Development of an Improved Finite Element Model for Simulating the Behavior of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Mini-Piers

Abstract

The behavior of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) has been rather widely investigated. Although the majority of such investigations have been limited to “in-service” or “working stress” conditions, the ultimate capacity of such systems is also of interest. The accurate simulation of GRS systems for both in-service, as well as ultimate conditions is predicated on the availability of experimental data for these conditions. This paper discusses the development of an improved finite element model for simulating the behavior of relatively closely spaced GRS “mini-piers.” The experimental results used to assess the accuracy of the finite element simulations were generated as part of a study aimed at assessing the ultimate capacity of large-scale GRS systems. The present numerical study explains the observed behavior of a GRS mini-pier under both in-service and near failure conditions. The finite element simulations of a mini-pier test show that its response can be divided into three general phases. The first phase is primarily affected by the magnitude of the confining stress. The second, or “hardening” phase is primarily controlled by the properties of the backfill soil. In the third, or “post-peak” phase, the response is primarily controlled by the characteristics of the geosynthetic reinforcement. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.