Numerical modelling of geocell reinforced slope by use of plastic bottle waste

Abstract

Nowadays, waste management should be one of the focuses in controlling a healthy and sustainable environment. It is undeniable that plastic bottle waste has covered the earth’s surface. One of the solutions to reduce the polluting impact is to use it as a geocell in the geotechnical field. The previous researchers more study about slope reinforcement using fabricated geocell. In this study, geocell is made by utilizing plastic bottle waste. Slope stabilization using geocell is a kind of internal stabilization. Other kinds of slope stabilization, such as using sheet piles and gravity walls, are external stabilization. The purpose of this study is to obtain an overview of the effect of the geocell reinforced slope. From experimental studies using plate load test, results obtained that geocell reinforce soil can increase the bearing capacity of the soil. Numerical modelling uses PLAXIS 2D modelled geocell reinforce slope as a slab that can spread the load widely over the reinforced area, also known as beam model. Young’s modulus of geocell-soil composite is obtained from experimental studies, empirical equation and validated using axisymmetry in PLAXIS 2D. The results of this study, generally geocell reinforce slope can restrain the slope from failure deformation by redistributing the loads in a large area. The significant effect is shown in sandy soil with a high improvement factor (IF), different to the reinforcement in clayey soil with a low improvement factor (IF). It implies that plastic bottle waste can be used as a geocell which can increase its economic value. Since it is applicable, it can reduce the pollution caused by plastic bottle waste.