加筋土堤的数值研究：结构几何设计

Numerical investigation of ground reinforced embankments: Structural geometry design

Abstract: Ground reinforced embankment (GRE) is a common and efficient rockfall mitigation measure. However, due to the diversity of geometric dimensions and composite components of the embankments worldwide, the design methods have not yet been unified. This article proposes a DEM-based framework for modeling the GREs impacted by rockfalls, and to optimize the structural design by comparing the block-intercepting performance. The numerical model based on MatDEM is validated by restoring the Peila’s field tests, and the simulated materials are calibrated by comparing the laboratory test results. The design elements can be determined through simulated impact tests, with the site topography and rockfall trajectory as prerequisite information. The simulation test results show that the structural positions and cross-sectional shapes alter the interaction between rockfalls and embankments, thereby affecting the block-intercepting capacity. Under the impact of high-energy blocks, the characteristic of structural failure is that the extrusion of the downhill face is greater than the displacement of the uphill face, which can be used as a criteria to determine the reasonable design elements. The proposed framework can be applied to an actual site and maximize the cost-benefit performance of design depending on the site space and budget conditions.

Keywords: MatDEM; Geosynthetics; Ground reinforced embankment; Rockfall; Design framework

Fig.3 Stress-strain curves and displacements of the simulated soils with different size magnifications

Fig.5 The pullout test results of the simulated geogrid: (a) setup of simulated pullout test; (b) pullout force vs. displacement; (c) peak shear stress vs. normal stress

Fig.8 The deformation on the uphill and downhill face of the embankment (a, b: Peila et al., 2007; c, d: the numerical results of this paper)

Fig.12  Block trajectory and impact locations

Fig.13 Deformations of the embankments under different height freeboards

Fig.18  Comparison between Peila’s field test and simulated tests (a, b, c: Peila et al., 2007; d, e, f: the numerical results of this paper).

Liang Xiao, Qingshan Meng, Shizhan Lv, Ting Yao, Yaxiong Liao, Numerical investigation of ground reinforced embankments: Structural geometry design, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Volume 53, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 780-797, ISSN 0266-1144, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2025.01.006.