ABSTRACT
The finite element method is a powerful tool that can be used to analyse problems including complex geometries and material properties. In this study, the general-purpose finite element software ABAQUS was used to investigate the load-strain response of a biaxial geogrid under in-isolation tensile loading. A 3D model was developed, accounting for different thickness of geogrid elements and their nonlinear response. Then, TOSCA module was used to investigate an alternative design of a junction profile. The geogrid was submitted to uniaxial and biaxial tensile loading, simulating a wide-width tensile test and a biaxial wide-width tensile test. Validation was performed by comparing the numerical model with experimental data. Optimization results showed that it was possible to reduce the junction volume profile by 53% with a compromise of 3% in maximum bearing capacity.
