<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="https://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
  <channel>
    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
    <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    <atom:link href="https://trid.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
      <url>https://trid.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle.jpg</url>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/</link>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>A Method for Constructing Geosynthetics-Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall with Rigid Facing Using Lightweight Embedded Formwork Applicable to Narrow Spaces</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2635981</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This paper presents a construction method for geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining walls with rigid facing that can be used in narrow spaces. We developed settlement-following components to prevent backfill settlement from causing formwork deformation when formwork and backfill are connected. The proposed method uses these components in combination with lightweight embedded formwork to simultaneously construct the formwork and reinforced-backfill from the rear side, eliminating the need for scaffolding. A trial construction was conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. Results confirmed settlement-following components functioned properly in a retaining wall with a height of 2.4 m. Considering the allowable sliding displacement of the components, the maximum height of this method is estimated to be approximately 4.0 m.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:39:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2635981</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates – Axial Load Deformation Relationships</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663599</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A series of full-scale axial load-deformation tests on instrumented GRS piers were conducted using materials approved for use in Florida. The piers were designed and constructed following the FHWA and FDOT guidelines for dimensional ratio of height/width = 2, compacted backfill of poorly graded No. 57, well graded RCA-GAB, and a LWA (as a trial experiment), reinforced with biaxial and uniaxial woven polypropylene geosynthetics with a minimum of 4,800 lbs/ft strength spaced 8 inches apart, and confined with 86 lbs segmental facing blocks. The primary objectives were to investigate the behavior of GRS composites specific to Florida design practice, provide accurate stress-strain data for design purposes and evaluate the GRS composite structure axial and horizontal strains under service pressure. Large diameter triaxial tests were performed are appropriate for testing well graded materials. The analysis of triaxial results showed the influence of triaxial specimen on shear strength properties of well-graded RCA-GAB. Conducting triaxial tests on 6-inch diameter specimens led to an increase in the friction angle by 11.4° and 8.5° for peak and residual states, respectively, compared to 4-inch specimens. All GRS piers tested met the FHWA service limit criteria for GRS-IBS satisfactorily. At applied vertical g pressure of 4 ksf (FHWA recommended dead plus live load, with load factors =1), the vertical strain for all GRS piers was below 1%, with lateral strain below 0.51%. The applied vertical pressure needed to achieve 1% vertical strain ranged from 4.1 ksf to 19 ksf for all piers, while the pressure required to reach 2% lateral strain varied from 11 ksf to 32 ksf. Comparison of experimental data with FHWA design methods for GRS-IBS showed that the FHWA ultimate capacity equation consistently underestimated the measured vertical capacity of piers constructed with open graded-No 57 and well graded RCA-GAB backfills when the residual friction angle from large diameter triaxial tests are used. The FHWA equation for lateral displacement accurately predicted the lateral displacement of the facing walls during loading. The assumption of zero volume change was found to hold only below the applied vertical pressure of 4 ksf. The results of the load-deformation tests provide 7 additional values to the dataset of FHWA bearing capacity bias with which new resistance factors were calculated following the AASHTO strength I load combination and using the First Order Second Moment (FOSM) method. For deal to dead + live load ratio of 0.37, resistance factors were calculated to be 0.57, 0.53, 0.44, and 0.37 for reliability indices of 2.33, 2.5, 3.0, ad 3.5, respectively.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:49:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663599</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Field performance of recycled and virgin plastic composite geosynthetics in gravel roads: Moisture mitigation and structural benefits</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2636186</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The increasing accumulation of plastic waste presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for sustainable infrastructure solutions. This study investigates the use of recycled plastic in composite geosynthetics for stabilizing unpaved gravel roads. The new composite geosynthetic, consisting of a recycled plastic geogrid bonded to a nonwoven geotextile, was compared with a similar virgin plastic product and a control section without geosynthetics. Three full-scale test sections were constructed in Buchanan County, Iowa, and their performance was evaluated under traffic loading from heavy trucks, farm equipment, and seasonal variations. Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD), Field California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test, rut depth measurements, sand-cone tests for in-place density, and field sensor instrumentation for moisture and temperature were used to assess performance trends. Results demonstrate that recycled plastic composite geosynthetic increased bearing capacity by up to 30 %, improved stiffness and elastic modulus by 25 %, and reduced moisture content in base and subgrade layers by 10–20 %. These enhancements translated into minimized rutting, improved soil stability, and potential reductions in granular base thickness. The recycled plastic composite provided comparable performance to its virgin counterpart, underscoring its potential as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative. Beyond promoting circular use of plastics, this approach can reduce maintenance costs and extend the service life of unpaved roads.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:28:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2636186</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Coastal and river bridge scour mitigation using hybrid solutions (TAMU)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663228</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Bridge piers, foundations, and abutments in coastal areas or across rivers often face heightened risk of detrimental scour development under wave and/or current loading. Along  coastlines bridges are part of essential evacuation routes, saving lives ahead of predicted storm impacts with life-threatening consequences if compromised. Further inland, many bridges across creeks and rivers that are part of rural transportation systems and low-volume road networks afford equally important transportation connections. When disaster strikes and these structures are compromised – as was painfully demonstrated in the recent Central Texas flash flood disaster – entire communities are cut-off from relief help or means to recover quickly. In most instances, bridge failure is initiated through hydraulically-induced scour formation and growth at the interface of the structural components and the surrounding sediment. If scour issues can be predicted and mitigated early, catastrophic failure can be avoided. The problem is that traditional mitigation techniques are costly or, in the case of rural bridges, may not even be included in the design. Here, the research team plans to test low-cost hybrid mitigation techniques that can help reduce scour impact to bridges caused by wave or current impact by using bio-cementation (such as Microbially-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation - MICP) and/or geosynthetics in combination with the in-situ sediment.

Proposed Research: The team plans the following tasks to address the efficacy of these solutions to reduce scour: Task 1: Assess existing technological options for coastal and riverine bridge scour protection. This will be done via an in-depth literature review on scour protection with the goal of identifying various options, their advantages and limitations. 
Task 2: Conduct physical model wave flume scour tests with wave and/or current loading for different low-cost, hybrid scour protection combinations including MICP and geosynthetics in tandem with the in-situ sediments.
Task 3: Develop scour prediction equations based on the conducted physical model tests that can be used to assess the efficacy of the hybrid solutions for use in coastal and riverine bridge systems.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:25:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663228</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>COLLABORATIVE: Quantifying erosion and load transfer mechanisms of geosynthetic reinforced coastal pavement subgrades and embankments during inundation events (TAMU/TXST)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663227</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: Transportation infrastructure in coastal regions is highly susceptible to soil erosion and subgrade degradation under frequent inundation events caused by storm surges. Fines within the subgrade are washed out due to flood-induced subsurface flow, while overflowing water along embankments results in overtopping and eventually leads to surficial erosion and complete collapse. These processes result in embankment and pavement failures; addressing these issues requires novel and innovative infrastructure durability solutions. One approach that combines hydraulic protection of subsoils with reduced soil erosion and provides drainage to recede floodwaters from infrastructure is geosynthetics. Geosynthetics, like geocomposites and turf-reinforced mats (TRMs), are often used to control erosion in slopes and levees from overtopping and rainfall. Also, the use of geosynthetics is increasingly growing for pavement reinforcement applications. These well-established benefits of geosynthetics can be combined and effectively applied for coastal transportation infrastructure that often sees failures following inundation events. Hence, this research study focuses on evaluating geosynthetics to solve both embankment erosion and maintain drainable and resilient subgrade foundations to support coastal transportation infrastructure. 
