ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 13

Metal Versus Nonwoven Fiber Fabric Earth Reinforcement in Dry Sands: A Comparative Statistical Analysis of Model Tests

Tumay, MT
Associate professor and professor and chairmanMembers of ASTM, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.

Antonini, M
Professional engineerMember of ASTM, Caracas,

Arman, A
Associate professor and professor and chairmanMembers of ASTM, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.

Abstract

An experimental model study to compare the efficiency of metal and nonwoven fiber fabric reinforcement in mobilizing “sand-tie interaction” was developed. Model retaining walls were constructed in a sample box, sand was pluvially deposited at predetermined relative densities by a specially designed stationary depositor, and reinforcements were placed during deposition at varying levels and concentrations to meet the requirements of a statistical experimental setup. Two phases of tests were performed. Pull-out tests for measuring the lateral reaction on the face of the retaining wall, which consisted of three strain-gage instrumented aluminum plates, were conducted in the first phase. From the results obtained in these tests a comparative statistical analysis was made. During the second phase, the reinforcements in models of reinforced-soil retaining walls were overstressed to failure by surcharging of the backfill, and a comparison of the height of backfill at failure versus the length of the reinforcement was made. It was concluded that fiber fabric has advantages over the metal reinforcement used in the construction of Reinforced Earth® structures.

Keywords:
soil physical properties, geotechnical fabrics, sands, retaining walls, soil mechanics, model tests, statistical analysis, sample preparation

Paper ID: GTJ10587J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10587J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.