Numerical investigation and parametric study of geocell-reinforced embankments under static loading
Abstract
Geocell reinforcement has been increasingly applied in transportation infrastructure to improve the stability and serviceability of road embankments constructed on weak subgrades. The load transfer mechanism in geocell–soil systems involves complex interactions between soil confinement, lateral restraint, and membrane effects, which makes the design process challenging using conventional empirical approaches. This study presents a numerical and data-driven framework to investigate the performance of geocell-reinforced embankments subjected to static loading. Finite element simulations were conducted, considering variations in geocell location, geocell height, and distributed load. The simulations are automated through the PLAXIS Python API to generate a comprehensive dataset of embankment responses. A predictive model is then developed using Gene Expression Programming to estimate the settlement of reinforced embankments. A parametric study is subsequently performed to determine effective design configurations. The proposed framework provides a practical tool for improving the reliability and efficiency of geocell-reinforced embankment design.