Estimation of arching effect in geosynthetic-reinforced structures

An analytical method is proposed to estimate arching effect in geosynthetic-reinforced structures. The method integratedly considers the stresses and deformations of soils and geosynthetics, and variation of settlement with depth in overlying soil. The stresses and deformations of soil and geosynthetics can be obtained considering equilibrium and settlement models of overlying soil, membrane effect of geosynthetics, and one-dimensional compression model of underlying soil. The method is verified using a field test, the stress reduction ratio (SRR) is precisely estimated. The results of parametric study indicate that the method has extensive applicability and is helpful for rational design of geosynthetic-reinforced structures.