A Comparison between Performance of EC Geoblock with Conventional Geogrid used as Soft Ground Improvement Methods

Abstract

As urban development advances, population increases which leads to more demand in structures such as roads, houses and more. Most structures are built with some sort of ground improvement or foundation. One of the most common techniques is to use geogrid to reinforce the structure and the ground due to its performance and cost effectiveness. In the current study a new arrangement of EC Geoblock is proposed for ground improvement and the performance are compared with geogrid. The study consists of two phases; First Phase begin with the simulation   through PLAXIS 3D by excavation of with depth of 0.25m then laying of geogrid or EC Geoblock and backfilled with selected filling material and ends with application of surface load ranges from 0 to 50kPa on top of the strengthen area. Second Phase was proceeded with the variation of 5 scenarios; Scenario I – unreinforced soil, Scenario II – soil reinforced with geogrid with soft clay backfill, Scenario III – soil reinforced with EC Geoblock with gravel and soft clay backfill, Scenario IV – soil reinforced with geogrid with concrete backfill and lastly Scenario V – soil reinforced with EC Geoblock with gravel and concrete backfill. From the results, the best performing method in improving the mechanical properties is Scenario IV which is soil reinforced with geogrid with concrete backfill with settlements lesser than 0.08m and bearing capacity of 35kPa. Scenario V which is EC Geoblock with gravel and concrete backfill was found the second-best method with settlement value that is slightly over 0.1m and bearing capacity of 34kPa. In economical perspective, Scenario IV used 2.53m² and Scenario V used 1.64m² of concrete backfill.  The usage of concrete for the Scenario IV is about 35% more than the amount used in Scenario V. Furthermore, the time taken to complete the reinforced process is faster in Scenario V than Scenario IV as the block is precast and not cast-in-situ which is required more time for the backfill concrete to harden. In can be summarize that in Scenario V – EC Geoblock case has favorable performance and more cost-efficient compare to others. Therefore, the new arrangement of EC Geoblock is feasible to be used in strengthening the ground in required places before construction of superstructure.