Seismic analysis of 3D geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures in cohesive backfills with cracks.

This study proposes a procedure for predicting the required tensile strength of geosynthetics for three-dimensional (3D) geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures (GRSSs) comprised of cohesive backfills subjected to earthquake loadings. This procedure is undertaken using the kinematic approach of limit analysis together with a pseudo-dynamic approach. The influence of cracks is incorporated into the analysis by using a 3D horn-like failure mechanism that includes a vertical crack to characterize the collapse of GRSSs. Two different forms of cracks are considered: cracks forming prior to the collapse of GRSSs (open cracks) and cracks forming simultaneously with the collapse (formation cracks). Based on the work-energy balance equation, the amount of reinforcements needed to maintain the stability of GRSSs is determined. The results of this paper show that the required reinforcements significantly decrease when soil cohesion and 3D effects are considered, whereas accounting for the existence of cracks and seismic forces has an opposite effect. • The required strength of geosynthetics for seismic GRSSs in cohesive backfills is predicted. • The impact of both open cracks and formation cracks is considered. • A pseudo-dynamic approach is used to account for seismic effects. • The inclusion of 3D effects and soil cohesion leads to a significant reduction in the required amount of reinforcements. • Consideration of seismic effects and existence of cracks has an adverse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]