Plasticity and the Mechanics of Reinforced Soil: second edition (Reinforced Soil Research Center Reports)

Geotechnical engineering is not witchcraft. Reinforced soil is not magic. ---Jonathan Wu (1951-2020). Professor Wu directed the Reinforced Soil Research Center at the University of Colorado Denver. Wu and Pham published an equation, validated and adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), that quantified strength of soil structures reinforced with common geosynthetics. Prior to his death, Professor Wu proposed research topics for the Center, including generalization of the Wu-Pham criterion:to other reinforcement materialsto other reinforcement geometries (especially strips)to innovative soil structuresAddressing these topics, three center reports cover research that was initiated and guided by Professor Wu. This is one.Reinforced soil structures can use steel, geosynthetics, or other materials. They can be faced, unfaced, or two-staged construction. Their reinforcement can be sheets, grids, or strips. This comprehensive textbook provides commentary that is not found in AASHTO or FHWA design guidance. Read more