Numerical modelling of the behaviour of model shallow foundations on geocell reinforced sand

This paper focuses the development of a three dimensional numerical model to simulate the behaviour of geocell reinforced sand using PLAXIS 3D. Numerical modeling of the geocell has been an immense challenge due to their curved shape. Most of researchers used equivalent composite approach (ECA) to model the geocells. However, the composite method has a number of limitations, including the disregard of the effect of shape. The shape has a major influence in stress distribution. Hence a realistic model approach is essential to simulate the same experimental condition in numerical analysis. In this study, a 3D cad model was imported to PLAXIS 3D and modeled using geogrid structural element. Then the model was validated using experimental results where the results satisfied each other. Thereafter the depth that gives the highest carrying capacity was estimated using numerical and experimental result, which was found at depth(U)/width(B)<0.5 for a square pad footing.