Abstract
This paper examines the creep behaviour of SR2 geogrid reinforcement under cyclic and sustained loading. Large amount of test data has been generated in order to assess the long-term behaviour of geosynthetics under different loading conditions. Attention has been concentrated on the accumulation of reinforcement deformation induced by the different types of applied load, the mechanism of failure and the characteristics of load mobilisation along the reinforcement. Under cyclic loading the geogrid exhibited a gradual forward movement with increase in the number of load repetitions and showed no sign of imminent pullout failure for all the applied loads. Under sustained loading the geogrid exhibited also a continuous deformation without cessation. The test results showed that most of the creep deformation occurred close to the point of loading. Under the same loading level the geogrid exhibited more deformation when subjected to cyclic loading than when it was subjected to sustained loading.