Reinforced Sand Behavior Overlying Compressible Subgrades

Abstract

A study of the effect of reinforcement on the (cumulative) plastic settlement, ultimate bearing capacity, and resilient rebound of a repeatedly loaded plane‐strain footing on granular soil overlying different compressible bases is presented. Results were obtained using several different granular soils. The repeated load was returned to zero at the end of each cycle. This is characteristic of a rail‐guided vehicle loading on a track support. The results demonstrated the importance that both base compressibility and correct location of reinforcement have on the observed plastic and rebound deformations and on ultimate bearing capacity. Incorrect location of reinforcement demonstrated no beneficial effect. The plastic settlements were evaluated using a hyperbolic equation. The rebound readings were evaluated using Steinbrenner's analysis. The practical significance to gantry cranes and railway tracks is briefly discussed.