A design-oriented predictive framework for stabilized earth composites: Mechanical properties and cyclic behavior

This study investigates the mechanical behavior of stabilized earth composites under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. The lack of reliable and design-oriented models for these materials currently limits their broader application. The proposed framework is developed and validated using Shot-earth (SE), here considered as a representative stabilized earth composite, through an extensive experimental campaign including cyclic loading tests. The results show that SE exhibits mechanical properties comparable to those of low-strength concrete, while providing enhanced performance in flexural and shear resistance. A set of predictive relationships is also proposed, enabling the estimation of key mechanical properties. The proposed models have been assessed against independent experimental data, showing agreement within acceptable error margins and capturing the governing mechanical trends. In addition, the cyclic response of SE is characterized through simplified relationships describing stiffness degradation, providing practical input for structural analysis. The proposed framework sup- ports the integration of stabilized earth composites into existing design methodologies, offering a practical approach to account for material variability and enabling their use in structural and seismic applications. The applicability limits associated with the intrinsic variability of excavated soil-based materials are explicitly addressed within the proposed approach, ensuring reliable use in design practice.