The use of geosynthetic materials to increase the bearing capacity of soil cushions

Introduction. The development of Kazakhstan's megacities has led the construction sites to the territories with weak, macroporous soils. Construction on such soils requires a set of measures to strengthen and improve their mechanical properties. Methods and Materials. The article discusses the development of a method of surface hardening by replacing weak soil. This development is associated with the use of different types geosynthetics. The principles of operation of a soil foundation reinforced with various geosynthetic materials are considered. The mechanical properties of geotextiles, geogrids and geogrids used to harden embankment soils have been studied. A new test procedure for geosynthetic materials has been developed. This procedure differs from the traditional method specified in GOST 32491 with a constant deformation rate. Results and Discussion. Tests of geosynthetic materials in kinematic mode have shown that a decrease in tensile strength is observed for all materials. The reduction ranges from 28% to 42% for different types of geogrids. The elongation at break decreased for the hexagonal and biaxial geogrid by 8.6% and 30%, respectively. An increase in relative elongation was noted for a uniaxial geogrid. According to geotextile, the tensile strength decreased by 15.7%, and the elongation increased by 26.5%.