Geogrid pullout is a critical failure mode in mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls and must be thoroughly assessed to ensure stability. Pullout resistance consists of skin friction between the soil and geogrid and bearing (passive) resistance generated by the transverse ribs. Due to the nonlinear and complex soil–geogrid interactions, pullout tests are recommended by design and construction guidelines. This study examined the potential of encapsulating geogrids within a biopolymer-based soil treatment (BPST) layer to enhance pullout resistance. Laboratory pullout tests, conducted using an independently developed apparatus, assessed geogrid performance encapsulated in xanthan gum biopolymer hydrogel under initial (wet) and dehydration (dry) conditions across varying normal pressure levels. Results showed that under the initial (wet) condition, pullout resistance increased by at least 10% at low normal pressure levels (
Gi-Yun Kim, Hwijae Lee, Suhyuk Park and Ilhan Chang — Department of Civil Systems Engineering, Ajou university, 206 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si 16499, Republic of Korea
Junghoon Kim and Tae Sup Yun — Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei university, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul-si 03722, Republic of Korea
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