Model geotextile and geogrid

Geogrid elements in PLAXIS 2D/3D can represent any geosynthetic planar product. This means that with geogrids you can model any structure which is slender, has an axial stiffness (EA) but no bending stiffness (EI) and can sustain only tensile forces but no compression.

That being said, PLAXIS 3D will not differentiate between two geosynthetic elements that have been defined as having the same axial stiffness (EA). As such, when a geotextile and a geogrid element are used as soil reinforcement and subjected to loading, the only mechanical property required to calculate the mobilized reinforcement tensile load is their axial stiffness.

However, in reality, the physical, mechanical, hydraulic and endurance properties of a geotextile and a geogrid are never the same. This is due to many factors such as manufacturing methods, raw materials used, resistance mechanisms (interlocking, frictional), etc. For example, the initial axial stiffness for ε = 2% and the maximal (theoretical) axial stiffness of geotextiles are usually much lower than those of geogrids. Therefore, the differentiation of materials in PLAXIS 2D/3D is purely based on their properties and not their nature or function.

Geogrid elements in PLAXIS 2D/3D can represent any geosynthetic planar product. This means that with geogrids you can model any structure which is slender, has an axial stiffness (EA) but no bending stiffness (EI) and can sustain only tensile forces but no compression.

That being said, PLAXIS 3D will not differentiate between two geosynthetic elements that have been defined as having the same axial stiffness (EA). As such, when a geotextile and a geogrid element are used as soil reinforcement and subjected to loading, the only mechanical property required to calculate the mobilized reinforcement tensile load is their axial stiffness.

However, in reality, the physical, mechanical, hydraulic and endurance properties of a geotextile and a geogrid are never the same. This is due to many factors such as manufacturing methods, raw materials used, resistance mechanisms (interlocking, frictional), etc. For example, the initial axial stiffness for ε = 2% and the maximal (theoretical) axial stiffness of geotextiles are usually much lower than those of geogrids. Therefore, the differentiation of materials in PLAXIS 2D/3D is purely based on their properties and not their nature or function.