Cyclic Load Resistance of Vertically Reinforced Sand Subgrades

This paper presents the results of laboratory scale model footing tests which were conducted for determining the cyclic load resistance of sand subgrades reinforced with semi-flexible vertical elements. The tests were conducted in a sandbox having a length of 91.5 cm, width 15.25 cm, and height of 61.0 cm. Steel bars 1. 58 mm in diameter were used as reinforcing elements. Tests were also conducted by using rough reinforcing elements. The test results indicate that the value of coefficient of elastic uniform compression of the footing on sand increases with the provision of vertical reinforcement in the sand subgrade. Rough Reinforcing elements were found to be more effective in improving the value of Cu as compared to plain reinforcing elements. The improvement in the value of Cu as a result of provision of vertical reinforcement was observed to depend on initial relative density of sand and, also on parameters such as the length, extent and spacing of reinforcing elements