Load Transfer in Geosynthetic-Reinforced Piled Embankments with a Triangular Arrangement of Piles
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 2
Abstract
A geosynthetic-reinforced piled embankment situated along a newly constructed high-speed rail line was fully instrumented and monitored to explore soil arching in an equilateral-triangular arrangement of piles with circular cap configuration. During construction, the settlement and vertical stress on the pile caps and subsurface at ground level and the tensile strain in the geogrid were recorded. A modified analytical arching model is derived from the established concentric arches (CA) model to elucidate the load transfer mechanism, specifically for a triangular array of piles. The general framework assumes that the embankment load, not resting on the subsurface beneath the arches, is transferred outward along the arches and distributed uniformly over the improved ground. Compared to the conventional CA model, the proposed model gives a lower proportion of load carried by piles, more in line with field measurements. Given the friction and adhesion between soil and geosynthetics, a novel quartic equation is applied to characterize the tensioned membrane effect of geosynthetic reinforcement based on Pham’s circular and parabolic models. The stiffness variation of the biaxial geogrid was critically assessed for the triangular pile arrangement, and its implications for the design were revealed. Finally, the pile efficacy and critical arch height were determined from different analytical methods and checked against field observations, demonstrating the potential of the proposed model.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and codes generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants Nos. 41901073 and 52078435), and the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2021YJ0001).
References
Britton, E., and P. Naughton. 2012. An experimental investigation of arching in piled embankments and embankments overlying voids. Edinburgh, Scotland: EroGeo4.
BSI (British Standard Institution). 2010. Code of practice for strengthened/reinforced soils and other fill. BS8006. London: BSI.
Carlsson, B. 1987. Reinforced soil, principles for calculation. [In Swedish.] Linköping, Sweden: Terratema AB.
Chen, R., Y. Chen, J. Han, and Z. Xu. 2008. “A theoretical solution for pile-supported embankments on soft soils under one-dimensional compression.” Can. Geotech. J. 45 (5): 611–623. https://doi.org/10.1139/T08-003.
Chen, R., Z. Xu, Y. Chen, D. Ling, and B. Zhu. 2010. “Field tests on pile-supported embankments over soft ground.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 136 (6): 777–785. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000295.
Chen, Y., N. Jia, and R. Chen. 2004. “Soil arch analysis of pile-supported embankments.” Zhongguo Gonglu Xuebao/China J. Highway Transp. 17 (4): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.19721/j.cnki.1001-7372.2004.04.001.
Dong, Y., J. Han, and X. Bai. 2011. “Numerical analysis of tensile behavior of geogrids with rectangular and triangular apertures.” Geotext. Geomembr. 29 (2): 83–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2010.10.007.
EBGEO (German Geotechnical Society). 2011. Recommendations for design and analysis of earth structures using geosynthetic reinforcements—EBGEO, 2nd ed. Munich, Germany: Ernst and Sohn.
Espinoza, R. 1994. “Soil-geotextile interaction: Evaluation of membrane support.” Geotext. Geomembr. 13 (5): 281–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-1144(94)90024-8.
Filz, G., J. Sloan, M. McGuire, J. Collin, and M. Smith. 2012. “Column-supported embankments: Settlement and load transfer.” J. Chem. Inf. Modell. 53 (9): 1689–1699. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784412138.0003.
Girout, R., M. Blanc, D. Dias, and L. Thorel. 2014. “Numerical analysis of a geosynthetic-reinforced piled load transfer platform—Validation on centrifuge test.” Geotext. Geomembr. 42 (5): 525–539. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2014.07.012.
Han, J., and M. Gabr. 2002. “Numerical analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported earth platforms over soft soil.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 128 (1): 44–53. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1090-0241(2002)128:1(44).
Hewlett, W., and M. Randolph. 1988. “Analysis of piled embankment.” Ground Eng. 21 (3): 12–18.
