Centrifuge modeling of a geogrid-reinforced embankment with lime-stabilized soil as backfill on soft soil

A centrifugal model test was performed to investigate the behavior of a geogrid-reinforced embankment on a 20 m thick soft silty clay subsoil. The lime-stabilized soil embankment was 4 m high, 26 m wide with slopes of 1:1.5 and included sand wick drains. Displacements, earth pressures and pore water pressures were measured during the test. Test results showed settlement on the front face of the foundation was approximately 90% of that measured by displacement sensors; the elastic displacement was approximately 11% of the total displacement; and the reinforced embankment remained serviceable despite a 300 mm wide crack on the embankment surface and up to 1.73 m settlement at the centerline of the embankment.