Evaluating tensile rupture effects in geogrid-reinforced sand under triaxial compression

This study investigates the influence of tensile rupture in geogrid layers on the compressive failure behavior of reinforced sand. Consolidated drained triaxial compression tests were conducted to compare unreinforced sand with sand reinforced by three evenly spaced layers of biaxial polypropylene geogrid. The research explored sixteen rupture configurations by varying the number of ruptured strands, rupture directions, and layer locations. Results demonstrated that geogrid reinforcement enhances compressive strength even when ruptures occur, although the degree of strength enhancement depends on the rupture pattern. To quantify these effects, the study introduced the rupture fraction (RF) and strength reduction factor (SRF), establishing a clear correlation between them. Furthermore, an isotropic perfectly plastic model accurately predicted the compressive strength of both intact and ruptured reinforced sand, providing a reliable framework for evaluating the performance of geogrid-reinforced systems under rupture conditions.