# A Comparative Study of the Pullout Strength of Geostraps and Geogrids in Reinforced Soil
## 1 Introduction
Geostraps address these limitations with their hybrid characteristics, making them a viable option for challenging environments and load scenarios [20]. Geostraps offer a unique blend of these properties, combining them to provide a beam effect. The tensioned membrane or beam effect is the tension developed in a geosynthetic-reinforced strap to resist a vertical load [21, 22, 23]. However, to mobilise the tensioned membrane effect, the pavement structure must deform significantly [24]. As the geostrap has a high stiffness compared to the surrounding soil, the bent state of the geostrap offers an upward normal reaction to reduce the net vertical stress. Also, the ribbed surface and polymeric composition allow for high frictional resistance and tensile strength, while its flexibility ensures adaptability under varying soil conditions [25]. Despite its potential, limited studies exist on the pullout behaviour of the geostrap, necessitating further investigation to fully understand its capabilities and optimise its design for field applications. Furthermore, the reinforcement-soil interface and the displacement under stress were examined [26], with a comparative analysis of the technical merits of the two reinforcements. The results indicate that both the geotextile strips and geogrids enhanced the strength of the reinforced soil, primarily by increasing cohesion. In addition to their well-documented static performance, geosynhetics also exhibit important dynamic properties that influence their effectiveness in transportation and infrastructure applications subjected to cyclic or transient loading, such as those caused by traffic or seismic events. Under dynamic loads, geosynhetics typically display time-dependent deformation, characterised by viscoelastic or viscoplastic behaviour, depending on the polymer type and loading frequency [27]. In this study, the pullout strengths of different grades of geostraps were compared based on simulation results obtained using ABAQUS software. A numerical model was validated based on the experimental findings for the M60 grade of geostrap. Further, the performance of the M65 grade of geostrap was compared with the available published data on geogrids. The comparison of both types of geosynhetics plays a pivotal role for a field engineer and practitioner, enabling them to identify the suitability, applicability, and effectiveness of geostraps and geogrids for sand. This study demonstrates the potential of the geostrap as a reinforcing material, especially in challenging or problematic soils where traditional geosynhetics might under-perform. Furthermore, more research should be carried out on the durability and pullout performance of geostraps under various loading and confinement conditions. Future studies could examine the effects of environmental degradation, long-term creep behaviour, and cyclic loading responses. Empirical correlations and generalised design frameworks will be established, with investigations conducted across various soil types and controlled environmental parameters. Ultimately, this will facilitate broader adoption in routine and crucial soil reinforcement situations.