Field Performance of Embankment over Soft Soil

Abstract

The design, construction, and performance of an approach embankment constructed on soft soil is reviewed. Due to the poor subsoil conditions, the design included a combination of surcharge fills, stage construction, installation of vertical drains, and a horizontal fabric layer. Predictions of the behavior of such combined systems are extremely difficult. Field measurements of movements of and within the subsoil are thus necessary and can correct soil parameters from laboratory tests and improve existing calculation models. To investigate the behavior of the embankment during construction field measurements of horizontal and vertical movements with a combined settlement‐inclinometer tube were undertaken. During and after the field tests FE‐analyses were performed using the developed soil data. The analyses show that early measurements of movements can assist in correcting laboratory data. Thus changes in stage construction and in the design of vertical drains during the construction procedure are possible. Due to the chosen construction procedure a more economical design of a pile foundation against horizontal forces induced by the abutment fill could be used.