Vertical Deformation Analyses for Multi-Axial Geogrid Stabilized Platform Using Conventional Techniques and Back-Analyses with Composite Approach

This paper presents a comparison of conventional approaches along with a composite material approach to estimate vertical deformation of a multi-axial stabilized working platform for a ringer crane. The major challenge in design was to satisfy very stringent criteria for allowable total and differential settlement. Using a conventional analysis approach, the geogrid stabilized ringer crane platform was designed and constructed in 2017. The platform was 1.8 m thick and composed of five layers of multi-axial geogrid with triangular apertures and crushed angular graded aggregate material. Back-analyses were carried out using actual deformation measurements from the ringer crane platform during operation and an adaptation of a composite material model that considers aggregate and geogrid interactions, which enhance the composite material strength for a mechanically stabilized soil platform. Although post-analyses were not done using finite element methods, an adaptation of the composite material model was incorporated into a conventional approach and provided results closer to measurements. Comparison of settlement analyses post-operation to those of initial design provides important insight into material numerical modeling techniques.