Numerical analysis of low height piled embankments

A parametric variation using Plaxis 2D showed that the ratio of embankment height to clear spacing between adjacent pile caps and geogrid stiffness were key parameters in the design of low height piled embankments. Increased geogrid stiffness was found to reduce both the geogrid and embankment surface deformations. Geogrid deformations were reciprocated at the embankment surface when the embankment height to clear spacing between pile caps was less than unity. Geogrid tension was not uniform and generally increased with distance from the embankment centre line to the crest of the embankment, before reducing to zero at the embankment toe. Geogrid tension increased with embankment height, with peaks in tension observed at the edge of pile caps; magnitudes 2 - 3 times the mean tension in the geogrid. The geogrid strain was dependent on the geogrid stiffness, with stiffness greater than 5000kN/m resulting in geogrid strain less than 0.5%.