Abstract

In this study, design factors affecting the settlement of strip foundation on geogrid-reinforced sand were investigated experimentally. The experiments were carried out according to Taguchi’s 5 parameter, 4 level, and standard L16 orthogonal arrays. Signal-to-noise (S/N) and variance analysis are used to determine the levels of the factors affecting the bearing capacity. It was determined that the most effective parameters on settlement value are foundation width (with 52% influence ratio) and foundation depth (with 30% influence ratio). While the foundation width and depth increased, the settlement value increased also.

Key words: Reinforced sand, Taguchi method, Geogrid, foundation settlement, sandy soils.