Geosynthetic Reinforced Embankment Design on Piles for Transportation Infrastructures: A European Code Comparison

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student of geotechnical Eng., Faculty of Civil Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, I. R. Iran.

2 Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, I. R. Iran.

Abstract

Construction of embankments on soft soil is considered as one of the common challenging topics in the field of geotechnical engineering and transportation infrastructure. These challenges arise from unfavorable ground conditions, such as high compressibility, significant settlement, and low strength of the subsoil. Therefore, the use of innovative methods in the construction of embankments using geosynthetic layers and piles is increasingly gaining attention as a technical and economical option. This paper examines the reinforcement mechanism in the performance of embankments reinforced with geosynthetics and supported by piles in soft soils. The key areas of focus in this study include the performance of geosynthetic reinforcements (such as geogrids or geocells), the role of platform layers, and a comparison of design methods in the guidelines of the United Kingdom (BS8006), Germany (EBGEO), and the Netherlands (CUR226). In addition, the results of nine field studies are also considered in this research. The findings indicate that for calculating the effectiveness of the BS8006 method, the results are closer to the measured field values. Furthermore, for stress concentration ratios, differential settlements, and maximum tensile forces in geosynthetics, the values calculated using the CUR226 method are closer to the measured field values. Finally, based on the obtained results, recommendations for advancing future studies are presented.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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History

  • Receive Date: 30 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 January 2025

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