Experimental investigation on improving bearing capacity of geosynthetic-reinforced sloped ground for shallow foundation

This experimental study investigates the effectiveness of geosynthetic reinforcement in improving the bearing capacity of sloped ground for shallow foundations. Conducted on low-compressibility clayey soil, the research evaluates the impact of various geosynthetic materials, including 3D Geogrid, Glasgrid, and Geotextile. Key parameters analysed include slope angle, edge distance, number of reinforcement layers, reinforcement spacing, and geosynthetic type. Results indicate that geosynthetic reinforcement significantly enhances soil bearing capacity, with optimal performance depending on the reinforcement layout. Notably, the study yields optimal values for the depth of top layer reinforcement, depth of reinforcement, and vertical spacing between reinforcements. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the type of geosynthetic reinforcement, slope angle, and distance between the edge of the slope and loading surface exert substantial influences on the bearing capacity of the soil. A statistical regression model, developed with a confidence level exceeding 95%, incorporates the salient parameters obtained from the experimental results to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of geosynthetic-reinforced sloped ground.