Simulating the Loading Behavior of Reinforced Strip Footings with a Double-Yield Soil Model

Abstract

Geosynthetics such as geogrids or geotextiles are often used for the reinforcement of weak soils. Much research has been performed to investigate the bearing capacity of reinforced shallow foundations using the limit equilibrium method with Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. In this paper, the loading behavior of reinforced strip footings was studied numerically using a commercial finite difference program with a double-yield soil model. First, the load–settlement curve of an unreinforced strip footing was simulated using both Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion and the double-yield model. The simulated bearing capacities were then compared with Terzaghi’s solution. The effects of various parameters, such as burial depth and length of the reinforcement, as well as arrangement of two reinforcement layers, were also studied. Results of this study indicate that the loading behavior of strip footings simulated with the double-yield model is more realistic, and the optimum burial depth and length of reinforcement obtained from this study also agree with values reported by previous investigators.