Geosynthetics Supporting Embankments Over Voids

Abstract

Geosynthetics can be used to support road embankments over voids. This report briefly summarizes a mathematical model developed to design such a system and presents the results of a series of field tests performed to verify the mathematical model. The theoretical model is easy to use, but it involves an iterative solution, so it is best suited to computer solution. Use of the mathematical model indicates that voids on the order of 3 m or more can be supported on commercially available geosynthetics. The field tests had voids up to 1.8 m wide. Performance of the embankment surface under traffic loading was basically the same over the voids and between the voids, indicating that paving the surface may be a viable option.