Experimental and Theoretical Investigations on Geocell-Supported Embankments
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 6, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper studies the advantages of geocell reinforcement on the performance of earth embankments constructed over weak foundation soil through laboratory model tests and proposes a simple method for the design of geocell-supported embankments. Model embankments were constructed above a layer of geocells formed using geogrids on top of a soft clay bed prepared in a steel test tank. Uniform surcharge pressure was applied on the crest and pressure-deformation behavior of the embankment and strains in the walls of geocells were monitored continuously until the failure was reached. The influence on the behavior of the embankment of various parameters—like tensile stiffness of geocell material, height and length of geocell layer, pocket-size of the cell, pattern of formation of geocells, and type of fill material inside the cells—was studied. Geocell reinforcement was found to be advantageous in increasing the load-bearing capacity and reducing the deformations of the embankments. The experimental results were validated using a general purpose slope-stability program and a design procedure useful for the preliminary design of geocell-supported embankments is illustrated.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 6 • Issue 1 • January 2006
Pages: 30 - 35
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 11, 2004
Accepted: Apr 28, 2005
Published online: Jan 1, 2006
Published in print: Jan 2006
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