A new experimental device for determining reinforcement mechanisms in soil nails

The paper describes the development of a new experimental device to determine the reinforcement mechanisms mobilized in soil nails used to reinforce existing ground. Unlike previous laboratory efforts to measure these mechanisms, which typically measured group behavior of relatively closely spaced inclusions, the new device measures the behavior of a single nail in a soil specimen. Measurements are made to determine the tensile force and bending stress mobilized in the inclusion as well as the overall shearing stress versus deformation behavior of the reinforced soil mass. The paper argues that the testing of a single element is more representative of the in situ conditions. Results from initial tests using the device are presented and plans for fixture testing described.