Effect of Geocell on Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations Under Inclined Load and Determination of Optimum Layout using the Three-Dimensional Finite Element Method

Nowadays, the lack of suitable ground in urban areas has raised and solving the problems in loose areas is one of the main concerns of geotechnical engineers. In recent years, the use of polymeric reinforcements such as geocells in geotechnical engineering has increased significantly. In the present study, the effect of geocell on the bearing capacity of the shallow foundation located on sandy soil under inclined load has been investigated using PLAXIS 3D finite element software. Thus, after verifying the numerical model, the effect of parameters such as the presence of shear force as well as the optimal arrangement of the reinforcing layer on the bearing capacity of the foundation has been studied. The results of the analysis are plotted in the form of diagrams and based on that, the optimal dimensions as well as the optimal depth of geocell reinforcement layer are determined. The results of the analysis indicate that, with the addition of the geocell layer, the bearing capacity of the foundation under the inclined load increases 500 % and 210% in shear and vertical bearing capacity, respectively. The extent of this effect depends on the arrangement of the reinforcing layer. Also, the optimal placement depth, width and height of the reinforcing layer to obtain the maximum bearing capacity in the inclined load condition in the present study are equal to 0.025B, 4B and 0.6B, respectively.