Finite element analysis of reinforced embankment over soft soils

• Main Author: Sri Asyiqin Dayana Mohd Sultan
• Other Authors: Teh Cee Ing
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2021
• Subjects: Engineering::Civil engineering::Geotechnical
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/150686
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report aims to study the behaviour of a reinforced embankment built over soft soils. In order to understand and analyse the significant parameters contributing to the stability of an embankment, a finite element analysis is done on 2 case studies on reinforced embankment using a layer of geotextile. Following this, parametric studies are carried out to further analyse the behaviour of an embankment when another method of embankment construction is introduced, namely the staged construction method. The results then focuses on 3 parameters: settlements, lateral displacements and excess pore water pressures. Within the different cases portraying different reinforcement construction methods, this report then analyses the contribution of the reinforcement to the stability of the embankment through the 3 parameters mentioned above. Subsoil deformations are also taken into consideration. It was observed that the use of a geotextile at the base of the embankment helps to provide restraint and minimises lateral spreading, thereby contributing to smaller deformations of the subsoil as compared to an embankment built without a geotextile. However, with the introduction of the staged construction method, the consolidation of the soils allow for higher heights of an embankment to be built but at the same time, larger deformations in the subsoil is experienced.