Performance Evaluation of Recycled-Plastic-Pin-Supported Embankment over Soft Soil

Abstract

This paper investigates the efficacy of recycled-plastic pins (RPPs) for controlling the ground settlement of soft foundation soil. Two field test sections (6×7.5 m) were constructed over soft soil; one was left unreinforced to use it as a control section, and the other section was reinforced with RPPs. A load transfer platform (LTP), composed of recycled crushed concrete aggregate (RCCA), sandwiched between two geogrid layers, was placed above the RPPs for transferring the load from the embankment onto the RPPs. Vertical pressures, settlements, and pore water pressures were monitored. After 260 days, a maximum settlement of 52 mm was observed for the control section, whereas for the reinforced section, it was 23 mm. Excess pore pressure dissipated faster in the control section. The measured data indicated that the RPPs supported a significant percentage of the embankment load. The in-situ measurements have proven the effectiveness of RPPs in combination with LTP in reducing settlement. The present method can be applied for any embankment construction over soft soil, bridge approaches, and widening of a highway where the foundation soil is unsuitable for regular construction.