Field Characterization of Dynamic Response of Geocell-Reinforced Aeolian Sand Subgrade under Live Traffic

Abstract

In desert regions, aeolian sand is abundant, but it is not suitable to be used directly as the upper roadbed filler for highways. Generally, gravelly soil is mined around the desert as upper roadbed fill, resulting in high engineering expenses for road construction in the desert hinterland. Geocells have a significant reinforcing effect on aeolian sand. However, in the completed desert highway, the dynamic performance of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand as an upper layer of roadbed fill has not been studied. Using a field test method, the dynamic performance of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand as an upper roadbed fill is examined. The results show that the majority of the frequency distribution of road vibration is within 30 Hz. In the horizontal direction, the actual vibration amplitude decay on the side of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand is slower but smoother than on the side of gravelly soils. In vibration velocity, the work area depth of the geocell-reinforced aeolian sand side of the roadbed is less than that of the gravelly soil side. The maximum difference can reach 0.55 m. As far as vibration velocity is concerned, the 30 cm gravelly soils can be substituted with 15 cm geocell-reinforced aeolian sands as the upper roadbed. In summary, the dynamic attenuation characteristics of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand are superior to gravelly soils. The research results provide a reference for the design of the desert highway subgrade.