Model studies of a circular footing supported on geocell-reinforced clay

TLDR

Geocell reinforcement in soft clay foundations has been investigated through laboratory static load tests on rigid circular footings. The study varied geocell depth, width, height, and added a planar geogrid layer at the base to assess their effects on footing performance. Geocell reinforcement can increase load capacity by up to 4.8 times and significantly reduce soil heaving when appropriately sized. Adding a planar geogrid layer at the base of the geocell mattress may further enhance performance.

Abstract

The potential benefits of geocell reinforcement in soft clay foundations have been studied by a series of laboratory-scale static load tests on a rigid circular footing placed on a fill surface. Parameters of the test program include depth of placement of the geocell layer, width and height of the geocell layer, and influence of an additional layer of planar geogrid at the base of the geocell mattress. With the provision of geocell reinforcement, the load-carrying capacity of the soft clay foundation can be improved by a factor of up to 4.8 times that of the unreinforced soil. Heaving of the soil can be reduced substantially by providing geocell reinforcement of sufficient height and width. Further improvement in performance could be obtained with the provision of an additional layer of planar geogrid at the base of the geocell mattress.Key words: model study, circular footing, soft clay, geocell reinforcement, reinforced soil.