In addition to static loading, reinforced earth structures are generallysubjected to cyclic loading generated from earthquakes and traffic loads. Themechanism of interaction between soils and geogrids under cyclic loading is one ofthe topics that receive continuous attention from researchers. This paper presents asummary of the results and analyses of a laboratory testing program carried out in alarge-scale multi-function geosynthetic testing apparatus designed to simulate bothstatic and cyclic loadings. The apparatus accommodates soil samples up to 1.0 m~3 andcould perform different tests under both static and cyclic loadings including directshear on soils, pullout tests on geogrid sheets from soils, and uniaxial tension tests ongeogrid sheets in an unconfined condition. A laboratory testing program was carriedout to investigate the controlling factors affecting soil/geogrid behavior under cyclicloading. Different types of geogrids were used in the testing program. Differentdynamic loading cases at different frequencies, load amplitudes, and static load levels(at which cyclic loading starts) were considered. Tests under static loading conditionwere also carried out. The behavior of soils/geogrids interaction under cyclic loadingwas investigated upon analyzing the results of the testing program.
展开▼
