Behavior of Square Footings Reinforced with Glass Fiber Bristles and Biaxial Geogrid

This study investigates the influence of biaxial geogrids on the flexural behavior of square footing foundations reinforced with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). Experimental research is conducted, involving the testing of five reinforced concrete square footings under area loading until failure. The variables considered are the number of geogrid layers and the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement. Various parameters including deflection, loads at each stage, stiffness, ductility, energy absorption, crack patterns, as well as strains in steel, concrete, and geogrid, are analyzed and compared. The results reveal that incorporating geogrid layers as a reinforcement technique with GFRC significantly enhances the flexural behavior of the footings and improves cracking patterns. The number of geogrid layers used in the footings substantially increases the loads at each stage. Furthermore, an empirical equation is developed to establish a correlation between the moment acting on the footings and the tensile strength of geogrid reinforcement. The empirical evidence demonstrates a substantial improvement in the strength resistance of geogrid-reinforced footings with GFRC, surpassing those reinforced with steel and normal concrete mix. This research contributes valuable insights for the design and construction of earth structures, highlighting the advantages of biaxial geogrids in reinforcing GFRC footings with enhanced flexural performance.