Evolution of pullout behavior of geocell embedded in sandy soil

This paper aims to explore the evolution of the pullout behavior of geocell reinforcement insights from three-dimensional numerical studies. Initially, a developed model was validated with the model test results. The horizontal displacement of geocells and infill sand and the passive resistance transmission in the geocell layer were analyzed deeply to explore the evolution of geocell pullout behavior. The results reveal that the pullout behavior of geocell reinforcement is the pattern of progressive deformation. The geocell pockets are gradually mobilized to resist the pullout force. The vertical walls provide passive pressure, which is the main contributor to the pullout force. Hence, even if the frontal displacement (FD) is up to 90m mm, only half of the pockets are mobilized. Furthermore, the parametric studies, orthogonal analysis, and the building of the predicted model were also carried out to quantitative the geocell pullout behavior. The weights of influencing factors were ranked. Ones can calculate the pullout force accurately by inputting the aspect ratio, geocell modulus, embedded length, frontal displacement, and normal stress.