Innovative Textured Geogrids for Superior Reinforcement Efficiency

The smooth surface of commercial geogrids limits the development of interface shear strength, restricting bearing capacity. This manuscript demonstrates the development of a novel textured geogrid with enhanced interface friction, leading to significantly improved reinforcement benefits. Unlike synthetic polymer based commercial geogrids made using extrusion technique, textured geogrids are 3D-printed using bio-based poly lactic acid (PLA) material, supporting sustainability with a low carbon footprint. These geogrids feature unique surface textures and junction pins that enhance soil anchoring, interlocking, and interface friction. The reinforcement efficiency of textured geogrids was emphasized through conducting multi stage experimental investigation including plate load tests on unreinforced and reinforced sand beds and interface direct shear tests. The influence of surface texture, and aperture shape (square and hexagonal) are studied on the performance of reinforced sand beds. From the results, load capacity of sand beds was improved by more than twice due to the presence of textured hexagonal geogrids and reduced the footing settlement by 58%. The improvement in bearing capacity in the presence of textured geogrid is evident in the increase in shear strength between the textured geogrid-sand interfaces. This response is further complemented through demonstrating the shear strength behaviour of textured geogrid–sand interfaces using the results of interface direct shear tests and the particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis.