The Use of Mesh Products to Improve the Performance of Granular Fill on Soft Ground

摘要

Linear-elastic computer analyses showed the effects of fill in reducing subgrade stresses, but suggested that the effect of reinforcement would be negligible. Use of a more accurate soil model, including soil yield and failure, will be necessary to investigate the effects of reinforcement properly. The model tests showed that unreinforced fill was initially stiff in its response to loading, but large displacements then occurred due to punching failure of the fill. The performance of the fill measured as the load carried for a particular displacement, improved approximately linearly with thickness. Fill reinforced by stiff mesh showed improved performance, particularly at high loads and with thin fills. The effect of punching failure was much less marked. Less stiff reinforcement was less effective. Smooth sheet reinforcement was much less effective, and could even cause a reduction in performance.