Behaviour of Geocell Reinforcement in a Multi-Layered Flexible Pavement Under Repeated Loading

This study aims to comprehensively analyse the behaviour of geocell-reinforced pavement and discern the key factors affecting its performance through a combined approach of experimental and numerical analyses. It begins with full-scale model testing of reinforced and unreinforced sections, followed by numerical analysis conducted using the three-dimensional finite element program PLAXIS 3D. The numerical models were calibrated against the results obtained from the experimental study. The numerical investigation primarily focuses on evaluating how different parameters, including base material, diameter of wheel contact area, and subgrade conditions, impact the performance of geocell-reinforced pavement sections. The incorporation of geocells in the base layer has shown a marked reduction in both permanent deformation and concentration of subgrade pressure compared to unreinforced sections across all pavement sections. The rut depth reduction value is found to be influenced by the subgrade strength and the diameter of the wheel contact area. However, the study highlights a more significant decrease in rut depth and subgrade vertical stress in reinforced pavement sections constructed with a base material of fly ash compared to the sections with bases made of wet mix macadam (WMM) and sand materials. The study emphasizes fly ash as an optimal infill material choice, demonstrating minimal rut depth and lower pressure values at the subgrade level.