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Discrete element simulation of geogrid-stabilised soil

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Abstract

A particle-based numerical simulation procedure is presented for the generation and calibration of geogrid-stabilised soil on the basis of experimental data. The paper describes how to simulate a biaxial geogrid depending on a specific particle and parallel bond model. Numerical and experimental pull-out tests have been performed to reproduce the pull-out force–strain behaviour of a biaxial geogrid specimen embedded in granular material under special consideration of the grain-size distribution, initial relative density, normal stress state as well as sample installation. Model analysis of soil mobilisation and geogrid deformation is presented to understand the significance of the interlocking effect as key mechanism for soil stabilisation. The procedure can be used for further investigations of the influence and effects of soil stabilisation depending on the significant properties of the interacting components (soils and geogrids).

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the company Tensar International for providing the geogrids needed to perform the laboratory tests. Furthermore, the authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. Frank Otto (TFH Georg Agricola Bochum) and Dr. Florian Bussert for technical discussions. Laboratory tests were conducted at the Geotechnical Institute, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Am Muehlenhaus 1, 47906, Kempen, Germany

    Michael Stahl

  2. Geotechnical Institute, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg, Germany

    Heinz Konietzky

  3. ITASCA Consultants GmbH, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

    Lothar te Kamp

  4. 7asConsult BV, Oostvoorne, The Netherlands

    Hein Jas

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  1. Michael Stahl
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  2. Heinz Konietzky
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  3. Lothar te Kamp
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  4. Hein Jas
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Correspondence to Michael Stahl.

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Stahl, M., Konietzky, H., te Kamp, L. et al. Discrete element simulation of geogrid-stabilised soil. Acta Geotech. 9, 1073–1084 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-013-0265-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-013-0265-0

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