Predicting the long-term performance of a geogrid-reinforced embankment on soft soil using two-dimensional finite element analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Abstract
The consolidation of the soft foundation soil of a geogrid-reinforced embankment, improved with prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs), is modelled in this paper using two-dimensional (2D) plane strain coupled finite element (FE) analysis to predict long-term multiple behaviour characteristics (e.g., settlement, lateral displacement, excess pore-water pressure response, geosynthetic strain) of the embankment. Two sets of analyses were carried out with the foundation soil being modelled using relatively simple elastic-viscoplastic (EVP) models. A nonlinear creep function was used in association with them. The input material parameters were determined from extensive laboratory testing or were taken from reliable sources except for the horizontal permeability, which was systematically back-estimated using oedometer test data and the first year of field settlement data. The results from both analyses were compared with the long-term (up to 6 years) field-monitoring data and were found to be in good agreement with the field measurements.
Keywords
Creep, Embankments, Plane strain analysis, Soft clay, Time-dependency, Viscoplasticity, Elastic viscoplastic, Field measurement, Finite elements, First year, Foundation soils, Geosynthetics, Laboratory testing, Lateral displacements, Long term performance, Material parameter, Non-linear creep, Oedometer tests, Plane strains, Pore-water pressures, Pre-fabricated vertical drains, Settlement data, Soft clays, Soft foundation, Soft soils, Two-dimensional finite element analysis, Coupled circuits, Drainage, Geologic models, Geosynthetic materials, Hydraulic structures, Soils, Two dimensional, Finite element method, consolidation, data set, embankment, field method, monitoring system, performance assessment, permeability, plane strain, porewater, prediction, soft soil, soil mechanics, soil reinforcement, time dependent behavior
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Volume
48
Issue
5
Additional Information
Cited By (since 1996):4 Export Date: 16 December 2013 Source: Scopus CODEN: CGJOA Language of Original Document: English Correspondence Address: Karim, M. R.; School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, ACT - 2600, Australia; email: rajibulkarim@yahoo.com