| Eight full-scale concrete block masonry retaining walls, with varying lengths of Tensar SS-2 geogrid anchorage embedded in the bed joints at the third and sixth courses and extending into the backfill, were tested to destruction. Test loads consisted of uniformly distributed gravity loads on the wall and surcharge line loads on the backfill. The walls, 1 800 mm high and 2 790 mm wide, were laid up in running bond pattern and fixed at the base to a reinforced concrete footing. The poorly graded sand backfill was mechanically compacted in 200 mm lifts while the moisture content was maintained at its optimum level.;Test specimens and testing procedures were designed to evaluate interaction between gravity wall loads and surcharge line loads in their effect upon wall pressure distribution and ultimate capacity of geogrid-anchored retaining systems. Results of this study were compared with those of a previous one in which geogrid anchorage was not used. |
