Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Load transfer and performance evaluation of piled beam-supported embankments

  • Research Paper
  • Published:
Acta Geotechnica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A ground modification technique with rigid columns and ground beams for supporting an embankment over multilayered soft soils is introduced and investigated. A fully coupled three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to examine the effect of beam inclusion into a piled embankment system. After validating the numerical model against field measurements, the time-dependent behavior of the innovative support system was further investigated with an isolated pile-supported embankment used as a control. A three-dimensional soil arch model is proposed for piles arranged in a square pattern with beam reinforcement. The kinematics of soil arching under staged construction of embankments and subsoil consolidation illustrates that the height of the outer boundary is generally lower with ground beams, suggesting that soil arching can be more easily mobilized in this configuration than in individual pile-supported embankments. When the tops of adjacent piles are connected with ground beams, load transfer to piles becomes more efficient, preventing the arch failure at the crown and punching shear failure at pile heads. Wider pile spacing leads to an increase in size and critical height of soil arches, while the fill over tops of beams may undergo larger plastic deformation. The inclusion of beams substantially reduces post-construction settlement and accelerates the dissipation of excess pore water pressure within soft soils. Performance of piled beam-supported embankment (PBSE) was ultimately evaluated by using two efficient comparison models. Under the same area replacement ratio conditions, PBSE significantly outperforms a geosynthetic-reinforced piled embankment with pile caps. Although PBSE is little less efficient than an embankment supported by slab–pile structure, the construction cost is substantially higher for the latter. A wider application of PBSE to high-speed rails is promising but it needs to be assessed against more field evidence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability statements

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  1. Bhasi A, Rajagopal K (2015) Geosynthetic-reinforced piled embankments: comparison of numerical and analytical methods. Int J Geomech 15:04014074. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Briançon L, Simon B (2012) Performance of pile-supported embankment over soft soil: full-scale experiment. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 138:551–561. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Brinkgreve RBJ, Swolfs WM, Engine E (2002) Plaxis users manual. Balkema, Rotterdam (The Neetherlands)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brzezinski K, Michalowski RL (2021) Diffused arching in embankments supported by non-compliant columns with capping beams. Comput Geotech 132:104031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2021.104031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. British Standards Institution (2010) BS8006. Code Pract Strengthened/Reinforced Soils Other Fill London, UK Br Stand Inst

  6. BS8006 BSI (2010) Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fills. British Standards Institution, London

    Google Scholar 

  7. Budhu M (2010) Soil mechanics and foundations, 3rd edn. Wiley, Hoboken

    Google Scholar 

  8. Buyukozturk O, Tassoulas J (1979) Constitutive model for concrete in compression. Desalination 11:433–436

    Google Scholar 

  9. Chai JC, Shrestha S, Hino T et al (2015) 2D and 3D analyses of an embankment on clay improved by soil-cement columns. Comput Geotech 68:28–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2015.03.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Chen J, Yu S (2011) Centrifugal and numerical modeling of a reinforced lime-stabilized soil embankment on soft clay with wick drains. Int J Geomech 11:167–173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Dang C, Dang L, Khabbaz H, Sheng D (2021) Numerical study on deformation characteristics of fibre reinforced load transfer platform and columns supported embankments. Can Geotech J 58:328–350. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2019-0401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Dias D, Grippon J (2017) Numerical modelling of a pile-supported embankment using variable inertia piles. Struct Eng Mech 61:245–253. https://doi.org/10.12989/sem.2017.61.2.245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Dong P, Qin R, Chen Z (2004) Bearing capacity and settlement of concrete-cored DCM pile in soft ground. Geotech Geol Eng 22:105. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:GEGE.0000013994.73567.cc

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. EBGEO GS (2011) Recommendations for design and analysis of earth structures using geosynthetic reinforcements. German Geotechnical Society, Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  15. Fonseca ECA, Palmeira EM (2019) Evaluation of the accuracy of design methods for geosynthetic-reinforced piled embankments. Can Geotech J 56:761–773. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2018-0071

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Ghosh B, Fatahi B, Khabbaz H et al (2020) Geotextiles and Geomembranes Field study and numerical modelling for a road embankment built on soft soil improved with concrete injected columns and geosynthetics reinforced platform. Geotext Geomembr. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2020.12.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Girgin ZC (2015) A modified failure criterion to predict ultimate strength of circular columns modified failure criterion to predict ultimate strength. ACI Struct J 106:800

    Google Scholar 

  18. Han J, Bhandari A, Wang F (2012) DEM analysis of stresses and deformations of geogrid-reinforced embankments over piles. Int J Geomech 12:340–350. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000050

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Hewlett W, Randolph M (1988) Analysis of piled embankments. Gr Eng 21:12–18

