Abstract
During the construction of urban roads and infrastructure, factors such as groundwater, soil subsidence, and underground erosion can lead to the formation of cavities. Using geosynthetics to reinforce embankments over these cavities has demonstrated technical and economic efficiency while reducing construction time. Previous studies have explored stress transfer processes, including the arching effect within embankments, the membrane effect of geosynthetics, and settlement of the embankment and ground. However, these studies have been limited in their examination of cavity-opening processes. This paper uses the finite element method to analyze load transfer in geosynthetic-reinforced embankments over cavities, considering cavity opening processes and the effect of cyclic loading. The numerical model is built based on the experimental work of Villard and Briançon (Can Geotech J 45: 196–209, 2008). The numerical results are validated against experimental results, confirming the reliability of the numerical modeling. The results also show that the gradual expansion of the cavities leads to an increase in surface deformation, geosynthetic deflection, and the formation of a conical stress distribution pattern. Increasing the number of cyclic loads induces a reduction in stress transfer within the embankment while increasing surface settlement and geosynthetic deflection. Additionally, a mathematical equation for the distribution of stress acting on the geosynthetic is proposed to enhance the accuracy of previous analytical methods.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data Availability
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Abbreviations
- 2D:
-
Two-dimensional
- c:
-
Cohesion (kN/m2)
- B:
-
Cavity width (m)
- D:
-
Downward opening
- DEM:
-
Discrete element method
- E:
-
Efficacy of load transfer (%)
- E’:
-
Young’s modulus (kN/m2)
- FEM:
-
Finite element method
- GSY:
-
Geosynthetic reinforcement
- H:
-
Embankment height (m)
- J:
-
Geosynthetic stiffness (kN/m)
- L:
-
Length of foundation soil (m)
- LL :
-
Length of left side of cavity (m)
- LR :
-
Length of right side of cavity (m)
- N:
-
Number of load cycle
- P:
-
Progressive opening
- q:
-
Top load (kPa)
- Q:
-
Load applied on the geosynthetic situated above cavity (kPa)
- φ :
-
Friction angle (°)
- ψ:
-
Dilatancy angle of filling soil (°)
- ν:
-
Poisson ratio
- γ:
-
Unit weight (kN/m3)
References
Achmus M, Kuo YS, Abdel-Rahman K (2009) Behavior of monopile foundations under cyclic lateral load. Comput Geotech 36:725–735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2008.12.003
Agaiby S, Jones C (1996) Design of reinforced fill systems to support footings overlying cavities. Geotext Geomembr 14:57–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-1144(96)00005-2
Benmebarek S, Berrabah F, Benmebarek N (2015) Effect of geosynthetic reinforced embankment on locally weak zones by numerical approach. Comput Geotech 65:126–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2014.12.004
Blivet J, Gourc J, Villard P, Giraud H, Khay M, Morbois A (2002) Design method for geosynthetic as reinforcement for embankment subjected to localized subsidence. In: proceedings of the seventh international conference on geosynthetics, Nice, France, September 2002, pp 163–171
Bonaparte R, Berg RR (1987) The use of geosynthetics to support roadways over sinkhole prone areas. In: proceedings of the second multidisciplinary conference on sinkholes and the environmental impacts of karst, Orlando, FL, February 1987, pp 437–445
Brahmi S, Fehdi C, Hadji R, Brahmi S, Amor H, Hamed Y (2023) Karst-induced sinkhole detection using a tomography imaging survey, case of Setifian high plain, NE Algeria. Geotech Geol Eng 41:1234–1246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02384-x
Briançon L, Villard P (2008) Design of geosynthetic-reinforced platforms spanning localized sinkholes. Geotext Geomembr 26:416–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2007.12.005
British Standards Institution (2010) Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills. BS 8006:2010. British Standards Institution, London. ISBN 978-0-580-53842-1
Chalak C, Briançon L, Villard P (2019) Coupled numerical and experimental analyses of load transfer mechanisms in granular-reinforced platform overlying cavities. Geotext Geomembr 47:413–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.04.003
da Silva B, Elshafie MZEB (2021a) Geosynthetic-reinforced soils above voids: observation of soil and geosynthetic deformation mechanisms. Geotext Geomembr 49:1–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2020.02.013
da Silva B, Elshafie MZEB (2021b) Geosynthetic-reinforced soils above voids: observation and prediction of soil arching. Geotext Geomembr 49:579–592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2020.11.005
