Predicting Pullout Resistance of Bearing Reinforcement Embedded in Cohesive-Frictional Soils

Bearing reinforcement is an inextensible reinforcement type that is manufactured by welding strongly between a longitudinal member and a set of transverse members. The pullout capacity of the bearing reinforcement comprises both friction and bearing components. In this research study, the test results of residual red clay and previously published test results were analyzed to develop rational pullout predictive equations. The pullout friction resistance can be calculated by utilizing the soil-reinforcement interaction factor, $\alpha$, which reduces linearly with fines content ($F$). The bearing pullout resistance is controlled in the failure plane of transverse member ($\beta$) and transverse members interference factor ($IF$). The water content to optimum water content ratio, $w/w_{owc}$ and $F$, were found to be dominant factors controlling both $\beta$ and $IF$. The $\beta$ reduced from $\pi /2$ to $\pi /3$ with the increase in $w/w_{owc}$ and $F$. The transverse members interference zone was larger for lower $w/w_{owc}$ and $F$. Equations for predicting $\beta$ and $IF$, in terms of the fines content and water content, are proposed in this paper.