Numerical Analysis of Geogrids and Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Stabilizing Road Embankments

Abstract

The amplification of urban development and the extension of road networks necessitate a comprehensive understanding of various soil improvement techniques for civil engineering applications. Soil enhancement methods, typically trusted and practical, are pivotal in addressing geotechnical engineering challenges. This study focuses on the numerical evaluation of the efficacy of geogrids and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in the stabilization of road embankments. Critical soil properties such as water absorption, soil erosion, and settlement susceptibility are significantly improved through these methods, promoting sustainable land use, environmental conservation, and infrastructure durability. Literature reveals that the use of geogrids or waste materials like RCA contributes effectively to soil layer enhancement. In this investigation, road embankment models, with and without the aforementioned improvements, were developed and assessed under vehicular load conditions. The findings demonstrated that the incorporation of geogrids or RCA significantly bolsters the stability of road embankments. A noteworthy reduction in vertical settlement, up to 45%, was achieved when geogrids and RCA were concurrently utilized in the embankment. This suggests that these methods, individually or in combination, could provide a viable solution for enhancing the performance and stability of road infrastructures. Further research is proposed to explore the long-term performance of these enhancement methods under various environmental and load conditions.