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Damage-Softening Model and Shear Behavior of Geosynthetic–Calcareous Sand Interface Based on Large-Scale Monotonic Shear Tests

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Geosynthetics-reinforced soil technology represents an innovative reinforcement method for calcareous sand foundations and revetment engineering in coral reef areas. The interaction response at the reinforced soil interface directly influences the safety and stability of reinforced soil structures. However, research on the interaction mechanisms between geosynthetics and calcareous sand interfaces remains insufficient. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of different normal stresses and various interface types on the shear characteristics of the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface through a series of large-scale monotonic direct shear tests. By integrating statistical damage theory and accounting for the influence of residual strength, we establish the constitutive relation for interface damage. The results indicate that the shear stress–displacement curves for both the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface and the unreinforced calcareous sand exhibit softening behavior. Furthermore, the relationship between the interface shear modulus and horizontal displacement for the geogrid–calcareous sand and unreinforced calcareous sand adheres to a power function model, while the relationship for the geotextile–calcareous sand follows a logarithmic function model. In the structural design of geosynthetics-reinforced calcareous sand, it is crucial to consider the influence of residual shear strength on structural stability. This study proposes a statistical damage constitutive model that accounts for the strain-softening characteristics of the geosynthetics–calcareous sand interface, while also considering the impact of residual strength. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the stability analysis of geosynthetics-reinforced calcareous sand structures in coral reefs with significant engineering implications for island reef construction, coastal development, and bank slope protection projects.

Source: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/jmse14090836

Authors: Liangjie Xu, Xinzhi Wang, Ren Wang, Jicheng Zhang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Hubei University of Education, State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Hubei University of Education, Hubei University