Pullout Tests on Strips with Anchorage Elements under Low Stresses

Abstract

The lack of pullout capacity in reinforcement strips has often compromised the finishing quality of the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structures. In this research, three strips were each attached with 6 anchorage elements of 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm deep respectively in order to enhance the pullout capacities, while another strip was plain. Each strip was subjected to pullout tests under low normal stresses ranging from 1.61kPa to 13.20kPa to simulate shallow emplacement in the field. Under the low normal stress of 1.61kPa, the pullout capacities of strips with anchorage elements were enhanced up to 366% of the plain strip capacity while under the higher normal stress of 13.2kPa, the pullout capacity enhancements were only up to 163% of the plain strip capacity. The results indicate the merit of attaching anchorage elements to strips under shallow overburden in a MSE structure and the significant increase in pullout capacity achievable by such strips.