Time-dependent study of load transfer mechanism in geocell reinforced soil bed

Abstract

Geocell-reinforced embankments are commonly subject to rail or road traffic which comprises repetitive loads. However, the existing equations for the analysis and design of geocell-reinforced systems are based on performance under static loads. Hence, it is imperative to study the performance of geocell-reinforced embankments under repetitive loads. The study addresses the shortage of time-dependent studies on geocell-reinforced systems by analyzing the performance of geocell-reinforced embankments under repetitive loads over time. The actual curvature of honeycomb-shaped pockets is carefully modeled for accurate analysis of the load transfer mechanism of geocell-reinforced soil. The study analyses two different geocell configurations that are conventionally adopted in practice. In the first case, the geocell platform is placed at the embankment base and restrained within the toe of the embankment. In the second case, the platform is extended on both sides to serve as a working platform. The study aims to assess the effect of the configuration of geocell reinforcement under different types of loading. The time-dependent response of the embankment over the geocell platform is then analyzed for static and repetitive loads to assess the performance of geocell-supported embankments under different loading applications. The lateral deformation at the toe, stress on the subgrade, and heave characteristics are analyzed for time. It is observed that the presence of geocell at the embankment base not only reduces the stress transferred to the subgrade but also mitigates differential settlement over time. The difference in reinforcing effect under static and repetitive loads is notable in the case of surface heave reduction. Both configurations reduce stress on the subgrade. However, for a significant reduction in surface heave, it is recommended to place the geocell mat as a working platform extending beyond the embankment toe on both sides.