Interface Mechanics of Double-Twisted Hexagonal Gabion Mesh with Coarse-Grained Filler Based on Pullout Test

The interface friction mechanics of reinforcement material with filler is an essential issue for the engineering design of reinforced soil structure. The interface friction mechanics is closely associated with the properties of filler and reinforcement material, which subsequently affects the overall stability. In order to investigate the interface mechanism of a double-twisted hexagonal gabion mesh with a coarse-grained filler derived from a weathered red sandstone, a large laboratory pullout test was carried out. The pullout force–displacement curve was obtained by fully mobilizing the gabion mesh to reach the peak shear stress at the interface between the gabion mesh and the coarse-grained filler. The change of force–displacement characteristics and the distribution of tensile stress in gabion mesh during the pullout process were obtained. A 3D numerical model was established based on the pullout test model, and the model for analyzing the interface characteristic between the gabion mesh and the coarse-grained filler was modeled using the FLAC3D 6.0 platform. The interface characteristics were further analyzed in terms of the displacement of soil, the displacement of reinforcement, and the shear stress of soil. The strength and deformation behaviors of the interface during the entire pullout process were well captured. The pullout force–displacement curve experiences a rapid growth stage, a development transition stage and a yielding stabilization stage. The critical displacement corresponding to peak pullout stress increases with the increase in normal stress. The normal stress determines the magnitude of shear stress at the reinforcement and soil interface, and the displacement distribution of a gabion mesh is not significantly affected by normal stress when the applied normal stress is within a range of 7–20 kPa. The findings are beneficial to engineering design and application of a gabion mesh-reinforced soil structure.