Abstract: High-strength geocell’s strength is about 10 times higher than ordinary geocell with the new screw joint of U shape. The foundation placed with geocell is called a structural layer. By analyzing the pressure-settlement (p-s) curves based on a series of model tests of pure sand foundation and geocell reinforcement foundation with different weld spacing, the test shows that geocell reinforcement can increase bearing capacity and reduce the settlement. Within a certain range, the effect of reinforcement increases with the decrease of the weld spacing. The theory of Winkler model is used in the settlement calculation of sand foundation reinforced with high-strength geocell to get a solution of finite-length beam on elastic foundation, accurately confirming parameters with the measured data from the experiment. The method of deformation analysis of structure layer reinforced with high-strength geocell and the relevant parameters of high-strength geocell are summarized by comparison of experimental and computational results.

Key words: beam on elastic foundation, geocell structural layer, high-strength geocell, reinforced foundation, Winkler model