The influence of dimensional analysis on the interpretation of model loading tests of reinforced ground

Geotechnical models can be prone to significant errors which arise usually from two main sources, boundary and scale effects. The presence of reinforcements in the model amplifies the traditional scale effect and in many model tests full scale reinforcing materials have to be used. To estimate the effects of inclusions in a model, it is necessary: (1) to reduce the mechanical properties of the relevant materials by dimensional analysis and/or (2) to interpret the results in the light of dimensional analysis. The objective of the paper is to show how the results of model tests using full-scale reinforcements should be interpreted in the light of dimensional analysis. A dimensional analysis is reported covering the results of a series of axi-symmetric model loading tests. The tests were undertaken to investigate an established construction method in which geosynthetic reinforcement is used in the support of structures built on super soft clay. Super soft clay is defined as a cohesive soil having a water content much higher than its liquid limit.