CE 93 Geosynthetics for Geotechnical Engineering

Final Exam for 1st Semester SY 2023-2024

Name: Patrick James M. Balinas, Ryan Phillippe Mamawag, Robert Bien Orlopia, Ashley
James Pontillas, Meil Jeane S. Raganas, Joel Michael M. Rosales
Title and Author of the Case Study: Effect of Geosynthetic on the Performance of Road
Embankment over Sabkha Soils in Algeria by Benmebarek, S., Berrabah, F., Benmebarek,
N., & Belounar, L.

Case Study Narrative Report

The application of geosynthetics in soil and coastal engineering is on the rise, thanks to
advancements in both engineering properties and fabrication methods. Although certain
geosynthetic coastal structures have reached an advanced stage in terms of application and
effectiveness, others lack well-defined design formulas and specifications grounded in scientific
principles. As a result, ongoing experimental research is necessary to enhance our understanding
of the hydraulic performance, stability, and potential failure modes of these structures. The case
study concerns the construction of the road embankment linking the two towns of Ain El Khadra
and M’Cif which extend for approximately 23 km. This road crosses a section of about 11 km on
the sabkha of Chott El Hodna located in the north middle part of Algeria. Construction of road
foundations on sabkha soils in Algeria, which have high compressibility and limited bearing
capacity when exposed to water, has been a difficulty for road engineers. Geotextiles have
proven to be practical and cost-effective alternatives for reinforcing sabkha soils in pavement
construction. Previous research has shown that using geotextiles improves bearing capacity
significantly, especially in wet situations. The study describes in-situ observations of an
11-kilometer road embankment near Chott El Hodna, Algeria, emphasizing the benefits of
geosynthetic reinforcement. Furthermore, qualitative results from numerical simulations using
PLAXIS software indicate the efficiency of reinforcement in improving sabkha soil bearing
capacity.
The exploration of field stabilization techniques and the subsequent focus on
geosynthetics as a reinforcement method is well-grounded. The case study effectively
communicates the practical, economical, and easy-to-apply advantages of using geosynthetics in
improving the properties of soft soils. The inclusion of previous research adds credibility to the
case study, showcasing a comprehensive approach to the topic. The emphasis on laboratory tests
and experimental work contributes to the depth of the discussion and provides practical insights
into the performance of geosynthetics in soft soil conditions. Not only that, it also acknowledges
the potential drawbacks or alternative approaches to present a more unbiased view of available
solutions and how big of a gap with other solutions to the use of geosynthetic material and other
geotechnical techniques. Moreover, conducting laboratory tests and experimental tasks, as
demonstrated by the case study provides empirical evidence. The realization is that such research
is crucial in validating the effectiveness of geosynthetics in improving the bearing capacity of
soft soils and in terms of principles of pavement design, areas with soft and low-strength soils
like sabkha soils. The use of geosynthetics can play a vital role in minimizing settlements,
improving bearing capacity and extending the service life of pavements. Additionally, relevance
or principles, practices and implementation in the Philippines would still depend on the
framework and standards in the Philippines. If geosynthetics are recognized and recommended in
national or local engineering guidelines, implementation would likely be more straightforward.
The Philippines is geologically diverse with various types of soils and geological formations.
The theories and principles related to soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering including
those applicable to sabkha soils would be relevant depending on the specific geological
conditions in a given location.
Based on the results of the study, to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the soil using
geogrids, focusing on improving the geogrid's tensile properties would result in a more gradual
and step-by-step increase in effectiveness. This approach recognizes the importance of
incrementally strengthening the geogrid's ability to resist stretching forces, contributing to the
long-term stability and durability of soil-reinforced structures in civil engineering projects. This
would help us aspiring Civil Engineers to study how soil reinforcements impact the load-bearing
capacity of soil. This understanding is crucial for improving soil stability under specific
environmental conditions and soil types. and as an aspiring Civil Engineer, we aim to optimize
reinforcement techniques to enhance the performance of structures such as foundations, retaining
walls, and embankments by considering factors like environmental influences and the diverse
properties of different soil types. Numerous ground improvement techniques are accessible for
addressing diverse problematic soil conditions. In the context of the Philippines, the utilization of
geosynthetics is not extensively practiced. As an aspiring Civil Engineer, engaging in studies
related to geosynthetics contributes significantly to enhancing our knowledge and understanding
of their applications across different ground conditions. These studies broaden our perspective on
soil improvement, enabling us to devise effective countermeasures for specific soil types and
construct conventional solutions for enhanced stability and performance.