Experimental analyses of geosynthetic reinforced foundations on layered soil deposit

ABSTRACT . The paper reports the results of experimental analyses performed in order to supply a further contribution on the topic of reinforced foundation performance. As far as experimental tests are concerned, both load tests on model foundations and direct shear tests on reinforced soil are considered. The former to analyse the contribution of geosynthetic reinforcement on bearing capacity and settlements, considering the particular soil-geosynthetic arrangement adopted, the latter to highlight the influence of confining stresses on interface mechanisms. Remarks on the choice of reinforcement geometrical parameters as well as on a possible way of computing ultimate bearing capacity are illustrated and discussed