Reinforcement of Soils by Multioriented Geosynthetic Inclusions

Abstract

A new method for reinforcing soils has been developed that involves the incorporation of multioriented geosynthetic inclusions within or upon a compacted or naturally deposited soil. The results of an extensive laboratory experimental study consisting of California bearing ratio (CBR), triaxial, and permeability tests are presented. These results indicate that substantial improvements in strength and stiffness of granular soils can be obtained using this method of reinforcement. A comparison is made of the effectiveness of multioriented elements and fibers. The potential uses for multioriented elements as lightweight, highly porous artificial soil are also discussed.