Effect of the lining reinforcement scheme on the bearing capacity of reinforced earth structures

Conclusions

• 1. When searching for the optimal steel percent needed for providing the bearing capacity of a specimen, it is necessary to take into account the factor of reinforcement arrangement in the soil.

• 2. It is seen from the dependences γ_cd*=f(ζ) obtained for specimens with various steel percent that with an increase of the factor of reinforcement arrangement in soil ζ the work conditions factor decreases, which makes it possible to introduce the given factor in formula (1) for determining γ_cd*.

• 3. The lining of the model must be regarded as an element increasing the bearing capacity of the reinforced earth model.

• 4. In the case of a discontinuous and continuous lining the bearing capacity of the models (with the same steel percent) is higher than that of models with a flexible lining.