Mechanical and Simulation-Based Evaluation of Woven Bamboo-Fiber Geonets as Soil Reinforcement Materials for Unpaved Road Subgrades

The growing demand for sustainable and cost-efficient road construction materials has encouraged the development of natural fiber-based alternatives for soil stabilization. This study evaluates the performance of a woven bamboo fiber geonet as a protective layer for unpaved roads using software-assisted analysis. Bamboo, recognized for its tensile strength and environmental benefits, was processed into a geonet structure and analyzed under vertical pressures typically experienced by unpaved road surfaces. SolidWorks Simulation was used to assess the geonet’s structural response through von Mises stress, equivalent strain, and displacement outputs, providing insight into its deformation behavior and potential failure zones.Results show that although the bamboo fiber geonet offers advantages as a lightweight, renewable, and biodegradable material, it does not withstand heavy vertical pressures. Excessive stress, strain, and displacement values were observed, indicating that the geonet is unsuitable for heavily loaded sub-base applications. However, its performance suggests potential for low-intensity or light soil reinforcement uses where loading demands are minimal. The study also demonstrates the value of software-assisted simulation in evaluating natural fiber geosynthetics, reducing dependence on extensive physical testing. Overall, the research clarifies the performance limitations of bamboo fiber geonets and recommends further validation under varied loading conditions and field environments.