Abstract
Geotextile-reinforced soilstructures are usually not supported with a pile foundation because of their flexibility. On the other hand, most bridge abutments and piers are RC or steel structures. This limited use is mainly due to their relatively low vertical stiffness and relatively large potential residual deformation by long-term traffic load. To alleviate the above-mentioned problem, a new construction technology, preloaded and prestressed reinforced soil method, has been proposed. The preload and prestress were applied by using tie rods of reinforced soil. To increase the seismic stability of this structure, prestress-maintaining system with a ratchet was equipped on the tie rods to investigate the maintenance of prestress and the restraint of volume of structure. We confirmed the performance of this system to do calibration test.
