Experimental study and 3D numerical analysis of geocoir cell-reinforced sand subgrade under monotonic loading
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Quantitative understanding of tensile mobilisation and stress redistribution in geocoir systems remains limited despite increasing interest in sustainable alternatives. This study presents an integrated experimental-numerical investigation of geocoir cell-reinforced sand subgrades under monotonic loading. Laboratory plate load tests were performed for two pocket sizes of geocoir cell (210 × 210 mm and 300 × 300 mm), and validated three-dimensional finite element simulations were used to quantify stress redistribution and tensile force mobilisation within the honeycomb structure. The 210 × 210 mm configuration achieved a 2.8-fold enhancement in bearing capacity and an 86% decrease in settlement relative to the unreinforced subgrade. Numerical analyses reveal pronounced stress attenuation beneath the reinforced layer and tensile force concentration near stitching regions of geocoir cells, with peak mobilisation ranging from 56% to 79% of the ultimate tensile capacity, indicating efficient structural utilisation without rupture. Prototype-scale modelling confirmed scale-consistent behaviour (<10% variation), demonstrating that soil-cell interactions, rather than boundary effects, govern confinement and tensile mobilisation.
Keywords
experimental studies, geocoir cell, monotonic loading, numerical analysis, reinforced subgrade
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
E-ISSN
21647402
ISSN
14680629
Publication Title
Road Materials and Pavement Design
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
101818
Copyright
subscription content
Recommended Citation
Raveendran, D., Kumar, P., Kolathayar, S., & Shukla, S. K. (2026). Experimental study and 3D numerical analysis of geocoir cell-reinforced sand subgrade under monotonic loading. Road Materials and Pavement Design. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2026.2691976