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hong WP, Lee JH, Lee KW (2007) Load transfer by soil arching in pile-supported embankments. Soils Found 47:833–843. https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.47.833

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Hong WP, Hong S, Song JS (2011) Load transfer by punching shear in pile-supported embankments on soft grounds. Mar Georesour Geotechnol 29:279–298. https://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2011.555706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Hong WP, Lee J, Hong S (2014) Full-scale tests on embankments founded on piled beams. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 140:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Huang J, Han J (2009) 3D coupled mechanical and hydraulic modeling of a geosynthetic-reinforced deep mixed column-supported embankment. Geotext Geomembr 27:272–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2009.01.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Indraratna B, Redana IW (1998) Laboratory determination of smear zone due to vertical drain installation. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 124:180–184. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(1998)124:2(180)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Ishikura R, Yasufuku N, Brown MJ (2016) An estimation method for predicting final consolidation settlement of ground improved by floating soil cement columns. Soils Found 56:213–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2016.02.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Jiang Y, Han J, Zheng G (2014) Numerical analysis of a pile–slab-supported railway embankment. Acta Geotech 9:499–511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-013-0285-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Karam G, Tabbara M (2009) Hoek—brown strength criterion for actively. J Mater 21:110–118. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2009)21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. King L, Bouazza A, Dubsky S et al (2019) Kinematics of soil arching in piled embankments. Geotechnique 69:941–958. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.18.P.104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Lee T, van Eekelen SJM, Jung Y-H (2021) Numerical verification of the Concentric Arches model for geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments: applicability and limitations. Can Geotech J 58:441–454. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2019-0625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Li G, Andrew CA, Hou Y et al (2019) Effect of Open-Ended PHC Pile Installation during Embankment Widening on the Surrounding Soil. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 145:5018006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Liu HL, Ng CWW, Fei K (2007) Performance of a geogrid-reinforced and pile-supported highway embankment over soft clay: case study. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 133:1483–1493. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2007)133:12(1483)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Liu HL, Chu J, Deng A (2009) Use of large-diameter, cast–in situ concrete pipe piles for embankment over soft clay. Can Geotech J 46:915–927. https://doi.org/10.1139/T09-032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Liu S-Y, Du Y-J, Yi Y-L, Puppala AJ (2012) Field investigations on performance of t-shaped deep mixed soil cement column-supported embankments over soft ground. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 138:718–727. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Liu HL, Kong GQ, Ding XM, Chen YM (2013) Performances of large-diameter cast-in-place concrete pipe piles and pile groups under lateral loads. J Perform Constr Facil 27:191–202. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Ma H, Luo Q, Wang T et al (2020) Numerical stability analysis of piled embankments reinforced with ground beams. Transp Geotech 26:100427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2020.100427

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Meena NK, Nimbalkar S, Fatahi B, Yang G (2020) Effects of soil arching on behavior of pile-supported railway embankment: 2D FEM approach. Comput Geotech 123:103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103601

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Naughton P (2007) The significance of critical height in the design of piled embankments. In: Geo-Denver 2007. ASCE. 10.1061/40916(235)3

  38. NGG (2002) Nordic handbook—reinforced soils and fill. Nordic Geotechnical Society, Stockholm, Sweden

    Google Scholar 

  39. Nunez MA, Briançon L, Dias D (2013) Analyses of a pile-supported embankment over soft clay: full-scale experiment, analytical and numerical approaches. Eng Geol 153:53–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Pham HV, Dias D (2019) 3D numerical modeling of a piled embankment under cyclic loading. Int J Geomech 19:04019010. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0001354

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Potts V, Zdravkovic L (2010) Finite-element study of arching behaviour in reinforced fills. Proc Inst Civ Eng Gr Improv 163:217–229. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.2010.163.4.217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Raithel M, Kirchner A, Kempfert HG (2008) German recommendations for reinforced embankments on pile-similar elements. In: Geosynthetics in civil and environmental engineering. Springer, pp 697–702

  43. RILEM (1985) Determination of the fracture energy of mortar and concrete by means of three-point bend tests on notched beams. Mater Struct 18:287–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472918

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Rots JG (1988) Computational modeling of concrete fracture. Delft University of Technology, Delft

    Google Scholar 

  45. Rowe RK, Liu K (2015) Three-dimensional finite element modelling of a full-scale geosynthetic-reinforced, pile-supported embankment. Can Geotech J 2054:2041–2054. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2014-0506

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Schädlich B, Schweiger H (2014) A new constitutive model for shotcrete. In: 8th European Conference on Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering. Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering. 2014;103–108

  47. Schaefer VR, Berg RR, Collin JG, et al (2017) Ground modification methods—reference manual—volume II. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC, USA

