Modelling deformation during the construction of wrapped geogrid-reinforced structures

Although geogrids and geotextiles have been successfully used for over a quarter of a century to reinforce soil, there are currently no commonly agreed analytical methods to model their deformation behaviour. The serviceability limit state is becoming an ever more important design consideration, as structures are built with increasingly tighter tolerances. Although there are many deformation databases and design charts available, providing information and guidance on the sensitivity to certain design variables, these are largely focused on facets such as height, shear strength and geogrid ultimate strength and do not consider construction method. Following a review of existing analytical and empirical guidance, this paper presents numerical modelling-derived guidance for flexible faced geogrid-reinforced structures constructed using cohesionless fill that incorporates installation methods. The modelling approach is validated against measured results from three varied case studies, before analysing the cha...