Geosynthetic Reinforcement of Coastal Embankment Slopes: TRMs and geocomposites will be studied for this application. Texas State University (TXST) will measure the erosion characteristics of the test materials using the erosion function apparatus (EFA). The EFA will quantify the erosion rates of the soil with and without the protection of these geosynthetic layers under varying hydraulic stresses, providing insights into soil erodibility and material performance. Texas A&M (TAMU) will conduct small-scale flume erosion studies on model embankment slopes using a coastal, sandy soil. Flume studies on embankment slopes built with and without geosynthetic reinforcements will be subjected to overtopping and inundation flow conditions for various time periods. Erosion patterns will be studied via laser and digital image scans. These data will also assess the role of geocomposites and TRMs on mitigating soil erosion and enhancing slope stability.  
Geosynthetic Reinforcement of Coastal Pavement Subgrade Foundations: TAMU flume study results will yield erosion patterns, more specifically void patterns, that will be used to create an  “eroded” pavement structure. These artificial voids will be created inside a large box setup, with 12 to 18 in. of subgrade supporting a flexbase aggregate base layer. These box samples will be instrumented with moisture probes, pressure cells, and MEMS deformation sensors. Each model pavement will be subjected to cyclic plate load tests to study and evaluate the load-bearing capacity and load transfer mechanism from repeated loads to the underlying subgrades. The same tests will be performed on the samples after they are inundated. The role of geocomposites both before and after exposure to moisture inundation, as well as load transfer mechanisms on subgrades with erosion-simulated voids, will be evaluated.
This is a collaborative project between Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Texas State University (TXST). Flume and large-scale box studies will be performed at TAMU Galveston campus and Center for Infrastructure Research (CIR) laboratories, respectively. TXST will perform the EFA with geosynthetic layers experiments. EFA studies focus on evaluating the critical shear stresses (i.e., hydraulic shear stresses at which soil erosion initiates) of the reinforced/unreinforced subsoils. Changes in critical shear stress at discontinuities such as gravel/sand interfaces will be of particular interest.  These combined results will generate a comprehensive understanding of the potential improvements of embankment and foundation reinforcement using advanced geosynthetic materials in providing resilient support to transportation infrastructure in coastal corridors. The results of this project will be used to design Phase II with coastal railroad track embankments.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:12:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2663227</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stability Analysis of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Slopes Under Varying Groundwater Level and Rapid Drawdown Conditions</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2657997</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The use of marginal soils with high fines content as backfill in geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) slopes can lead to the development of pore water pressures (PWPs) and intensification of seepage forces under variable water levels, posing stability challenges. Current design guidelines provided limited consideration to hydraulic effects. This study proposed a modified top-down procedure based on the limit equilibrium method to evaluate the internal stability of GRS slopes under variable water pressures. The results were validated through comparisons with existing analytical, numerical, and centrifuge test results. Parametric studies were performed to investigate the impacts of water level variations, reinforcement length, and reinforcement layout on slope stability. Results indicated that PWPs significantly increase reinforcement tension. A critical reinforcement length incorporating PWP effects was proposed to resist both pullout and compound failures. A “sparse-dense” (SD) reinforcement layout, characterized by fewer reinforcements in the top reinforced zone and a greater number in the bottom reinforced zone, effectively reduced the required reinforcement strength and length under adverse effects of PWPs. Rapid external water drawdown induced a sudden increase in tensile forces in zones affected by the water level decline, increasing the risk of localized failure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:43:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2657997</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Seismic Performance of Geosynthetically Reinforced Soil Walls: A Parametric Study on Non-Linear Backfill Behaviour</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645988</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The seismic stability analysis of geosynthetically reinforced soil walls, which considered shear and moment as well as tensile resistance for inextensible sheet reinforcement, was a novel topic for which only scarce studies were found in the literature. This study employed an analytical approach to investigate the internal stability of reinforced soil walls under mobilized transverse force. It considered the realistic non-linear response of the cohesive frictional backfill and employed the pseudo-static method through the application of limit equilibrium theory. The findings were illustrated in terms of the safety factors due to the transverse displacement of inextensible sheet reinforcement. The normal stress–displacement response due to transverse force or displacement was evaluated for non-linear responses of the backfill, assuming complete mobilization of shear resistance at the soil reinforcement contact surface. Parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of safety factors, shear strength parameters, surcharge, interface friction angle, length of reinforcement, and number of reinforcement layers under seismic conditions.