A laboratory evaluation of reinforcement loads induced by rainfall infiltration in geosynthetic mechanically stabilized earth walls

Autor(es)

Portelinha, F. H. M. ^[1] ; Santos, M. C. ^[1] ; Futai, M. M. ^[2]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Civil Engn Dept, Washington Luis Rd, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Engn, Prof Almeida Prado Ave 83, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: GEOTEXTILES AND GEOMEMBRANES; v. 49, n. 5, p. 1427-1439, OCT 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

A laboratory testing that simulates the mechanisms of a geosynthetic-reinforced layer was used to assess the impact of rainwater infiltration on reinforcement loads and strains in mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. The testing device allows measuring loads transferred from a backfill soil subjected simultaneously to surcharge loading and controlled irrigation. Load-strain responses of geosynthetic-reinforced layers constructed with three different geosynthetics under a moderate rainfall are related to suction captured along the depth of reinforced layers. Results show infiltration leading to increases on strains and tensile loads mobilized by reinforcements. Rates of increases of both parameters were found to be dependent of global suction, geosynthetic stiffness and hydraulic properties. In addition, increases in water content at soil-geotextile interfaces due to capillary breaks also had a significant effect on mobilized loads. The loss of interaction due to the interface wetting was observed to affect the stress transference from soil to geosynthetic reinforcement. An approach suggested for calculation of lateral earth pressures in unsaturated GMSE walls under working stress conditions and subjected to rainfall infiltration demonstrated a reasonable agreement with experimental data. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 15/05807-5 - Estudo dos comportamentos hidráulico e mecânico de interfaces solo-geossintético sob efeito de infiltração
• Beneficiário: Fernando Henrique Martins Portelinha
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular