EFFECT OF HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT ON STABILITY ON EARTH MASSES

Reinforced earth consists primarily of soil whose engineering properties and performance have been improved by the introduction of small quantities of frictional material that possesses a relatively high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. This practical concept has been applied to the problem of stabilizing slopes, retaining walls, pavements, and other applications as described in the literature review. The objectives of this study were: (a) to investigate the uncertainties concerning the stress-strain distribution and the interrelation between the reinforcement and the surrounding soil, and (b) to evaluate the performance of neoprene-coated hylon fabric (membrane) versus galvanized steel as reinforcing material within a cohensionless soil mass. These two pbjectives were directed toward the feasibility of using the concept of reinforced earth in Corps of Engineers projects. Based on the instrumentation measurements collected during construction and during loading of the structure to failure, it appears that the Rankine earth pressure theory provides a good approximation for the measured lateral pressure when the wall is carrying little or not surcharge load. The curve connecting the points where maximum tensile stress occurred in the reinforcing ties did not coincide with the theoretical Rankine failure surface. An improved method of defining the effective length of reinforcing tie, compatible with full-scale field test results, to be used in computing tie pullout should be developed. The field test conducted at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station indicated that the reinforced earth concept provides another alternative for constructing earth structures which may prove to be more economical when compared with conventional methods under certain conditions.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/TaskA2
• Corporate Authors:

  U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station

  3909 Halls Ferry Road
  Vicksburg, MS  United States  39180-6199
• Authors:
  • Al-Hussaini, M M
  • Perry, E B
• Publication Date: 1976-9

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 99 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deformation curve; Mechanically stabilized earth; Modulus of elasticity; Nylon; Retaining walls; Slope stability; Slopes; Soil stabilization; Tensile strength
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral pressure
• Old TRIS Terms: Rankine equations
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149345
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• ISBN: Task A2
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech. Rpt.S-76-11 Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1977 12:00AM