A Generic Design Protocol for Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Foundation

摘要

This technical note presents a generic step-by-step design protocol based on consideration of bearing capacity of reinforced soil foundation (RSF) on a level ground. The technical note begins with a synopsis of notable studies on bearing capacity of geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) and a brief description of an analytical model for load-carrying capacity of closely-spaced soil-geosynthetic composites. The generic RSF design protocol was developed based on findings of the notable studies and the analytical model. Specifically, the design protocol determines (i) reinforcement configuration of RSF (including reinforcement depths, spacing, and width), (ii) required reinforcement stiffness and strength for selection of reinforcement in RSF, and (iii) the increase in ultimate bearing capacity of RSF if the width of RSF is increased to fulfill design requirements A design example for RSF of a GRS bridge abutment is also given to illustrate how the design protocol can be applied.