Liquefaction response of geocell-reinforced sand beds

The evolvement and wide usage of geocells in numerous soil reinforcement applications necessitate the understanding of the liquefaction resistance of the geocell-reinforced soils. This paper investigates the liquefaction resistance of geocell-reinforced sand beds through laboratory shaking table model studies and numerical studies. To scale down the dimensions and mechanical strength of geocells for 1- g shaking table model tests, geocells used in the experiments were fabricated using 3D-printed polypropylene sheets. Sand beds were subjected to ground shaking of different intensities. At an input acceleration of 0.2 g , the inclusion of the geocell layer enhanced the loading cycles required for the liquefaction by 120 % and the beneficial effects of geocell increased at higher base accelerations. To complement the shaking table model tests and to understand the role of geocells on the liquefaction resistance of sand beds in the field, numerical studies were conducted using FLAC 3D . From numerical studies, the depth of improvement, where the influence of the geocell on the development of the pore water pressure is prominent, is quantified. The depth of improvement is found to be a function of the depth of placement of the geocell layer, aspect ratio, stiffness of geocells, and the relative density of the sand.