of unreinforced and reinforced foundations were first compared for model validation. Parametric studies were then conducted to evaluate the influence of soil and reinforcement parameters on the performance of reinforced foundations. The total height of the baseline reinforced foundation was 3 m in the prototype scale, and this foundation was subjected to fault movement of up to 1 m (S/H = 33%). The variables considered in the parametric studies included reinforcement length, stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, vertical spacing, foundation height, and soil–reinforcement interface property. The numerical results revealed that FE analysis satisfactorily predicted the deformation behavior of unreinforced and reinforced foundations subjected to normal fault movement. Two main reinforcing mechanisms identified in this study were tensioned membrane and shear rupture interception effects. Based on the numerical results, regression equations for predicting the maximum angular distortion and the mobilized reinforcement tensile strain induced by normal fault movement were established. Design methods were also developed for determining the reinforcement length (against significant pullout) and failure strain (against breakage). ? 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Subjects
Angular distortion
Differential settlement
Geosynthetic
Geosynthetic-reinforced soil foundation
Normal fault
Design
Finite element method
Foundations
Numerical methods
Reinforcement
Shear flow
Tensile strain
Tensile strength
Angular distortions
Design method
Fault movement
Geosynthetic reinforced soils
Geosynthetics
Normal faults
Reinforced foundation
Reinforced soil foundation
Soils
finite element method
foundation
geosynthetics
normal fault
soil reinforcement
tensile strength
SDGs
Type
journal article