2D and 3D simulations of static response of a geosynthetic reinforced soil bridge abutment

This paper presents two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of a half-scale geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) bridge abutment during construction load application. The backfill was characterized using nonlinear elastoplastic model that incorporates hyperbolic stress–strain relationship the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. Geogrid reinforcements were linearly elastic elements with orthotropic behavior. Various interfaces included to simulate interaction between components. Results from 2D 3D compared physical test measurements longitudinal transverse sections GRS abutment. Facing displacements seat settlements for agree well measured values, 2D-simulated values larger than 3D-simulated due boundary condition effects. simulation are in reasonable agreement sections. can also reasonably capture static response abutments is generally more conservative simulation.