  48. Schütz R, Potts DM, Zdravkovic L (2011) Advanced constitutive modelling of shotcrete: model formulation and calibration. Comput Geotech 38:834–845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2011.05.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Tavenas F, Jean P, Leblond P, Leroueil S (1983) The permeability of natural soft clays. Part II: permeability characteristics. Can Geotech J 20:645–660. https://doi.org/10.1139/t83-073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Taylor DW (1948) Fundamentals of soil mechanics. Chapman and Hall, Limited, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  51. van Eekelen SJM, Bezuijen A, van Tol AF (2013) An analytical model for arching in piled embankments. Geotext Geomembr 39:78–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2013.07.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Wang A, Zhang D (2020) Lateral response and failure mechanisms of rigid piles in soft soils under geosynthetic-reinforced embankment. Int J Civ Eng 18:169–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Wang C, Xu Y, Dong P (2014) Working characteristics of concrete-cored deep cement mixing piles under embankments. J Zhejiang Univ Sci A 15:419–431. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A1400009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Wang HL, Chen RP, Cheng W et al (2019) Full-scale model study on variations of soil stress in geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported track bed with water level change and cyclic loading. Can Geotech J 56:60–68. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2017-0689

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Wijerathna M, Liyanapathirana DS (2020) Load transfer mechanism in geosynthetic reinforced column-supported embankments. Geosynth Int 27:236–248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Wu JT, Ye X, Li J, Li GW (2019) Field and numerical studies on the performance of high embankment built on soft soil reinforced with PHC piles. Comput Geotech 107:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.11.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Yapage NNS, Liyanapathirana DS, Kelly RB et al (2014) Numerical modeling of an embankment over soft ground improved with deep cement mixed columns: case history. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 140:04014062. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0001165

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Yapage N, Liyanapathirana D, Poulos H et al (2015) Numerical modeling of geotextile-reinforced embankments over deep cement mixed columns incorporating strain-softening behavior of columns. Int J Geomech 15:04014047. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Ye X, Wu J, Li G (2020) Time-dependent field performance of PHC Pile-cap-beam-supported embankment over soft marine clay. Transp Geotech 26:100435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2020.100435

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Ye GB, Wang M, Zhang Z et al (2020) Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with caps in a triangular pattern over soft clay. Geotext Geomembr 48:52–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.103504

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Yi Y, Liu S, Puppala AJ (2016) Laboratory modelling of T-shaped soil–cement column for soft ground treatment under embankment. Géotechnique 66:85–89. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.15.P.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Yu X, Zheng G, Zhou H, Chai J (2021) Influence of geosynthetic reinforcement on the progressive failure of rigid columns under an embankment load. Acta Geotech 16:3005–3012. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-021-01160-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Zhang D, Zhang Y, Kim CW et al (2018) Effectiveness of CFG pile-slab structure on soft soil for supporting high-speed railway embankment. Soils Found 58:1458–1475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2018.08.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Zheng G, Jiang Y, Han J, Liu Y (2011) Performance of cement-fly ash-gravel pile-supported high-speed railway embankments over soft marine clay. Mar Georesour Geotechnol 29:145–161. https://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2010.532700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Zheng G, Yu X, Zhou H et al (2020) Stability analysis of stone column-supported and geosynthetic-reinforced embankments on soft ground. Geotext Geomembr 48:349–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.12.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Zhuang Y, Wang K (2016) Finite-element analysis on the effect of subsoil in reinforced piled embankments and comparison with theoretical method predictions. Int J Geomech 16:04016011. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000628

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Zhuang Y, Wang K (2018) Finite element analysis on the dynamic behavior of soil arching effect in piled embankment. Transp Geotech 14:8–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2017.09.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Zhuang Y, Ellis EA, Yu HS (2010) Plane strain FE analysis of arching in a piled embankment. Proc Inst Civ Eng Gr Improv 163:207–215. https://doi.org/10.1680/grim.2010.163.4.207

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Nos. 41901073 and 52078435], Sichuan Science and Technology Program [Grant No. 2021YJ0001], and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rail Infrastructure Durability and System Safety [Grant No. R202003].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MOE Key Laboratory of High-Speed Railway Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China

    Tengfei Wang, Kaiwen Liu, Qiang Luo & Shiguo Xiao

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China

    Tengfei Wang, Hongfei Ma, Kaiwen Liu, Qiang Luo & Shiguo Xiao

Authors
  1. Tengfei Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hongfei Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kaiwen Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Qiang Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shiguo Xiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qiang Luo.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wang, T., Ma, H., Liu, K. et al. Load transfer and performance evaluation of piled beam-supported embankments. Acta Geotech. 17, 4145–4171 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-022-01519-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-022-01519-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation