Bearing capacity of strip foundation on geogrid-reinforced sand

Abstract

Results of small-scale laboratory model tests to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip foundation supported by sand with multiple layers of geogrid reinforcement are presented. Tests were conducted with only one type of geogrid and a sand compacted to one relative density. The embedment ratio of the foundation was varied from zero to 0.6. It is found that, for the given reinforcement-depth ratio, the bearing capacity ratio with respect to ultimate load increases with embedment. The relationship between the bearing capacity ratio at ultimate load and at limited levels of settlement (less than or equal to 5% of foundation width) is also presented. The bearing capacity ratio at limited levels of settlement is smaller than the value at ultimate load.