Published: 2003 | Category: Activity management , Research programme , Research & reports | Audience: General
Geosynthetic-reinforced soils (GRS have been found to be cost-effective compared to traditionally used retaining structures in specific situations. As a consequence the application of GRS to structures carrying roads and/or pedestrian traffic is rapidly increasing. Also GRS structures are less prone to damage under seismic loads than conventional type structures.
GRS is a comparatively new technique and the design methods for GRS are not well established. As a result, New Zealand geotechnical engineers currently use several different overseas standards and design guidelines to design GRS structures.
Therefore research was undertaken to prepare guidelines for design and construction of GRS structures in New Zealand. Stage 1, undertaken in 1997-1998, was published as a Review & Discussion paper in 1998. The results of Stages 2 and 3, undertaken in 1999-2002, are these comprehensive guidelines for design and construction of GRS structures, both walls and slopes, in New Zealand. They have been developed for use by New Zealand consultants, contractors, and Road Controlling Authorities.
Keywords: Construction, design, earthquakes, failure, geosythetics, guidelines, loading, New Zealand, reinforcement, roads, run-off, stability, strength, structures
