The application of geosynthetics reinforcement to improve the bearing capacity and reduce differential settlement of loose or soft subgrade has increased significantly over the last decade. This paper presents a case study on the application of a high tenacity polyester composite geotextile as base reinforcement of a 1.6km access road from a temporary dock to a permanent foundation so that the transfer of a 1450 tons submarine was possible. As the ground which the road traverses comprises of 6m deep of very loose sand followed by 9m deep of very soft marine clay, the transportation of this submarine was almost impossible as the bearing pressure from the submarine and trailer exceeded the allowable bearing pressure of the soil. An innovative and cost effective solution which involved the replacement of 1.5m depth of the existing soil with well compacted granular material reinforced with 2 layers of high strength composite geotextile were employed. The design methodology, the construction sequence and the performance of this geotextile reinforced access road is discussed in this paper
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