This research study aims at investigating the potential benefits of using the reinforcement
to improve the bearing capacity and reduce the settlement of strip footing on clay. To
implement this objective, many numerical 2D-analyses by finite elemen
t method / Plaxis
program were performed to study the behavior of reinforced soil foundation. And then we
carry out a parametric study of the most effective parameter on bearing capacity. The
results showed that the inclusion of reinforcement can significantly improve the bearing
capacity and reduce the footing settlement. The strain developed along the reinforcement is
directly related to the settlement. The results also showed that the inclusion of
reinforcement can redistribute the applied load to a wider area, thus minimizing stress
concentration and achieving a more uniform stress distribution. The redistribution of
stresses below the reinforced zone can result in reducing the settlement of the underlying
weak clayey soil.