Performance evaluation of bamboo made geocells in soft clay beds: Experimental and 3d numerical studies

In this paper a unique attempt has been made to use the naturally available bamboo to form 3D cells known as bamboo cells and use it alternative to the commercial geocells in the soft soils. The results of the laboratory plate load tests and 3D numerical simulations of the clay bed reinforced with bamboo cells and the commercial geocells are compared in the paper. Numerical studies were carried out using FLA C3D by considering the actual honeycomb shape of the geocells. Results suggested that the bearing capacity of the clay bed increases by 4 to 5 times in the presence of bamboo cells. As compared to commercial geocells, the bearing capacity of the soft clay bed reinforced with bamboo cells was found to increase by 1.3 times. Further, it was also observed that both geocell and the bamboo cell distribute the load in the lateral direction and eliminate the surface heaving of the clay bed.