Laboratory Study of Geogrid Reinforced Soil Walls

Abstract

The paper describes the construction and testing of three (3) large-scale geogrid reinforced soil retaining wall models. The models were 3 m high and were built in the RMC Retaining Wall Test Facility. In particular, the paper is focused on one test configuration that employed a relatively weak geogrid reinforcement. The weak reinforcement was used to ensure failure of the reinforced soil wall under surcharging. Results of measurements taken of geogrid strains and displacements are reported and give insight into the behaviour of these geocomposite systems under working loads and at failure. The results of the weak reinforcement test are also compared to two earlier tests constructed with a stronger geogrid material.