Long-term pullout resistance of geogrid reinforcement for retaining walls

An experimental and analytical investigation is presented for two types of geogrids: HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and PET (Polyester). Sand and limerock were used for the backfill material, which meet the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) Material Specifications, with simulation of unsaturated and saturated condition. Eight pullout test boxes were designed and constructed, each with a specially designed stainless steel clamp. The measured strain-time relations for unsaturated and saturated soils for various levels of the pullout force until the peak value (up to 10,000 hours of exposure), and varying distances from the loading end were plotted. The normal and principal stresses in the soil, and the strains along the geogrid were determined from the finite element analysis for the unsaturated soil condition for various pullout force levels. The results were analyzed and a generalized method proposed for practical design using sliding resistance factors.