LAUSR

A membrane effect often occurs in geosynthetic-reinforced structures, where subsoil may have voids or sinkholes. An analytical model is proposed to estimate membrane effect of a geosynthetic reinforcement subjected to localized sinkholes. The upper interface friction in the subsided area and vertical deformation of supporting soil in the anchorage area are considered simultaneously. The maximum geosynthetic strain and maximum surface settlement, serving as key design points, can be determined. Based on the proposed method verified using a full-scale experiment, a parametric study is conducted. The results show that ignoring upper interface friction results in significant undervaluation of maximum geosynthetic strain, and ignoring vertical deformation of supporting soil leads to obvious undervaluation of maximum surface settlement. A practical design framework is also proposed and it is an applicable tool for preliminary design of geosynthetic-reinforced structures, especially for cases with soft ground.