Behavior and Stability Analysis of Geogrid Reinforced Embankments

This paper presents a new method of evaluating the stability of reinforced embankments. The behavior of geogrid in soil is considered in the method, by which the deformation of embankments can be estimated. Large scale (300mmX300mmX300mm) direct shear tests for composite material of sand and geogrid were performed to study the reinforcement mechanism at the shear surface across geogrid. As a parameter, the angle of geogrid with shear surface was taken and the effect of reinforcement was examined. The increase in shear stress by reinforcement can be theoretically described based on the tensile force of geogrid that is mobilized due to shear displacement. Utilizing these results, it becomes possible to make a rational evaluation of the stability of reinforced embankments.