Numerical Analysis of Geogrid Reinforcement on the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing Under Eccentric Loads and Determination of Optimum Layout

In this study, the effect of geogrid on the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footing, which was imbedded on sandy soil and under eccentric loads (VM) was investigated by using PLAXIS 2D finite element software. After numerical verification, the effect of parameters, such as the amount of eccentricity, applied vertical force, the number of reinforced layers and layout of the layout of geogrid layers on the ultimate bearin capacity of strip footing were studied. The results of analyzes were presented in the form of dimensionless graphs. Based on the analyses result, the optimum depth of first geogrid layer from foundation (u), the vertical intervals of the layers (h), the number (N) and layout of the geogrid layers have been determined. The results of the analysis show that by adding the geogrid layers, the bearing capacity of footing under the eccentric load increases significantly. The amount of the effectivity is related to the layout of layers and and the amount of the eccentricity. In the optimum layout of the layers, the position of geogrid layers depends on the number of layers. Also, the optimum number of layers for obtaining the maximum bearing capacity at eccenric load condition was obtained to be 4 layres in the present study. The optimum depth for the first, second, third and fourth layers, at the optimal layout, was 0.5, 0.7, 0.3 and 0.9 meters from the base of the footing, respectively.