Abstract
This study presents findings from static truck load tests conducted on a geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall in Port Allen, Louisiana, U.S. Six load tests using fully loaded dump trucks subjected the MSE wall to surcharge loading exceeding typical conditions. Various instruments, including shape acceleration arrays, pressure cells, piezometers, and strain gauges, were installed to monitor the lateral deformations, settlements, developed pore water pressures (PWP), and reinforcement tensions. A 3D finite element model (FEM) that was developed to simulate the performance of the GRPS-MSE wall showed good agreement with field measurements. The results indicated rapid dissipation of excess PWP in clay layers. The pressure measurements at pile heads above the geosynthetic-reinforced load transfer platform (GLTP) showed 91% reduction compared with those below the GLTP. Both confirm effective load redistribution by GLTP through soil arching. The maximum differential settlement between the pile cap and soft soil was 0.2 mm under the highest load, while FEM estimated it at 0.16 mm, with differential settlement of 8.7 mm because of the dead load. The MSE wall demonstrated minimal lateral displacement (<0.06 mm) under loading, adding to a total lateral displacement of 31.8 mm from the dead load, below Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) limits. Strain measurements in geogrids within the GLTP system from tests were below 0.1%, plus 1% strain from the MSE wall load, well below the 5% threshold recommended by the FHWA. This study underscores the effectiveness of the GLTP-MSE wall system in enhancing highway construction stability and performance.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.