Roughness’s shapes comparative analysis of some reinforced earth elements under monotonous loading

Abstract

This paper presents and analyzes the experimental and numerical results of a series of pullout tests under monotonous loading performed on five steel strips presenting various forms of roughness (smooth, ribbed, punched, W-shaped, chain) and embedded in the same dry sand massif constituting the backfill. The pullout tests were conducted by means of a small-scale model and the calculations carried out by using a finite elements computer program. Obtained results show a good agreement between the experimental and numerical data. They show in addition that the rough strips are more advantageous than the smooth strip. Among the rough strips considered, chain is most relevant.