Evaluating the Benefits of Geocell Reinforcement of the Base Course in Flexible Pavement Structures Using 3-D Finite Element Modeling

Geocell is a cellular confinement system made from polymer materials often used to stabilize the soft soils by providing confinement that reduces the lateral movement of the soil particles. In pavements, the geocells have been used in base course to increase bearing capacity of subgrade course by distributing load. Although studies have been conducted that documented the benefit of geocell, the mechanism leading to load distribution and stiffening of base course is not fully understood and is focus of this study. To identify benefits of geocells, a parametric study using finite element analysis was carried to analyze the benefits of geocells when used as reinforcement of base course by applying different loading conditions and using different pavement material properties. In addition, different material models were evaluated. The benefits provided by geocell-reinforcement depended on the pavement structure, particularly when used to reinforce poor quality materials.