A geosynthetic reinforcement solution to prevent the formation of localized sinkholes

To prevent the appearance of localized sinkholes under roads and railway lines in areas at risk, a research program testing a geosynthetic reinforcement solution was carried out by a group of laboratories. The aim of the reinforcement is to limit surface deformation after the appearance of a sinkhole by making the surface settlement as compatible as possible with the geometrical safety criteria of the road or railway line until earth filling and repair works can be scheduled. Full-scale tests were carried out on reinforced, instrumented road and railway structures subjected to localized collapse. At the same time, a numerical study was carried out to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved (arch effect, membrane effect, and collapse mechanisms). The experimental results of the full-scale tests were analyzed and compared with the results of three-dimensional finite element modeling.