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:41:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2645988</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance of the Embedded Mechanically Stabilized Earth Abutment: A Case Study</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2655740</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This paper evaluated the performance of embedded mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) abutments with geosynthetic reinforcement when subjected to seasonal temperature and rainfall cycles under working conditions based on an experimental project. The field monitoring data indicated that seasonal temperature and rainfall played an important role in the in-service performance of the abutment. Compared with conventional MSE abutments, the embedded bridge substructure (pile) led to significant temperature differences within the abutment, especially in seasons with continuous temperature changes, forming two distinct temperature distribution patterns. The vertical distribution of the lateral facing deformation underwent a transition from a uniform pattern to a midbulging pattern, which was accelerated during increasing temperature and rainy seasons. The interaction between the embedded pile and reinforced soil behaved as a localized constraint effect and led to a limitation on the bulging phenomenon. The piles also restricted the short-term variations in earth pressure induced by both temperature and rainfall, particularly on the cross-section intersecting the pile. The lateral earth pressure behind the facing was coordinated with its lateral deformation. With the development of lateral facing deformation, lateral earth pressure behind the facing redistributed and a load shift phenomenon occurred from the abutment facing to the pile, with significant stress release behind the facing and stress concentration behind the pile at the middle height of the abutment. Particular attention should be paid to the interaction mechanism between the embedded pile and reinforced soil, as well as the thermal-induced behaviors of embedded MSE abutments.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:20:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2655740</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of a Design Methodology for Geosynthetic Reinforced Pavement Using Finite Element Numerical Modeling</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640711</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study was completed using finite element (FE) analysis to assess the benefits of using geosynthetic reinforcement in flexible pavements. A comprehensive parametric study was performed to determine the effect of different variables like asphalt layer thickness, base thickness, geosynthetic type and stiffness, and subgrade stiffness for low, medium, and high volume traffic roads. The FE simulations were run for 100 load cycles, and the resulting permanent deformation (PD) was used to calibrate the mechanistic-empirical (ME) rutting equation parameters for each layer. The PD data was extrapolated to determine the pavement's service life. The comparison of the PD curves of the unreinforced and reinforced sections was used to calculate the Traffic Benefit Ratios (TBR) at different rutting targets. By establishing the ratio between the calibrated rutting curves of the base and subgrade layers, the reduction coefficients for the PD equations 𝛼𝑏 and 𝛼𝑠 were derived, which can be used directly in the design of geosynthetic reinforced pavements. The calculated TBR values were then used as input parameters in AASHTOWare software to quantify geosynthetic benefits in terms of effective resilient modulus (MR-eff) and Equivalent Base Thickness (EBT). The results of the study showed that incorporating one layer of geogrid or geotextile at the base-subgrade interface significantly reduces pavement rutting. The study found that using geogrid is more effective than using geotextile in reducing rutting due to an interlocking mechanism with the base aggregates. The TBR values increased with deeper rutting and higher geosynthetic stiffness. The optimal combination of TBR, MR-eff, and EBT for low volume roads with asphalt thickness of 3.5 in. was found to be at a base thickness of 10 in. For medium volume roads (6.5 in. asphalt thickness) and high volume roads (10 in. asphalt thickness), the benefits are reduced with an increase in base thickness.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:58:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640711</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geosynthetic-reinforced soil embankment and foundation systems subjected to reverse faulting considering soil softening behavior</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622324</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study conducted a series of finite element analyses on geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) embankment and foundation systems subjected to reverse fault movement. Two advanced constitutive models were considered: the hardening soil (HS) model and the NorSand (NS) model, with the latter selected to account for soil softening along the shear band under large fault displacements. The numerical models were validated by comparing their predictions with test data for reduced-scale GRS embankments with and without geocell-reinforced foundations. Subsequently, stress and displacement data were extracted to examine the performance and reinforcing mechanisms of the GRS embankment and foundation system. The development of the shear band, lateral earth pressure distribution, embankment facing deformation, and mobilization