Shaking Table Tests on Preloaded and Prestressed Reinforced Soil Structures using a Prestress-Maintaining System with a Ratchet

Abstract

A decrease in the prestress value by seismic load is one of the most serious potential problems on PLPS reinforced soil structures. To alleviate this problem, the best way is to set a ratchet system which keeps the prestress during earthquake and traffic cyclic loading and restrains the expansion of embankment. On the other hand, it is also important to investigate the behavior of structures during resonance. We investigated the effects of a ratchet system on the seismic behavior of the structures by shaking table tests. In particular, the behavior of structures around the resonance state was investigated.