DESIGN OF REINFORCED EMBANKMENTS
Abstract
A study was made of reinforced embankments constructed on undrained soft foundations using the finite element (FE) method with a cap elastic-plastic work hardening soil behavior model. A straightforward procedure was developed to obtain the cap input parameters from standard soil test results. The FE analyses showed that crust strength and foundation compressibility have the greatest influence on the benefit possible with reinforcement. The reinforcement's main effect is to reduce shear stresses in the foundation near the embankment toe. Reinforcement is very beneficial for widening and raising the grade of existing embankments. Underlying assumptions of modified limiting equilibrium methods were examined. The assumption of no change in normal stress on the portion of the slip surface passing through the fill due to reinforcement appears to be valid. In addition, a thorough summary of reinforced embankment case histories was presented and evaluated.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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