of the reinforcement tensile force were evaluated. The numerical results revealed that the NS model accurately captured the system’s shear strain propagation and embankment facing deformation; this is because this model accounts for soil softening. By contrast, the HS model underestimated these responses. The numerical analyses also revealed that incorporating a geocell mattress into the foundation effectively mitigated shear band propagation from the foundation to the overlying embankment and reduced ground deformation induced by fault displacement, resulting in reduced lateral earth pressure and embankment facing deformation. In summary, geocells provide high confining pressure to infill soil, which increases its shear strength to intercept the upward propagation of shear bands and enhances bending stiffness to distribute stress over a wider influential fault zone, thereby preventing ground breakthrough in concentrated areas.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:17:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2622324</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Smart Geosynthetics for Performance Monitoring and Life Cycle Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure </title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2646950</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Sensor-Enabled Geosynthetics (SEG) products are polymer composites that include networks of conducting fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene in their polymer formulation, enabling them to exhibit tensoresistive properties (i.e. strain sensing as a result of tension in the material). SEG technology provides a rapid and economical means to measure mechanical strain in geosynthetic products without the need for much costlier conventional instruments such as strain gauges and extensometers, and data acquisition systems. Therefore, it offers convenient and cost-effective performance monitoring technology for various transportation applications including roads and highways, reinforced soil walls, embankments, and bridge abutments. 

Previous work by the research team examined the in-isolation performance of GCG when subjected to different loading regimes. Therefore, the primary objective of the proposed project is to investigate the in-soil performance of SEG when subjected to different confining pressures, before they can be incorporated in field projects. This objective will be accomplished through a series of large-scale cyclic plate loading tests and additional ancillary tests that will be added to the similar tests that are currently carried out by the PI’s research team in two ongoing Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) projects as an expanded and unified research study. Example benefits of SEG technology include: improving the safety and performance of transportation infrastructure (i.e. roadways, retaining walls, bridge abutments, and reinforced slopes and embankments) by incorporating a monitoring and warning system, which will result in faster construction and any adjustments necessary in the construction process using real-time response data, leading to significant safety improvements, time and cost savings in the project, and the prevention of costly problems, failures and repairs during service or extreme events.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:05:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2646950</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reinforcement Mechanism of Articulating Concrete Mats (ACMs) and Geosynthetic Fabric for the Design of Highway Embankment in Coastal Louisiana </title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2646938</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Coastal highway embankments differ significantly from conventional highway embankments or levees due to their exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms. These events generate substantial hydrodynamic wave pressures that must be considered in design. Reinforcing soil fills at different elevations with geosynthetics is a common approach, but doing so effectively requires research that enhances existing design methods and clarifies their underlying rationale. Design elements such as tensile forces, reinforcement length, and vertical spacing depend on understanding the mechanical behavior of these materials under extreme loading.  

Because coastal embankments are subjected to wave pressures from storms with defined return periods, engineers must account for the maximum hydrodynamic loads these storms generate. In particular, the unique reinforcement roles of geosynthetics and articulating concrete mats (ACMs) must be thoroughly understood to optimize the design. Key factors include ACM layer thickness, the number and arrangement of non-woven geotextile separator layers, and failure modes such as tensile rupture and pull-out resistance in geogrids and woven geotextiles.  

Building on the results from Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC)-funded Cycles 1 and 2, this project will use experimental and numerical methods to evaluate the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcements placed at various elevations within embankment fills. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how these materials fail under load and how their performance changes with elevation and storm intensity. In addition to continuing the work from earlier phases, this project will also assess the seepage-reduction capabilities of non-woven geotextiles and the surface stabilization benefits of ACMs applied to embankment slopes.  

Large-scale direct shear testing will be conducted to analyze both tensile rupture and pull-out failure mechanisms in conditions representative of coastal environments. Seepage and slope stability analyses will complement this testing to evaluate the combined performance of ACMs and geotextile separators under storm loading.  

