In Situ Pore Pressure Responses of Native Peat and Soil under Train Load: A Case Study
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 10
Abstract
Settlement and formation of piping holes on surfaces were observed along a rail embankment subject to normal traffic load. Piezometers were installed in the native peat and soil underneath the embankment inside and outside problematic area to measure the pore pressure responses during train traffic. Peculiar pore pressure responses were observed. Cyclic pore pressures were only measured during the first of the train passage, and thereafter the pressures decayed rapidly to the initial values. The pore pressure changes in the shallow peat layer were lower than those in the deep soil layer. Possible mechanisms causing such peculiar pore pressure responses, surface settlement, and piping holes were explored and identified. It was found that the stiffness contrast between the stiff, upper granular fill and the soft, native peat material could lead to a redistribution of tensile stress in the granular fill layer to the peat layer due to the moving train load. This stress redistribution promotes the propensity of vertical piping in the peat layer.
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Acknowledgments
This research investigation was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council. DST Consulting Engineers, Inc., provided staff and equipment for the drilling and installation of piezometers. CP Rail supplied data logging equipment and site supervision.
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© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 8, 2005
Accepted: Apr 26, 2006
Published online: Oct 1, 2006
Published in print: Oct 2006
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