Assessment of the reinforcing effect of geogrids on eccentrically loaded foundations

This study presents the experimental and numerical assessment of the bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded model footings on geogrid-reinforced sand. A rigid square plate with 100 mm width was used as the model foundation in the laboratory tests. The effect of load eccentricity, anchorage length of reinforcement, as a function of its placement pattern, and the number of geogrid layers on the bearing capacity ratio were examined using laboratory model loading tests and 3-D finite element analyses. Recommendations on the optimum anchorage length and the number of geogrid layers were made. A new relationship for the assessment of the change in the bearing capacity as a function of load eccentricity and the depth of reinforced soil layer is proposed.Key Words : Geogrids, eccentric loading, shallow foundations