Seismic Design of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Soil Slopes

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9320087 Holtz This project is an analytical and experimental investigation of the seismic stability of geosynthetically-reinforced earth slopes. The objectives are to: (1) increase the understanding of the fundamental seismic behavior of geosynthetically-reinforced earth slopes, and (2) develop realistic analytical models for the seismic design of such structures. Nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses are used to evaluate the influence of material, geometric, and loading characteristics, as well as ground motion parameters, on the performance of steep (defined as greater that 2:1) geosynthetically-reinforced slopes. Models of reinforced slopes will be built and tested under simulated seismic loading conditions using a dynamic geotechnical centrifuge and a large shaking table, in order to understand governing failure mechanisms and critical engineering properties operative during earthquake ground shaking. Existing analysis and design methods for static stability will be appropriately modified to treat seismic loading in a rational way, so that geosynthetic-reinforced slopes can be designed with increased confidence and economy. This research has important implications for residential and commercial land development in seismically-active regions. ***