ABSTRACT
Passive grout-anchors are used in as the foundations of rockfall and avalanche barriers. In regions of high ground porosity, grout losses can increase construction costs and impact the environment negatively. Geotextile bags are applied to control grout losses. However, the complex interactions between geotextile bags, grout, and ground are little understood. This study investigates the behaviour of passive anchors in geotextile bags (PAGB) under tension loads in pull-out laboratory tests. The pull-out tests have been subsequently simulated numerically to provide modelling guidelines for design engineers. In summary, PAGB could provide a sustainable solution to anchoring problems in terrain with high porosity. Geotextile permeability has strong influence on the bonding strength and should be considered for optimal PAGB design. Multiple interfaces can be modelled, with a single interface element, using conventional Mohr-Coulomb models and properties acquired from laboratory pull-out tests.