The findings from this research will help validate and refine current design guidelines for coastal highway embankments that incorporate geosynthetics and ACM armor. The study will also contribute to a deeper understanding of conventional geosynthetic failure mechanisms in coastal applications. Ultimately, the research will yield practical, implementable steps for assessing both internal and external stability in coastal embankment design.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:35:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2646938</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pseudo-Static Analysis of Segmental Retaining Walls in Reinforced Soil with Acceleration Amplification</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640168</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) walls typically exhibit seismic amplification and crack development during earthquakes. Though GRS walls are generally considered to possess excellent seismic resistance, these characteristics may lead to wall failure under strong shaking. To address this issue, this paper presents a pseudo-static analysis framework for GRS walls that accounts for the combined effects of seismic amplification and crack development, using the kinematic approach of limit analysis. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the performance of GRS walls with different reinforcement lengths and layouts. The effects of seismic amplification and the development of cracks are assessed. The results demonstrate that the seismic amplification effect and cracks severely jeopardize the stability. The stabilizing contribution of the wall facing becomes insignificant under strong seismic conditions. In this situation, lengthening the reinforcement layers could be adopted, and lengthening the lower middle part of the reinforcement layers has the best effect. A linear increasing distribution of reinforcement and bottom reinforcement densification can obviously reduce the required reinforcement. The observations in this study are significant in the context of seismic design of segmental GRS walls.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:32:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2640168</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Study the Crack Development of Geosynthetics Interlayers in Bituminous Structures under Different Temperatures</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2606376</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Overlay application is a widely used technique in pavement management systems for rehabilitation. This method proves particularly beneficial when the pavement structure retains sufficient structural integrity, allowing for the correction of visible distresses. However, the presence of deteriorated pavement poses a challenge to overlay performance, as it can lead to the upward propagation of existing cracks and joints into the overlay due to the concentration of stress and strain under the variations of loading and temperature in which those cracks, named reflective cracks, are created. This issue underscores the challenge of managing existing cracks when applying overlays. To mitigate this, interlayer systems such as geosynthetics are employed. Despite previous research in this area, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behavior of these composite systems is needed to enhance their effectiveness. This study investigates the effectiveness of the temperature as well as the position of reinforcement in the asphalt interface using the crack widening device. The outcomes showed that all the reinforcement can improve the performance of the system compared with the unreinforced one in most of the cases. All the reinforcement interlayers performed best at temperatures around 25°C ±2°C, regardless of the position of reinforcement, except in the case of geo-composite GV. Geo-composite GV exhibited the lowest maximum force values among others before failure at room temperature in both cases, reinforcement at one-third and two-thirds from the bottom of the samples, whereas the performance of geotextile was the best compared with other kinds of reinforcement and unreinforcement in terms of force and displacement at both one-third and two-thirds position in most of the cases. The reinforcement or emulsion placed at one-third position always outperforms those at two-thirds in most of the cases.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:43:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2606376</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Numerical Investigation of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Granular Pads for Enhancing the Performance of Ordinary Granular Piles in Soft Soil</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/2628312</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This study numerically investigated the performance enhancement of ordinary granular piles (OGPs) in soft soil using a geosynthetic-reinforced granular pad (RGPD). The research quantified the effects of the reinforcement’s position, the number of layers, its length, and the OGP diameter on the load-settlement response. A comprehensive parametric study was validated against experimental results. The analyzed variables included granular pad thickness, geosynthetic layer position at mid-height or bottom, single and double layers, reinforcement length from 2D to 8D, and OGP diameters of 80 mm and 100 mm. The results demonstrated that the reinforced pad significantly improved load transfer mechanisms, which reduced stress concentration and minimized lateral bulging in the upper OGP zone. The optimal configuration involved a double-layer geosynthetic with a length of 8D; this design yielded a 40.21% increase in bearing capacity compared to an unreinforced OGP. Furthermore, the Improvement Factor reached 2.96 for a 100 mm diameter OGP, representing a nearly threefold increase over the untreated soft clay. This study conclusively established that geosynthetic-reinforced granular pads are a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for amplifying the strength and settlement performance of granular pile foundations in soft soils.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:58:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/2628312</guid>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>