El Ganainy H, Demirkan M, Gutierrez J, Ramanathan R, Hatipoglu B, Adib M, Barton D (2016) Stability of solution cavities in urban developments: a case study towards enhancing geohazard risk assessment. Geotech Geol Eng 34:85–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-015-9933-1
Gabr MA, Hunter TJ (1994) Stress-strain analysis of geogrid-supported liners over subsurface cavities. Geotech Geol Eng 12:65–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00429767
German Geotechnical Society (2010) Recommendations for design and analysis of earth structures using geosynthetic reinforcements (EBGEO). 2nd edn. Ernst & Sohn, Berlin. ISBN 978-3-433-02950-3
Giroud JP (1981) Designing with geotextiles. Materiaux et Constructions 14:257–272
Giroud JP, Bonaparte R, Beech JF, Gross BA (1990) Design of soil layer-geosynthetic systems overlying voids. Geotext Geomembr 9:11–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-1144(90)90004-V
Giroud JP, Bonaparte R, Beech JF, Gross BA (1988) Load carrying capacity of a soil layer supported by a geosynthetic overlying a void. In: proceedings of the international geotechnical symposium on theory and practice of earth reinforcement, Fukuoka/Kyushu, Japan, October 1988, pp 185–190
Girout R, Blanc M, Dias D, Thorel L (2014) Numerical analysis of a geosynthetic-reinforced piled load transfer platform-validation on centrifuge test. Geotext Geomembr 42:525–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2014.07.012
Gutiérrez F, Johnson KS, Cooper AH (2008) Evaporite karst processes, landforms and environmental problems. Environ Geol 53:935–1105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-0715-9
Han G, Gong Q, Zhou S (2015) Soil arching in a piled embankment under dynamic load. Int J Geomech 15:04014094. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000443
Han G, Gong Q, Zhou S (2011) Mechanical analysis of soil arching under dynamic loads. In: proceedings of the 2011 Pan-Am CGS geotechnical conference, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2–6 October 2011
Hewlett WJ, Randolph MF (1988) Analysis of piled embankment. Ground Eng 21:12–18
Houda M, Jenck O, Emeriault F (2016) Physical evidence of the effect of vertical cyclic loading on soil improvement by rigid piles: a small-scale laboratory experiment using digital image correlation. Acta Geotech 11:325–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-014-0350-z
Houda M, Emeriault F, Jenck O (2019) Rigid pile improvement under vertical cyclic loading: 1 g laboratory small scale modelling. Int J Phys Model Geotech 19:89–103. https://doi.org/10.1680/jphmg.16.00040
Huckert A, Briançon L, Villard P, Garcin P (2016) Load transfer mechanisms in geotextile-reinforced embankments overlying voids: experimental and analytical approaches. Geotext Geomembr 44:442–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2015.06.005
Jaky J (1944) The coefficient of earth pressure at rest. J Soc Hung Archit Eng 3:355–358
Kou YS, Achmus M, Abdel-Rahman K (2012) Minimum embedded length of cyclic horizontally loaded monopiles. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 138:357–363. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000602
Kwon S, Yoo M (2020) Study on the dynamic soil-pile-structure interactive behavior in liquefiable sand by 3D numerical simulation. Appl Sci 10:82723. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082723
Pham AT, Dias D (2021a) 3D numerical study of the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments. Soils Found 61:1319–1342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2021.07.002
Pham VH, Dias D (2021b) 3D Numerical modeling of rigid inclusion-improved soft soils under monotonic and cyclic loading case of a small-scale laboratory experiment. Appl Sci 11:1426. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041426
Pham MT, Briançon L, Dias D, Abdelouhab A (2018a) Investigation of load transfer mechanisms in granular platforms reinforced by geosynthetics above cavities. Geotext Geomembr 46:611–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2018.04.015
Pham VH, Dias D, Dudchenko A (2018b) 3D modeling of geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankment under cyclic loading. Geosynth Int 27:157–169. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.18.00039
Pham MT, Vo DN, Nguyen DT, Do NA (2022) Numerical analysis of load transfer mechanisms within embankment reinforced by geosynthetic above cavity. Transp Infrastruct Geotech. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-021-00220-4
Pham MT (2019) Granular platform reinforced by geosynthetics above cavities-laboratory experiments and numerical modeling of load transfer mechanisms. PhD Dissertation, University of Grenoble Alpes, France.
