Numerical study of geosynthetic-reinforced soils above voids – validation on centrifuge tests

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding the load transfer and deformation mechanisms within geosynthetic-reinforced embankment overlying voids is fundamental for improving the current design methods. Based on geotechnical centrifuge tests, the numerical study highlights the cavity opening procedures within reinforced systems. Two procedures were studied: the increasing-diameter and gradual movement ones. For the gradual opening process, a cubic function is found to be well-suited, while a combination of cubic and quadratic functions is more appropriate for a progressive opening process. The study sheds light on the understanding of the load distribution over the cavity expansion. The soil arch formation occurs when the height reaches 2.5 times the sinkhole width. A triangular shape is found to be suitable for describing a progressive opening process, while an inverse triangular shape is more appropriate for a gradual opening process. Appropriate functions are utilized to fit the deformed geometry of the soil surface and of the deflected geosynthetics.