Numerical simulation of the deformation response of geosynthetic reinforced soil mini-piers Available to Purchase

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the deformation response of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) mini-piers under service load conditions. The backfill soil was characterized using a nonlinear elasto-plastic constitutive model that incorporates a hyperbolic stress-strain relationship and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The geotextile reinforcement was characterized using linearly elastic elements with orthotropic stiffness. Various interfaces were included to simulate the interaction between different components. The three-dimensional numerical model was validated using experimental data from GRS mini-pier loading tests, including average settlements and maximum lateral facing displacements. Simulation results from a parametric study indicate that backfill soil friction angle, backfill soil cohesion, reinforcement vertical spacing, and reinforcement stiffness have the most significant effects on settlements and lateral facing displacements for GRS mini-piers under service load conditions.