Huckert, A., L. Briançon, P. Villard, and P. Garcin. 2016. “Load transfer mechanisms in geotextile-reinforced embankments overlying voids: Experimental and analytical approaches.” Geotext. Geomembr. 44 (3): 442–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2015.06.005.
Jenck, O., D. Dias, and R. Kastner. 2007. “Two-dimensional physical and numerical modeling of a pile-supported earth two-dimensional physical and numerical modeling of a pile-supported earth platform over soft soil.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 133 (3): 295–305. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2007)133:3(295).
Jenck, O., D. Dias, and R. Kastner. 2009. “Three-dimensional numerical modeling of a piled embankment.” Int. J. Geomech. 9 (3): 102–112. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)1532-3641(2009)9:3(102.
Kempfert, H., C. Göbel, D. Alexiew, and C. Heitz. 2004. German recommendations for reinforced embankments on pile-similar elements. Munich, Germany: EuroGeo3.
King, D., A. Bouazza, J. Gniel, R. Rowe, and H. Bui. 2017. “Serviceability design for geosynthetic reinforced column supported embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 45 (4): 261–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2017.02.006.
Lai, H., J. Zheng, R. Zhang, and M. Cui. 2018. “Classification and characteristics of soil arching structures in pile-supported embankments.” Comput. Geotech. 98 (Feb): 153–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2018.02.007.
Lai, J., H. Liu, J. Qiu, H. Fan, Q. Zhang, Z. Hu, and J. Wang. 2016. “Stress analysis of CFG pile composite foundation in consolidating saturated mine tailings dam.” Adv. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2016: 3948754. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3948754.
Liu, H., Q. Luo, J. Xiao, X. Zhou, and Y. Li. 2020. “Tests on horizontal residual stresses of compacted clay and sand.” Yantu Gongcheng Xuebao/Chin. J. Geotech. Eng. 42 (S2): 231–237. https://doi.org/10.11779/CJGE2020S2041.
Liu, K., R. Qiu, T. Yan, B. Wu, J. Fan, F. Yue, and G. Mei. 2022. “Model test of clogging effects on composite foundation of geosynthetic-encased steel slag column.” Geotext. Geomembr. 50 (5): 858–867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2022.05.001.
McGuire, M. 2011. Critical height and surface deformation of column-supported embankments. Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ.
Momoya, Y., E. Sekine, and F. Tatsuok. 2006. “Deformation characteristics of railway roadbed and subgrade under moving-wheel load.” Jpn. Geotech. Soc. 45 (4): 99–118. https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.45.4_99.
National Railway Administration of China. 2015. Code for design of high-speed railway. TB 10621-2014. Beijing: China Railway Publishing House.
Naughton, P. 2007. “The significance of critical height in the design of piled embankments.” In Geo-Denver 2007, Soil Improvement (GSP 172), Geotechnical Special Publication 172, edited by V. R. Schaefer, G. M. Filz, P. M. Gallagher, A. L. Sehn, and K. J. Wissmann, 1–10. Reston, VA: ASCE.
People’s Republic China. 2008. Geosynthetics—Plastic geogrids. Code GB/T17689. Beijing: People’s Republic China.
Pham, T. 2020. “Load-deformation of piled embankments considering geosynthetic membrane effect and interface friction.” Geosynth. Int. 27 (3): 275–300. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.19.00030.
Pham, T., and D. Dias. 2021. “3D numerical study of the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankments.” Soils Found. 61 (5): 1319–1342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2021.07.002.
PWRC (Public Work Research Center). 2000. Manual on design and execution of reinforced soil method with use of geotextiles. 2nd ed., 248–256. Tsukuba, Japan: PWRC.
Rui, R., J. Han, S. J. M. van Eekelen, and Y. Wan. 2019. “Experimental investigation of soil-arching development in unreinforced and geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (1): 04018103. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)gt.1943-5606.0002000.
