Influence of Strengthened Nodes on the Mechanical Performance of Aeolian Sand-Geogrid Interface

• Published in: Materials 2023-06, Vol.16 (13), p.4665
• Main Authors: Du, Wei, Nie, Rusong, Tan, Yongchang, Zhang, Jie, Qi, Yanlu, Zhao, Chunyan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Discrete element method; Edge dislocations; Eolian sands; Geogrids; Influence; Interfacial friction angle; Investigations; Mechanical properties; Nodes; Optimization; Particle size; Pull out tests; Pull-out resistance; Sand & gravel; Shear bands; Soil mechanics; Soils; Thickening; Thickness; Triaxial tests; Velocity
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma16134665

Node thickening is a way to strengthen the nodes of a geogrid. Increasing the node thickness in conventional biaxial geogrids enhances the interface frictional strength parameters and improves its three-dimensional reinforcement effect. Based on the triaxial tests of aeolian sand, single-rib strip tests of geogrids, and pull-out tests of geogrid in aeolian sand, a three-dimensional discrete element pull-out model for geogrids with strengthened nodes was developed to investigate the mechanical performance of an aeolian sand-geogrid interface. The influences of increasing node thickness, the number of strengthened nodes, and the spacing between adjacent nodes on the mechanical performance of the geogrid-soil interface were extensively studied used the proposed model. The results demonstrated that strengthened nodes effectively optimize the reinforcing performance of the geogrid. Among the three node-thickening methods, that in which both the upper and lower sides of nodes are thickened showed the most significant improvement in ultimate pull-out resistance and interface friction angle. Moreover, when using the same node-thickening method, the ultimate pull-out resistance increase shows a linear relationship with the node thickness increase and the strengthened node quantity. In comparison with the conventional geogrid, the strengthened nodes in a geogrid lead to a wider shear band and a stronger ability to restrain soil displacement. When multiple strengthened nodes are simultaneously applied, there is a collective effect that is primarily influenced by the spacing between adjacent nodes. The results provide a valuable reference for optimizing the performance of geogrids and determining the spacing for geogrid installation.