Performance of PLPS, geosynthetic-reinforced soil structure against working and seismic loads

A preloaded and prestressed (PLPS) reinforced soil method, developed aiming at making reinforced backfill very stiff against external loading, is described. According to this method, vertical compressive load is applied to the backfill during construction (preloading) and also in service (prestressing). The long-term behaviour of a prototype PLPS geogrid-reinforced soil bridge pier supporting railway steel girders has proven the effectiveness of this method. Results from model shaking table tests of PLPS pier showed that the use of a ratchet system to fix tie rods to the backfill could substantially increase the seismic stability of the structure.