Limiting Equilibrium Methods in Bearing Capacity Analysis of Flexible Pavements Reinforced with Geosynthetics

Bearing capacity analysis of flexible pavements reinforced with geosynthetics was performed using limiting equilibrium concepts. In this paper, the method used by the authors for bearing capacity analysis of unreinforced pavements is extended to the case of reinforced analysis. Previously, the authors proposed using a modification of a perturbation method. In this approach, the initial approximation of normal stresses along the failure surface is obtained by a method proposed by Hopkins. The final distribution of normal stresses is sought as a function of the initial approximation of normal stresses, reinforced forces, and two unknown parameters. Substituting this function into equations of equilibrium of an assumed failure mass produces a system of three nonlinear equations with respect to the unknown parameters and a safety factor. In all cases, the proposed method converges rapidly and yields reasonable factors of safety. Results of the theoretical analyses of the flexible pavement sections with and without reinforcement, which may exist during and after construction, are compared. Geosynthetic reinforcement significantly improves stability and decreases the thickness of base material needed during construction. The theoretical analysis also shows that reinforcement significantly increases the factor of safety against failure of a flexible pavement and increases pavement life. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118503.