Deformations of geosynthetic-reinforced column-supported embankments

Geosynthetics have been used in conjunction with columns to support embankments over soft soils. In this system, the geosynthetics enhance the transfer of the embankment load to the columns. As a result, total and differential settlements are reduced. Most analytical studies so far have focused on soil arching and the tension developed in the reinforcement. Very limited research has been conducted on the deformation behaviour of column-supported embankments over soft soils. However, deformations are the key to the serviceability of this system. In this study, a number of influence factors including column spacing, column size, properties of soft soil, and tensile stiffness of geosynthetics were chosen to investigate their effects on the deformations of column-supported embankments. Three-dimensional finite difference software-FLACD was used in this study. The equal-strain elastic theory was examined in terms of the accuracy for estimating the maximum settlement at the base of the embankment.