Evaluating the Behavior of a Column-Supported Embankment Founded on Soft Ground

Increased traffic volume has made it necessary to increase highway capacities by widening embankments and pavements. Differential settlement may develop between and within the new and existing portions of the embankment, especially over soft soils. A multi-column composite foundation is used a benefit concept utilizing different column types with varying lengths and diameters to support the embankment fill, to mobilize the strength, and stiffness of the soil at shallow depths. This study presents the results of finite element analyses using PLAXIS code to investigate the consolidation behavior of a road embankment constructed on a multi-column composite foundation. Two-dimensional finite element software was used after the calibration of the model against a field case study and numerical analyses were conducted to investigate the deformations of the widened embankments over soft soil with or without the remediation of foundation columns. The settlement and differential settlement are presented and discussed in detail.