Field Characterization of Dynamic Response of Geocell-Reinforced Aeolian Sand Subgrade under Live Traffic

Abstract

In desert regions, aeolian sand is abundant, but it is not suitable to be used directly as the upper roadbed filler for highways. Generally, gravelly soil is mined around the desert as upper roadbed fill, resulting in high engineering expenses for road construction in the desert hinterland. Geocells have a significant reinforcing effect on aeolian sand. However, in the completed desert highway, the dynamic performance of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand as an upper layer of roadbed fill has not been studied. Using a field test method, the dynamic performance of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand as an upper roadbed fill is examined. The results show that the majority of the frequency distribution of road vibration is within 30 Hz. In the horizontal direction, the actual vibration amplitude decay on the side of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand is slower but smoother than on the side of gravelly soils. In vibration velocity, the work area depth of the geocell-reinforced aeolian sand side of the roadbed is less than that of the gravelly soil side. The maximum difference can reach 0.55 m. As far as vibration velocity is concerned, the 30 cm gravelly soils can be substituted with 15 cm geocell-reinforced aeolian sands as the upper roadbed. In summary, the dynamic attenuation characteristics of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand are superior to gravelly soils. The research results provide a reference for the design of the desert highway subgrade.

Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Blended Fibers on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Aeolian Sand Concrete

“…In recent years, many scholars have extensively researched the prevention and control of aeolian sand. Aeolian sand has been used as an alternative to river sand to make concrete for the construction of desert railway roadbeds and sand damage prevention projects, which is not only economical but also environmentally friendly and plays a crucial role in the restoration of the ecological environment in the region [9][10][11][12][13][14]. However, due to the loose structure and large porosity of aeolian sand itself, the mechanical properties of aeolian sand concrete (ASC) decline rapidly with an increase in mixing amount, which greatly limits the popularization and application of ASC [15,16].…”

Experimental Investigations on the Tensile Mechanical Behavior of HDPE Geocell Strip

“…Wang [13] carried out a series of splitting fatigue tests and used a viscoelastic damage model to evaluate the influence of geocells on the macro performance of the asphalt mixture. Gao [14] studied the dynamic performance of geocell-reinforced aeolian sand in a field test. Garcia [15] proposed an analysis method for the modulus improvement coefficient of a geocell-reinforced soil layer considering the influence of geocell geometry, soil, and geocell reinforcement stiffness.…”