Model studies on geogrid- or geocell-reinforced sand cushion on soft soil

One or two layers of geosynthetic materials were placed in a sand cushion to create composite layers with improved bearing capacity over a soft-soil foundation. Four test groups are reported. The results indicate that with the provision of a geocell-reinforced sand cushion, there is a substantial reduction in settlement of the underlying soft soil. The subgrade reaction coefficient K30 is improved by 3000%, and the deformation is reduced by 44%. The surface earth pressure of the non-reinforced sand cushion is larger than that of the reinforced groups, especially for the geocell-reinforced sand cushion.