A simplified method for assessing the serviceability performance of geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported embankment

• Published in: Geotextiles and geomembranes 2022-12, Vol.50 (6), p.1214-1229
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xidong, Zhuang, Yan, Hu, Shunlei, Dong, Xiaoqiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Consolidation; Consolidation of subsoil; Embankments; Geosynthetics; Ground reaction curve; Parameter estimation; Performance evaluation; Pile-supported embankment; Reinforcement; Serviceability performance; Soil testing; Stress history; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 0266-1144; 1879-3584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geotexmem.2022.08.006

A simplified method for assessing the serviceability performance of geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported embankment is presented, where the subsoil consolidation is introduced remaining compatible with the development of soil arching and the reinforcement sag. A piecewise function of the ground reaction curve is developed and used to quantify the arching efficiency. The link between the arching evolution and the subsoil consolidation is then established through the load-carrying equilibrium in the area between piles together with the tensile membrane theory. The reaction of the subsoil is described using the 1-D consolidation theory where the stress history is considered. A parametric study is performed to demonstrate the serviceability performance of a geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported embankment. The serviceability design of the geosynthetic reinforced and pile-supported embankment is achieved with the proposed method which offers an approach to estimate the time consumed and the subsoil settlement required to achieve a service state. •A simple method is proposed for assessing the serviceability performance of the GRPS embankment.•The evolution of soil arching remains compatible with the development of subsoil settlement and reinforcement sag.•A piecewise function of GRC is newly defined and adopted in the method to quantify arching efficiency.•The parametric study was performed and the serviceability performance of a GRPS embankment is assessed.•The method is capable of determining the time consumed and the subsoil settlement required to achieve a service state.