Evaluation of the available design models for the analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced working platforms

The working platforms for heavy construction machines demand a reliable, safe and economical ultimate limit state design procedure which enables a complete verification of safety against different failure modes. Despite considerable advances in the analysis of geogrid-reinforced working platforms through the contribution of several research studies, their proof of the stability against some crucial failure modes is still neglected in the current engineering practice. In fact, there is no universal method for the design procedure and the application of current methods and models leads to dissimilar outcomes. In this study, a comprehensive review and analysis of the current knowledge and models is performed for design of working platforms subject to the high localized forces. Accordingly, a comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the current design models and identify the weaknesses and strengths of each prediction model.