Development of new connection systems between facing block and geogrid

Abstract

The use of geogrid-reinforced earth wall technologies has progressed rapidly over the past 10 years in Korea because these technologies have advantages such as economical efficiency, graceful appearance, and easy construction. The geogrid used in the reinforced earth wall with concrete block facing can be subjected to damage among the upper and lower blocks and at the interface between the block and the geogrid. Therefore, when design of the geogrid-reinforced earth walls the required connection strength of the geogrid to the wall facing is an issue. In this study, new connection system between facing block and geogrid is developed to improve the damages of geogrid in the existing connection systems. The new connection devices are made of steel and have I-shape. This paper describes the test method and results of the laboratory testing for determination of connection strength in connection system using the I-type connection device.