Two-dimensional experimental and analytical study of reinforcement behavior in piled embankments

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

2 Geotechnical Researcher, Deltares, 1 Boussinesqweg, Delft MH 2600, Netherlands

Abstract

One of the methods to improve soft soil is to use embankments along with geosynthetic reinforcement on piles. This embankment system is called piled embankment. The objective of designing this system was to transfer higher load to piles through embankment and reinforcement. Due to the phenomenon of soil arching in the embankment, part of the surcharge load (A) was directly transferred to the piles, reducing the remaining surcharge load (B) applied to the reinforcement between the piles. One of the objectives of piled embankment design regulations is that the reinforcement with less settlement can transfer a higher load to the piles. In this article, 2D tests were first performed using rigid steel rods as embankments with 2D behavior. Then, analytical calculations were performed for the deflection of the reinforcement after the tests. The test device was designed and made in such a way that can measure the values of A and B separately. Studies on the variables of the embankment height and the number of reinforcing strands showed that by increasing the height of the embankment by 4 times due to the formation of a more stable arch and the distributed load accumulation near the piles, the reinforcement can transfer higher load up to 3.7 times to the piles with a fixed settlement. While by tripling the number of reinforcing strands, for a fixed settlement of the reinforcement, it can increase the maximum load transferred to the piles by 1.78 times.

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References

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 56, Issue 1
2024
Pages 23-50

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