NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR MECHANISMS OF A GEOCELL-REINFORCED BASE UNDER A VERTICAL LOAD

摘要

Geocells have a three-dimensional cellular structure, which can be used to stabilize foundations in soft soil by increasing bearing capacity and reducing settlements. However, a considerable gap exists between the applications and the theories for the mechanisms of geocell-reinforced foundations. This paper presents a mechanistic analysis of a geocell-reinforced gravel base over soft subgrade under a vertical load using a three-dimensional numerical method. In this study, model tests on unreinforced and geocell-reinforced gravel bases on soft subgrade were modeled. The numerical results are compared reasonably well with the test data. In addition, the stresses and displacements in the bases and at the interface between the base and the subgrade and tensile stresses and shear stresses acting on the geocell sheets were examined.