Performance and reinforcement mechanism evaluation of transport infrastructure reinforced with geocells through analytical and physical modeling in field and laboratory

• Grant number: 23/04447-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 14, 2023
• End date: August 13, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: José Orlando Avesani Neto
• Grantee: José Orlando Avesani Neto
• Host Investigator: Jorge Gabriel Zornberg
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Texas at Austin (UT), United States

Abstract

The research project aims to study and evaluate the geocell-reinforced soils in transport infrastructure layers to determine the modulus of elasticity improvement, seeking benefits in terms of pavement layers thickness reduction and /or increased structure lifespan. To this end, a physical and analytical modeling program will be developed with support from the The University of Texas at Austin infrastructure and industry, as well. Laboratory plate load tests in large boxes will be carried out, with parametric analysis, in order to cover the different variables involved. This experimental program has the objective evaluate the influencing factors in the geocell improvement: type and condition of compaction of the filling material, type and condition of the subgrade material and geocell geometric properties. Large scale field experimental sections, that effectively presents the geocell-reinforcement response and performance in real conditions of execution in terms of materials, installation, compaction and loads, will be executed in different geometric and reinforcement configurations. These experimental sections, with typical sections of paved and unpaved road structures, under full-scale conditions, will be evaluated using Benkelman beam and FWD deflectometric tests, which are common in the executive control of infrastructure works in Brazil. The experimental sections also will help in the laboratory tests validation, in addition to complementing the verification of the reinforcement's effective performance in real applications. Finally, the proposed program aims to implement, based on analytical modeling, eventual improvements in the current method for estimate geocell-reinforced soils elastic parameters available in the technical-scientific literature. This phase also includes the development of an equation for the internal stresses and strains in the geocell walls, in order to allow a deeper investigation of its behavior under creep with implication of the performance throughout the work lifespan. The objective of this program is to study the application of geocells as reinforcement in transport infrastructures, providing more solid and robust conditions on how to consider this reinforcement in the pavement structure of these works, promoting technical and economic benefits for the entire chain and society in general (researchers, designers, manufacturers, contractors, utilities, government and users). (AU)