Geocell-reinforced Soil Research Articles

Three-dimensional numerical modeling of single geocell-reinforced sand

This paper summarizes the development of a three-dimensional numerical model for analyzing single geocell-reinforced soil. In this model, the infill soil was modeled using the Duncan-Chang model, which can simulate non-linearity and stress-dependency of soil. Geocell was modeled using linearly elastic plate elements, which can carry both bending and membrane stresses. A linear interface stress-strain relationship with a Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion was adopted to model the interface friction between the geocell wall and the soil. By modeling the geocell and the soil separately, the interaction between the soil and the geocell can be accurately simulated. To verify this model, a plate load test was conducted in the laboratory, in which a 12-cm-thick sand layer reinforced by a single geocell was subjected to a vertical load from a circular steel plate. The load-displacement curves and the horizontal tensile strain of the geocell were recorded during the test. A numerical model was created according to the setup of the load test. The numerical results compared reasonably well with the test data.

ジオセル敷設層のマットレス補強効果

ジオセル敷設層のマットレス補強効果

ジオセル拘束補強におけるセル形状の影響

ジオセル拘束補強におけるセル形状の影響

Stability of geocell-reinforced soil

Engineers often experience difficulties in starting any construction work on soft clay because there is no hard strata at a depth of 15 m. The application of a geocell structure provides a comparatively harder stratum at the top of the soft subgrade. Therefore, experimental investigations have been carried out on the stability of a geocell-reinforced soft soil structure, to evaluate the effect of the geocell configuration (i.e. geocell opening size, height) on the bearing capacity and the failure settlement of a two-layer system. The laboratory model tests for ultimate bearing capacity of marine clay overlain by a sand layer with and without the geocell are performed to study load-settlement characteristics and the increase of bearing capacity and reduction of settlement. The model foundation used is just strip footing on the surface. The actual behaviour of the geocell structure under different external loading conditions has been revealed in these studies. It has been observed that load-settlement characteristics are improved owing to the use of geocell reinforcement. In addition, an improved bearing capacity factor has been suggested on the basis of the experimental results.