Numerical analysis of a geosynthetic-reinforced piled load transfer platform - Validation on centrifuge test

Soft soil improvement techniques using a network of rigid inclusions and geosynthetic reinforcement are investigated to improve our understanding of load transfer mechanisms towards piles. The physical modelling of the system consists in simulating fictional soft soil settlement through downward displacement of a perforated tray above a network of rigid piles placed in the centrifuge swinging basket. Tests are used to validate the results of the numerical study.Elasto-plastic and hypoplastic constitutive models have been used to predict the behaviour of the granular mattress, which simulates a Load Platform Transfer (LPT). A two-dimensional, axisymmetrical model has been adopted, which fulfils the validation on the experimental test and the time needed for calculation.The results of the parametric studies show that load transfer increases with mattress thickness and closer pile spacing. Geosynthetic deflection is reduced when load transfer is high