Experimental Evaluation of Influence Factors for Single-Geocell-Reinforced Sand

Geosynthetics have been in use for subgrade stabilization and base reinforcement for last 40 years. Over the years, research conducted on geosynthetic-reinforced base courses, especially with planar reinforcements, have shown marked benefits over unreinforced ones. Geocell, a three-dimensional geosynthetic material with interconnected cells, can be used to improve the properties of base courses by providing lateral confinement to increase strength and stiffness and reduce permanent surface deformation. However, the use of geocells for base reinforcement is limited due to lack of established design methods. Literature review has shown a significant gap between the applications and the theories for geocell reinforcement mechanisms outlining the need for more research. This research utilized simple loading equipment to evaluate the influence factors of single geocell-reinforced sand. The tests investigated the effect of influence factors (geocell shape and type) on the bearing capacity and stiffness of compacted sand. The experimental results showed that the geocell reinforcement increased the bearing capacity and stiffness and reduced settlement of the base course. The magnitude of improvement varied with the type of geocells.

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