DEM evaluation of the mobilization of mechanisms governing the geogrid-aggregate interaction

Pullout tests of geogrids embedded in a single clean aggregate type were conducted and subsequently simulated to investigate the geogrid-aggregate interaction mechanisms. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) model, which was carefully calibrated and validated against the experimental results, was adopted for the simulations. The three-dimensional deformation behavior of geogrids and the shear behavior of aggregates with complex particle shapes were successfully predicted. Analysis of the particle displacement distribution and contact force distribution allowed determination of the particle-scale interaction mechanisms of the geogrid-aggregate system. In particular, the mobilization of pullout resistance components was tracked based on the contact identification method and the influence of geogrid stiffness on the mobilization of pullout resistance components could be evaluated. The results indicate that the activation of the different geogrid resistance components that develop during pullout are not synchronized. During the pullout process, DEM predictions indicate that the frictional resistance of the geogrid is activated first, peaking rapidly and being followed by the development of passive resistance of the transverse ribs. Also, an increased geogrid stiffness was found to enhance the passive resistance of the transverse ribs but to influence only negligibly the frictional resistance.