Full-Scale Testing of Geosynthetic-Stabilised Working Platforms and Heavy-Haul Roads

Stabilisation of aggregate layers over weak subgrade soils is frequently accomplished using geogrid for unpaved roads, working platforms, or foundations. The performance of various stabilised aggregate layers over a soft silty clay subgrade soil was evaluated at full scale under highly controlled loading conditions.  In order to provide the required reaction load, a moveable loading platform was constructed onto which 4 loaded gravel trucks could be driven.   The overall system consisted essentially of a moveable steel load platform that was placed over a trench within which multiple test pads were constructed with different combinations of gravel, gravel thickness and geogrid layers.

Load was applied to a 1 square metre plate area by a hydraulic piston capable of reaching well over 1000 kN, thus representing loading at essentially field scale.  All tests were taken past ultimate bearing capacity failure to a maximum stroke of 250 mm. This presentation will highlight some of the preliminary findings, theory, and challenges of the project.