Paiva, L.Pinho-Lopes, MargaridaValente, R.Paula, António Miguel2026-04-102026-04-102024Paiva, L.; Pinho-Lopes, Margarida; Valente, R.; Paula, António Miguel (2024). Topology optimization of a junction in a biaxial geogrid under in-isolation tensile loading. In 12th International Conference on Geosynthetics (12ICG). Roma, Italy. p. 2140-2145. ISBN 978-1-003-38688-9. DOI: 10.1201/9781003386889-288978-1-003-38688-9http://hdl.handle.net/10198/36494The finite element method is a powerful tool that can be used to analyse problems including complex geometries and material properties. In this study, the generalpurpose finite element software ABAQUS was used to investigate the load-strain response of a biaxial geogrid under in-isolation tensile loading. A 3D model was developed, accounting for different thickness of geogrid elements and their nonlinear response. Then, TOSCA module was used to investigate an alternative design of a junction profile. The geogrid was submitted to uniaxial and biaxial tensile loading, simulating a wide-width tensile test and a biaxial wide-width tensile test. Validation was performed by comparing the numerical model with experimental data. Optimization results showed that it was possible to reduce the junction volume profile by 53% with a compromise of 3% in maximum bearing capacity.engGEOSYNTHETICSFinite Element MethodABAQUSconference paper10.1201/9781003386889-288