A Geosynthetic Modular Block Connection Creep Test Apparatus, Methodology, and Interpretation

A test protocol for the quantification of creep between modular block (segmental) facing units and geosynthetic reinforcement can be found in a Federal Highway Administration guidance document first published in 2001 However, to date the utility of the proposed method has not been examined in a systematic manner nor have test results been reported in the research literature The paper describes a test apparatus and reports the results of a series of connection creep tests that demonstrate details of the proposed methodology and lessons learned Important recommendations for data interpretation are presented for the first time An additional practical result of this study is a consistent method to calculate the connection creep reduction factor required for design using the results of conventional short-term connection test results and connection creep-rupture curves