Abstract
The conventional methods to increase the bearing capacity of ground are physical or chemical soil improvement methods, pile foundation and so forth. At present no efficient and economical reinforcing methods for a weak foundation underneath the facing of reinforced earth retaining walls are proposed for practical use except a mattress foundation using geosynthetic cells.
In this study a newly developed simple and inexpensive foundation reinforcing method using geosynthetic tubes with a bending rigidity is employed. Improving effects on the bearing capacity of subsoil and on the settlement of the foundation soil were examined. A series of laboratory experimental model tests, employing a concentrated loading, were carried out to investigate the strength and deformation characteristics of cylindrical shaped geosynthetic sandbags filled with a compacted pit sand that are parallel-placed on the EPS sub-base layer. The test results are presented and discussed.
