Approximations of the macroscopic strength criterion of reinforced soils, with application to structural stability analyses

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The macroscopic strength properties of a stone column reinforced soil are investigated numerically. Using the kinematic approach of the yield design theory applied to the reinforced soil's unit cell, a numerical upper bound estimate of its strength domain is provided. Since this domain cannot be used directly for a structural stability analysis, an approximation method is performed, using a sum of ellipsoidal sets. The result is a rigorous upper bound estimate for the macroscopic strength criterion depending on few parameters. The relative error of this method is quantified not exceeding a few percents. Then, this approximation is used in order to treat the problem of an embankment resting upon a stone column reinforced soil. Again, performing the kinematic approach on this structure, a rigorous upper bound estimate of the ultimate stability factor is obtained numerically. The gain in terms of ultimate capacity improvement is observed, as compared to the non reinforced configuration. This result is compared to a simplified analysis, based on a rule of mixture formula, where strong disparities are highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proc. of the 14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages1139-1144
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138001480
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014 - Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 22 Sept 201425 Sept 2014

Publication series

NameComputer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics - Proceedings of the 14th Int. Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014

Conference

Conference14th International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and Recent Advances in Geomechanics, IACMAG 2014
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKyoto
Period22/09/1425/09/14

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Approximations of the macroscopic strength criterion of reinforced soils, with application to structural stability analyses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this