Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Floating Granular Piles in Soft Clays

Abstract

The installation of reinforced granular piles is a commonly adopted technique to improve load carrying capacity and reduce settlements in very soft clayey soils. This paper presents results of a series of laboratory model tests and numerical analysis carried on geosynthetic reinforced granular pile under short term loading. Unit cell concept has been adopted. Laboratory model tests were conducted on unreinforced, vertical encased, reinforced with horizontal strips and combined vertical-horizontal reinforced granular piles. The loading was applied either over the entire cylindrical tank area or only over the area of granular piles. The effects of various parameters such as reinforcement, encasement stiffness, shear strength of clay, length and diameter of granular piles have been studied. Experimental results in the form of vertical load intensity-settlement relationship have been compared with that obtained from PLAXIS 3D. The results of laboratory model tests indicated significant influence of reinforcement on the ultimate load intensity of granular piles and ultimate bearing capacity of treated ground. Lateral bulging in reinforced granular piles has also been controlled by incorporating geosynthetic materials.