Evaluation of Strain Distribution and Pullout Strength based on Width and Horizontal Spacing of Geosynthetic Strip

This paper describes large-scale pullout test results of geosynthetic strip, which can be applied in reinforced earth wall with block-type wall facing. The pullout tests are conducted to evaluate the strain distribution, the induced pullout force and the pullout strength. The maximum pullout force is appeared regardless of reinforcement width and normal stress when end displacement is less than 15 mm. The pullout behavior based on horizontal spacing of reinforcement was similar in relationship between pullout force and end displacement. The strain distribution and pullout force distribution of the geosynthetic strip are concentrated in the front part of reinforcement, and it appeared clearly in higher normal stress condition This means that the pullout behavior of geosynthetic strip is affected by the bond between soil and friction resistance reinforcement according normal stress. Therefore, the pullout resistance design is reasonable when pullout behavior of geosynthetic strip should be evaluated by effective length considering tensile characteristic.