Performance of geosynthetic reinforced wall during rainfall

Global warming has become a global issue in recent years. Korean peninsula has been no exception in terms of global warming. The direct consequence of the temperature increase due to the global warming is an increase in the annual precipitation. Since the rate and amount of precipitation has of paramount implications on short and long-term performance of geo-structures, geo-engineers should pay attention to the issue of global warming. In this paper, the results of numerical investigation on a geosynethic reinforced soil wall (GRSW) are presented. A two dimensional stress-pore pressure coupled finite element model was adopted which can realistically simulate the interaction between rainfall and a GRSW within the framework of unsaturated soil concept. Practical implications on the findings of this study will also be discussed.