Numerical Modelling Based Assessment on Performance Evaluation of Geocell-Reinforced Base Layer over Soft Subgrade

Publication Title
Numerical Modelling Based Assessment on Performance Evaluation of Geocell-Reinforced Base Layer over Soft Subgrade

Abstract

Pavement structures supported on weak subgrade are susceptible to significant deformation or even failure due to truck passage. Presently, Geocells, which are expandable three-dimensional cellular mats, are being utilized to increase the strength of weak subgrade. In this study, numerical analysis is conducted using PLAXIS 3D to simulate the impact of geocell reinforcement on the behavior of soft subgrade. In order to first verify the precision of the finite element (FE) analysis, the results of numerical studies are compared to those of the experimental and numerical findings available in the literature. Afterward, the validated numerical model is used to conduct parametric investigations to determine the effect of geocell height and base layer thickness on the performance of the geocell-reinforced base layer above the soft subgrade. The findings of the research are analysed in terms of the pressure-settlement response and subgrade stress ratio (SSR) and compared with the unreinforced section. The numerical results demonstrated that the geocell reinforcement improved the performance of the weak subgrade by increasing the load-carrying capacity of the soil as compared with the unreinforced section.

Authors
Sayanti Banerjee; Bappaditya Manna; J. T. Shahu

Published In

10th European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering (NUMGE2023)

Theme

11. Reinforcements and ground improvement

DOI
https://doi.org/10.53243/NUMGE2023-99

International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering