Effect of creep and cyclic loading on vertical compression property of preloaded and prestressed reinforced soil model

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of preloading and prestressing on deformation characteristics by cyclic loading for a long term performance of reinforced soil structures, a series of cyclic and creep tests were performed on small models. No distinct difference was found in the increasing rate with time of residual strain between a cyclic loading test and a constant pressure creep test at a preloading state. The amount of residual strain by cyclic loading at an unloaded state (i. e., prestressed state) decreased by applying in advance long-term constant pressure or cyclic loading at the preloaded condition. Applying cyclic loading at the preloading state was slightly more effective. When swelling was allowed to take place at a prestress state. the deformation during the subsequent cyclic loading test became larger.