Abstract:In order to obtain a better understanding of the bearing capacity characteristics of reinforced sandy ground with different reinforcement lengths,results from plane strain laboratory model tests are simulated by a nonlinear FEM analysis incorporating an elasto-plastic constitutive model. The constitutive model is developed based on the modified plastic strain energy concept. It is found that the load-settlement relation of the sandy ground and the effect of the reinforcement lengths (i.e.,the wide-slab effect) on the increase of the bearing capacity obtained by the present FEM analysis agree well with those from the physical experiments. The reinforcing mechanism and the progressive failure with developments of shear bands in reinforced sandy ground are also reasonably simulated by the FEM analysis.