Characterization of pullout stiffness of geogrid considering the interaction with soil

Advanced geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) structures are widespread in Japanese high-speed railways. High-performance geogrids are commonly employed to meet strict requirements. However, current design practices often rely on simpler in-isolation stiffness, potentially leading to underestimated costs. To showcase the benefits of pullout stiffness, this study tested geogrids using in-isolation and pullout methods at similar displacement rates. Results consistently demonstrated that pullout stiffness surpasses in-isolation factors like confining pressure and geogrid stiffness were also explored, indicating positive effects on pullout stiffness. Prioritizing pullout stiffness can lead to more cost-effective designs and enhanced structural stability.