Base Course Geocell Reinforcement Evaluation by comparing 3-D FEM and Laboratory Evaluation

Abstract

The shortage of high-grade base material and emphasis on using recycling base material has led to use of geocells reinforced bases in the past decade. The geocells provide reinforcement by confining base material and have been used for increasing bearing capacity of supporting soil, reducing settlements, using inferior quality material, reducing thickness of base layers, etc. It can be an economical option in rehabilitation of pavements and construction of low volume roads. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the behaviour of geocell reinforced layers using expensive and time intensive laboratory tests. The working principle of geocell reinforced layers using various pavement materials, loading types, geocell types etc., can be comprehended quickly and economically using Finite Element Modelling (FEM). In this study, various significant FEM model parameters like constitutive material models and contact models were examined. The results were compared with the laboratory test results and specific contact and constitutive material models that predict behaviour similar to the laboratory results were recommended.