Abstract
Replacing weak soil layer by a gravel cushion is a usual consolidation method, wich has been improved lately by inserting in the gravel cushion reinfocements, analogical to concrete reinforcement, aiming to increase the bearing capacity of the foundation soil. This paper presents some aspects regarding geosinthetical materials behaviour used to reinforced the gravel cushion as much as the effect on stresses distribution and displacements in gravel and surrouding soil. This study has been conducted trough experimental tests and numerical analysis. The conducted analysis is statical and nonliniar. The calculus of the study consists of: displacements of the soil, the values of the stresses in inner part of the gravel layer and in the geosinthetic materials. Noticing that the disposal of the reinforcements leads to decrease stresses and displacements values at the foundation level but also at the gravel layer base.
Keywords: geosinthetic materials; gravel cushion; reinforced soil