Parametric Studies of the Load Transfer Platform Reinforcement Interaction with Columns.

Beata Gajewska,Zbigniew Lechowicz,Marcin Gajewski

doi:10.3390/ma14144015

Abstract

When designing embankments on a soft ground improved with columns (rigid inclusions) and with a geosynthetically reinforced load transfer platform (LTP), the methods of determining strains in reinforcement reduce the spatial problem to a two-dimensional one, and analytical calculations are carried out for reinforcement strips in the directions along and across the embankment. In addition, the two-dimensional FEM models do not allow for a complete analysis of the behavior of the reinforcement material. The aim of this research was to analyze the work of the membrane in the 3D space modeling of the LTP reinforcement, depending on the interaction with the column, the shape of the column’s cap, the value of the Poisson’s ratio, the value of the stiffness of the elastic foundation (subgrade reaction k) modeling of the soft soil resistance between the columns and the load distribution over membranes that model the reinforcement. The membranes were modeled in the framework of the theory of large deformations using the finite element method and slender shell elements as three-dimensional objects. This modeling method allowed for the analysis of the behavior of the LTP reinforcement in various directions. The conducted analyses showed, among others, that in the absence of soil resistance between the columns, regardless of the shape of the cap (square, circle), the greatest strains are located near the edge of the cap in the diagonal direction between the columns.

Highlights

Edge and diagonal DG (Figure 11) of the membrane modeling the reinforcement of the load transfer platform with a stiffness of Analyzing the deflection curves at the CF edge and diagonal
11) of the kN/m depending on the variant used, it can be seen that greater maximum deflection membrane modeling the reinforcement of the load transfer platform with a stiffness of is obtained in cases with zerovariant displacement thegreater edge ofmaximum the column
At the edge DG, the greatest deflection was obtained for the variant C2, and was obtained betweenvalue the smallest between the the smallest forfor thevariant variantB1

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. More and more roads are being built in areas with soft soils of considerable thickness. In this case, the ground needs to be improved. One of the methods for ground improvement is the use of rigid inclusions/columns (RI) made from properly prepared working platforms [1]. An embankment is built on improved ground. The embankment and traffic loads are transferred to the improved ground through the load transfer platform, which is usually reinforced (Figure 1). Woven geogrids are usually used as reinforcement, as well as woven; sometimes reinforcement from steel mesh is used [2]

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