Study of Geogrid Reinforcement Using Two-Dimensional Discrete Element Method

Geogrid-reinforced granular soils have been widely used in pavement, railway, and retaining wall. Understanding the reinforcement mechanism is important to appropriately design those earth structures. 2D numerical models of geogrid-reinforced granular soil samples were created using the discrete element method. Biaxial compression tests were performed on the numerical soil samples. The numerical study focused on the influence factors that affect the reinforcement effect such as loading rate, boundary conditions, confining pressure, particle shape, and particle friction. The results show that loading rate and particle shape are dominant factors for geogrid-soil particle interaction. Recommendations have been provided for simulation of geogrid-reinforced soil using the discrete element method.