FOUNDATION ON STRONG SAND UNDERLAIN BY WEAK CLAY WITH GEOGRID AT THE INTERFACE

Abstract A number of laboratory model test results for the ultimate bearing capacity of a surface strip foundation supported by a strong sand layer of limited thickness underlain by a weak clay with a layer of geogrid at the sand-clay interface has been presented. The tests were conducted at one relative density of compaction of sand and one undrained shear strength of clay. Two types of geogrid were used. Based on the model test results presented, it appears that the optimum height of the strong sand layer should be about two-thirds that of the foundation width for obtaining the maximum benefit from the geogrid reinforcement.