On evaluation of geogrid mattress foundation performance

Abstract

Mattress foundations using geogrids are often used on soil foundations to increase the supporting capability of a mattress-soil foundation system, in which the mattress foundation transmits a point load applied above to a wider area of the soil foundation underneath. To examine this load dispersion capability of the mattress foundation, model experiments were carried out on the lab-floor. Especially, the effects of the thickness of the mattress and the subgrade modulus of the soil foundation on the load dispersion are considered. The load distribution and the energy transmitted to the soil foundation are examined in the paper.