<p><p><strong>Reference(s):</strong></p><p><em>Emersleben and Meyer (2008)<br>Pokharel (2010, Thakur (2011)<br>Yang (2010)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Pokharel (2010), Thakur (2011), and Yang (2010) performed static plate loading tests on unreinforced and geocell-reinforced soil inside the small size box (i.e. 80 cm x 80 cm or 60.5 cm x 60.5 cm in plan area) by applying vertical load through the adjustment of air pressure in the air cylinder. They concluded that the stiffness and bearing capacity of soil increased improved by geocell confinement. In addition, Pokharel (2010) and Thakur (2011) conducted cyclic plate loading tests on unreinforced and geocell-reinforced bases in the large geotechnical testing box (i.e. 2m x 2.2m x 2m high) and concluded that the life of unpaved road is improved significantly by the geocell confinement. Emersleben and Meyer (2008) conducted static plate loading tests in the testing box (2m x 2m x 2m) and in field and concluded that the geocell layer reduced the vertical stresses on the subgrade and improves the bearing capacity of the infill materials.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>The verification method has been successfully used to evaluate the performance of unpaved roads. The accuracy and precision of the method have been confirmed by repeatability tests and comparison with full-scale moving wheel tests (Pokharel 2010, Thakur 2011, and Yang 2010). Emersleben and Meyer (2008) confirmed the accuracy and precision of the large-scale laboratory test by comparing with the in-situ field test and FWD measurements.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>The performance evaluation of unreinforced and geocell-reinforced unpaved roads was verified by conducting a reasonable number of tests. However, field conditions may have higher variations than those in lab.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Implementation requirements are moderate because a special test box and intensive labor are needed.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>This method is not applicable to a method approach specification, and highly applicable to performance-based specifications. The method can be used for several applications such as pavement foundation stabilization, construction working platforms, compaction, settlement reduction, thickness reduction of pavement section, and prolonging pavement service life.</p></p>