Finite Element Model for Evaluating Bearing Capacities of Soft Grounds Reinforced with Geotextiles

This paper proposes a new finite element technique which is organized of rational modeling for soil, reinforcement and the interaction between these materials. Comparing the analytical results and the observed values of the laboratory model footing tests and the earth spreading work reported by watari et. al. (1986), the applicability of the proposed technique for estimating the bearing capacity was proved. Based on the results of simulation analysis, a reasonable method for evaluating the bearing capacity improvement of the soft clay ground reinforced with geotextiles has been proposed.