Validation of Discrete Framework for the Design of Fiber-Reinforced Soil

Fiber-reinforcement is a promising solution to applications such as reinforcement of thin soil veneers and localized repair of failed slopes. However, fiber-reinforced structures have been conventionally designed using homogenized approaches. This has possibly compromised a rational basis for design and, consequently, the use of fibers in geotechnical practice. A new discrete approach was recently developed that allows the design of fiber-reinforced soil by independent characterization of soil specimens and of fiber specimens (i.e. similar as in the design of conventional planar-reinforced soil). An experimental testing program involving triaxial testing of unreinforced and fiber-reinforced specimens was undertaken to validate the discrete methodology. The predicted results were found to agree well with the experimental results. Additionally, this paper discusses using peak or residual shear strength of unreinforced soil in the design of fiber-reinforced soil based on the strain compatibility consideration.