Determining the design parameters for geosynthetic reinforcements subject to single-stage actions using the isochronous strain energy approach Available to Purchase

Geosynthetic-reinforced soil systems are required to resist a variety of actions during their design lifetime. These actions may act over different periods of time, and they may be sustained or transient in nature. Furthermore, these actions may be applied to the structure either singularly or in combination. This paper describes the implications of single actions, applied over a substantial period of the design lifetime, termed ‘single-stage actions’. The current practice for the determination of design parameters for geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures (GRSSs) subject to single-stage actions is described in detail, with special consideration given to the determination of reference strengths, factors of safety or partial factors, and design strengths. It is shown that the recently developed isochronous strain energy (ISE) approach may be used to overcome the problems associated with material characterisation within the current design methods/codes. The determination of reference strengths, factors of safety or partial factors and design strengths based on the ISE approach is shown, and compared with the current practice. Finally, it is shown that the design strength determined using the ISE approach takes account of both time and strain level dependence where this occurs.