Geosynthetic Reinforcement Applications

Abstract

Geosynthetic applications range from geotechnical to geo-environmental areas and include countless cases. In this paper, the aim was to introduce the reader to the reinforcement applications. A few examples of reinforcement were chosen to demonstrate the frequently used applications and to draw the attention of the reader to the vast variety of other reinforcement applications. First, a brief introduction to geosynthetics is given. As an example of a very frequently applied reinforcement application, information is given on geosynthetic reinforced soil retaining walls. Especially the benefits of geosynthetic-reinforced retaining walls under earthquake loading conditions are emphasized. Then, some information is given on using geosynthetic reinforcement below foundations to improve the bearing capacity. As a third and final example, the use of geosynthetic reinforcement as an encasement around stone columns is mentioned. The improvement of the geosynthetic encased columns compared to ordinary stone columns under earthquake loading conditions was shown.