Chapter 2: Soil–geosynthetic interaction

Soil–geosynthetic interaction mechanisms and soil–geosynthetic interface resistance are referred to in this chapter. Factors influencing soil–geosynthetic interaction, such as soil particle size, confinement stress, soil density, geosynthetic structure, soil type or alternative fill material, and cyclic loading, are analysed. The main relevance of soil particle size when the reinforcement is a geogrid is put forward. The influence of the soil moisture content on the behaviour of soil–geosynthetic interfaces and the use of alternative backfilling materials such as recycled construction and demolition materials are presented and discussed. The effects of cyclic loading on the interface behaviour under pull-out and direct shear are also described.