Numerical Investigation On The Performance Of Square And Rectangular Footing On Geogrid Reinforced Expansive Soils

Abstract

This Study Delineates A Quantitative Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Square And Rectangular Footings Situated On Geogrid-Reinforced Expansive Soil. The Investigation Scrutinizes The Impact Of Several Pivotal Parameters On The Load-Bearing Capacity And Settlement Of Distinct Foundation Geometries And Dimensions, Specifically A Square Footing Measuring 2m X 2m And Rectangular Footings Of Dimensions 2m X 3m, 2m X 4m, And 3m X 4m. The Parameters Examined Encompass The Tensile Modulus Of The Geogrid Reinforcement, The Vertical Spacing Between Layers Of Reinforcement, The Number Of Reinforcement Layers, The Embedment Depth Of The Initial Geogrid Layer Relative To The Base Of The Footing, And The Extension Length Of The Reinforcement Beyond The Peripheries Of The Footing. The Results Reveal That An Elevation In The Tensile Modulus Of The Reinforcement Corresponds With A Proportional Enhancement In Bearing Capacity And Reduces The Rate Of Settlement. Furthermore, The Bearing Capacity Demonstrates An Increase With Vertical Spacing Up To 1.5m, Beyond Which A Decline Is Observed Conversely The Settlement Of Square And Rectangular Footing Significantly Decreases Up To 1.5m And Then Rises. Regarding The Embedment Depth Of The Inaugural Geogrid Layer, The Optimal Values Were Identified As 0.5b For Both Square And 2m X 3m And 2m X 4m Rectangular Footings, And 0.33b For The 3m X 4m Rectangular Footing For Bearing Capacity Increment And Settlement Reduction; Surpassing These Depths Led To A Reduction In Bearing Capacity But Increase In The Rate Of Settlement. Additionally, The Investigation Illustrates That Augmenting The Number Of Reinforcement Layers Enhances Bearing Capacity And Reduces Settlement Up To Four Layers, Beyond Which Additional Enhancement Confers Minimal Advantages. These Numerical Findings Are Corroborated By Pre-Existing Experimental Studies, Revealing A Significant Degree Of Correlation And Dependability. The Research Contributes Essential Insights For The Design And Optimization Of Geogrid-Reinforced Foundations Under Expansive Soil Conditions, Intending To Improve The Load-Bearing Capacity And Settlement Both Square And Rectangular Footing.