Performance Evaluation of Jute Geocell-Reinforced Sand Subgrade with an Integrated Wooden Anchor Grid

Abstract

The efficient confinement capabilities of geocells make them a popular reinforcement technique for improving soil stability and load-bearing capacity. However, the high costs of synthetic geocells and environmental concerns have driven interest in more sustainable and natural alternatives. This study presents a novel approach to subgrade reinforcement using a jute geocell (JG) made from jute fabric, further improved with a wooden anchor grid (WAG). The newly developed jute geocell with wooden anchor grid (JGWAG) consists of a natural wooden grid integrated with anchor pins placed at the center of each JG pocket, aiming to enhance load-bearing capacity. The effectiveness of this innovative reinforcement system was evaluated through static plate load tests on sand subgrade reinforced with JG mattresses of varying widths (1.33D, 2D, and 3.33D, where D is the loading plate diameter) and a WAG placed beneath the 2D-width geocell. The results demonstrated significant performance enhancements: load-bearing capacity increased by 41%, 83.8%, and 116% for 1.33D, 2D, and 3.33D, respectively, compared to unreinforced subgrade. Notably, adding WAG under the 2D-width geocell achieved a remarkable 186% improvement over the unreinforced case. Settlement reduction was also significant, with the JGWAG system decreasing settlement by 84.6% as compared to the unreinforced case, showcasing its superior effectiveness. This system improves load-bearing performance and provides a cost-effective solution by reducing the width of JG. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the JG was analyzed using a 3D surface profilometer, ensuring optimal contact and friction between the soil and reinforcement for improved load transfer. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.