Comparison of Strip-reinforced with H-V Reinforced Foundation Using FEM

Some model tests have shown that the H-V reinforcement system behaves more uniform, carries greater surcharge, and settles less than the equivalent strip one. However, the mechanism of the H-V reinforced soil foundation is still not well understood. FEM is a useful method to investigate the soil foundation. The different types of foundations can be multiple simulated byafinite element. Through comparing the difference of stress and displacement distribution in strip and H-V reinforced soil foundation, the friction on the surface of strip and H-V reinforcement, and the stress distribution on a vertical inclusion of H-V reinforcement. It can be concluded that beside the tension membrane reinforcement mechanism, the H-V reinforcement of relatively small vertical inclusions height behaves as a shallow beam that deflects under the footing loading leading to higher contact pressure underneath. The H-V reinforced base acts as a mattress to restrain the soil from moving upward/downward outside the loading area, redistributes the footing load over a wider area, and reduces the settlement which, in turn, principally improves the bearing capacity and reduces the settlement of foundation.