Numerical Simulation of Granular Platforms Reinforced by Geosynthetics on Soft Soil

Abstract A DEM-FEM coupled numerical model has been employed to analyze the behavior of a platform reinforced by geotextile (GTX) over soft soil under cyclic loading. Upon calibration, the model enabled the quantification of reinforcement mechanisms (soil confinement by GTX frictional effect and increase of loading capacity by GTX tensioned membrane effect). Initially, frictional forces dominated over the tensioned membrane effect, but as deflection accumulated with successive cycles, the latter gained prominence. Moreover, the model provided insights into the load transfer through the GTX, and its escalating involvement with each cycle.