PLAXIS (2020) PLAXIS 2-D Manuals. ISBN-13: 978-90-76016-20-7, Netherlands
Potts VJ, Zdravkovic L (2010) Finite-element study of arching behaviour in reinforced fills. Proc Institut Civil Eng Ground Improv 163:217–229
Rui R, Ye Y, Han J, Zhai Y, Wan Y, Chen C, Zhang L (2022) Two-dimensional soil arching evolution in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments over voids. Geotext Geomembr 50(1):82–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2021.09.003
Serridge CJ, Cooper AH (2023) Natural and anthropogenic halite karst subsidence in north Cheshire UK; comparison of Rostherne Mere, Melchett Mere, Tatton Mere and their surroundings. Q J Eng Geol Hydrogeol. https://doi.org/10.1144/qjegh2022-081
Singh K, Dhar B (1997) Sinkhole subsidence due to mining. Geotech Geol Eng 15:327–341. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018471911108
Terzaghi K (1943) Theoretical soil mechanics. John Wiley Sons, Inc., New Jersey
Van Dyk C, Jacobsz SW (2016) The behaviour of a reinforced soil mattress spanning a cavity modelled in a geotechnical centrifuge. Geotech Geol Eng 34:1345–1358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-016-0046-2
Villard P, Briançon L (2008) Design of geosynthetic reinforcements for platforms subjected to localized sinkholes. Can Geotech J 45:196–209. https://doi.org/10.1139/T07-083
Villard P, Gourc JP, Giraud H (2000) A geosynthetic reinforcement solution to prevent the formation of localized sinkholes. Can Geotech J 37:987–999. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-37-5-987
Villard P, Huckert A, Briançon L (2016) Load transfer mechanisms in geotextile-reinforced embankments overlying voids: numerical approach and design. Geotext Geomembr 44:381–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2016.01.007
Vo DN, Pham MT, Le VA, To VN (2022) Load transfer acting in basal reinforced piled embankments: a numerical approach. Transp Infrastruct Geotech. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-022-00271-1
Wang MC, Feng YX, Jao M (1996) Stability of geosynthetic-reinforced soil above a cavity. Geotext Geomembr 14:95–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-1144(96)84939-9
Wang ZL, Ma F (2007) A Simple Soil Model for Complex Loadings. In: Computational Mechanics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-75999-7_90
Zhuang Y, Li S (2015) Three-dimensional finite element analysis of arching in a piled embankment under traffic loading. Arab J Geosci 8:7751–7762. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1748-5
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), VNU-HCM for the support of time and facilities for this study.
Funding
The authors have not disclosed any funding.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
MTP: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Writing—original draft. DDN: Conceptualization, Investigation. TDN: Investigation, Editing. VHP: Methodology, Writing—review & editing, Conceptualization and General Supervision All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors state that there are no conflicting interests that could inappropriately bias this work, and the authors still declare their interest in the development of this research.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Pham, MT., Nguyen, DD., Nguyen, TD. et al. Numerical Investigation of Load Transfer in Geosynthetic-Reinforced Embankments Over Cavities: Effects of Opening Process and Cyclic Loading. Geotech Geol Eng (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-024-02927-w
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-024-02927-w