Simulation of Geocell-Reinforced Foundation Using Particle Flow Code

Abstract

Interlock-enhanced integral geocells are three-dimensional (3D) cellular structures. They are widely used in foundations to increase the load-bearing capacity and reduce the foundation settlement. However, as a new kind of reinforcement, some key considerations, such as the interface between the soil and the interlock-enhanced integral geocells and the failure mode, and mechanics of the interlock-enhanced integral-geocell-reinforced soil foundations, are not clarified yet. In this study, we investigated geocell-reinforced foundation using particle flow code (PFC3D) based on the discrete element method. The initial states and loading processes were simulated according to the finished model texts. The stress distribution, particle displacements, and contact forces were examined to determine the contribution of the interlock-enhanced integral geocells to the reinforced foundations. The interface between particles and the interlock-enhanced integral geocells, the failure mode, and the reinforcement mechanism of the interlock-enhanced integral-geocell-reinforced foundations are discussed. The numerical simulation results reveal that the characteristics of the interlock-enhanced integral-geocell-reinforced foundation can be well simulated by PFC3D. Soil particles are not displaced under the applied load because of the sidewalls of the interlock-enhanced integral geocells. The interlock-enhanced integral geocells allow soil particles penetrate from one side of the cell to the other owing that geocells have a 3D network structure with aperture geometry. Therefore, lateral deformation or potential strain in the soil is restrained. The interlock-enhanced integral geocell distributes the applied load over a wider area, thus increasing the shear strength of the composite system. The load-bearing capacity of the soil foundation is improved by the interlock-enhanced integral geocell.