Accelerated Creep Testing of Geogrids for Slopes and Embankments: Statistical Models and Data Analysis

The failure of geogrids can be defined as an excessive creep strain which causes the collapse of slopes and embankments. In this study, the accelerated creep tests were applied to two different types of polyester geogrids, at 75, 80, 85$^{\circ}C$ by applying 50% load of ultimate tensile strengths using a newly designed test equipment which is allowed the creep testing at higher temperatures. And then the creep curves were shifted and superposed in the time axis by applying time-temperature supposition principles. In predicting the lifetimes of geogrids, the underlying distribution for failure times were determined based on identification of the failure mechanism. The results indicate that the conventional procedures with the newly designed test equipment are shown to be effective in prediction of the lifetimes of geogrids with shorter test times. In addition, the predicted lifetimes of geogrids having different structures at various creep strains give guidelines for users to select the proper geogrids in the fields.