Unidirectional Geosynthetic Reinforcement Design for Bridging Localized Sinkholes in Transport Embankments

The durability of foundations with localized sinkholes can be improved by geosynthetic-reinforced soil. Current design methods for geosynthetic-reinforced structures are based on the assumptions that the vertical load is distributed uniformly on the geosynthetic above the sinkhole and it corresponds to the geostatic stress in the anchorage area. In this study, a new analytical method is proposed to consider the ‘secondary arching effect’ and the vertical load distribution in the anchorage area due to the ‘arching effect.’ The influence of vertical load acting on the geosynthetic is analyzed based on three different cases. Results indicate that the increment of vertical load on the geosynthetic in the anchorage area has little effect on the maximum tensile force and surface settlement. Compared to a uniform load distribution on the geosynthetic above the sinkhole, the assumption of an inverse triangular load distribution can reduce the maximum tensile force and surface settlement. A new design method is proposed to determine the minimum geosynthetic stiffness to meet design standards. The obtained results verify the method as an applicable tool to meet the serviceability limit state and the ultimate limit state criteria.