Axial Load Tests of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil (GRS) Piers Constructed with Florida Limestone Aggregate and Woven Geotextile
Publication: Geo-Congress 2023
ABSTRACT
Full-scale tests on instrumented geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) piers were performed to investigate geosynthetic stiffness and strength influence on axial load-deformation performance. Each pier was constructed with poorly graded Florida limestone aggregate, segmental facing blocks, and biaxial woven polypropylene geotextile. The vertical displacement of the top of the pier, the deflected shape, and tensile strains in the reinforcement were monitored during the test. Results indicate the position of maximum lateral displacement shifts from the top to two-thirds of the wall height as the load increases. Measured reinforcement strains are greatest in the middle layers of the pier. At the upper layer, the reinforcement strains are greater close to the edge of the blocks, while at the middle layers they are greater at the center of the geotextile. Stress-strain curves developed from the measurements show ultimate bearing capacities are 17%–36% greater than the predictions using the FHWA recommended equation.
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Geo-Congress 2023
Pages: 369 - 378
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Published online: Mar 23, 2023
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