Shao, K., Q. Su, J. Liu, K. Liu, Z. Xiong, and T. Wang. 2022. “Optimization of inter-helix spacing for helical piles in sand.” J. Rock Mech. Geotech. 14 (3): 936–952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2021.11.007.
Sloan, J. 2011. “Column-supported embankments: Full-scale tests and design recommendations.” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 6 (11): 951–952.
Terzaghi, K. 1943. Theoretical soil mechanics. New York: Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1963.13.4.267.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, H. Lodder, and A. Van Tol. 2012. “Model experiments on piled embankments. Part II.” Geotext. Geomembr. 32 (Jun): 82–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2011.11.003.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, and O. Oung. 2003. “Arching in piled embankments; experiments and design calculations.” In Proc., BGA Int. Conf. on Foundations: Innovations, Observations, Design and Practice, 885–894. London, UK: Thomas Telford.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, and A. van Tol. 2011. “Analysis and modification of the British Standard BS8006 for the design of piled embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 29 (3): 345–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2011.02.001.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, and A. van Tol. 2013. “An analytical model for arching in piled embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 39 (Aug): 78–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2013.07.005.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., A. Bezuijen, and A. van Tol. 2015. “Validation of analytical models for the design of basal reinforced piled embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 43 (1): 56–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2014.10.002.
van Eekelen, S. J. M., and J. Han. 2020. “Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments: State of the art.” Geosynth. Int. 27 (2): 112–141. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.20.00005.
Wijerathna, M., and D. Liyanapathirana. 2020. “Load transfer mechanism in geosynthetic reinforced column-supported embankments.” Geosynth. Int. 27 (3): 236–248. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.19.00022.
Wu, L., G. Jiang, X. Liu, H. Xiao, and D. Sheng. 2018. “Performance of geogrid-reinforced pile-supported embankments over decomposed granite soil.” Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng. Geotech. Eng. 171 (1): 37–51. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.17.00009.
Ye, G., M. Wang, Z. Zhang, J. Han, and C. Xu. 2020. “Geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankments with caps in a triangular pattern over soft clay.” Geotext. Geomembr. 48 (1): 52–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.103504.
Zaeske, D. 2001. Zur Wirkungsweise von unbewehrten und bewehrten mineralischen Tragschichten über pfahlartigen Gründungselementen. Kassel, Germany: Univ. of Kassel.
Zhang, C., G. Jiang, X. Liu, and O. Buzzi. 2016. “Arching in geogrid-reinforced pile-supported embankments over silty clay of medium compressibility: Field data and analytical solution.” Comput. Geotech. 77 (Jul): 11–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2016.03.007.
Zhang, L., M. Zhao, Y. Hu, H. Zhao, and B. Chen. 2012. “Semi-analytical solutions for geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment.” Comput. Geotech. 44 (Jun): 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2012.04.001.
Zhuang, Y., and K. Wang. 2018. “Finite element analysis on the dynamic behavior of soil arching effect in piled embankment.” Transp. Geotech. 14 (Mar): 8–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2017.09.001.
Zhuang, Y., K. Wang, and H. Liu. 2014. “A simplified model to analyze the reinforced piled embankments.” Geotext. Geomembr. 42 (2): 154–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2014.01.002.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 2 • February 2023
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 23, 2021
Accepted: Sep 13, 2022
Published online: Dec 6, 2022
Published in print: Feb 1, 2023
Discussion open until: May 6, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Vishnu Diyaljee, Discussion of “Field Experimental and Numerical Studies on Performance of Concrete–Cored Gravel Column-Supported Embankments”, International Journal of Geomechanics, 10.1061/IJGNAI.GMENG-9395, 24, 6, (2024).
- Mengjie Liu, Kaifeng Wang, Jiayong Niu, Fang Ouyang, Static and Dynamic Load Transfer Behaviors of the Composite Foundation Reinforced by the Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Column, Sustainability, 10.3390/su15021108, 15, 2, (1108), (2023).