Reliability-based settlement analysis of embankments over soft soils reinforced with T-shaped deep cement mixing piles

Abstract

This paper presents a reliability-based settlement analysis of T-shaped deep cement mixing (TDM) pile-supported embankments over soft soils. The uncertainties of the mechanical properties of the in-situ soil, pile, and embankment, and the effect of the pile shape are considered simultaneously. The analyses are performed using Monte Carlo Simulations in combination with an adaptive Kriging (using adaptive sampling algorithm). Individual and system failure probabilities, in terms of the differential and maximum settlements (serviceability limit state (SLS) requirements), are considered. The reliability results for the embankments supported by TDM piles, with various shapes, are compared and discussed together with the results for conventional deep cement mixing pile-supported embankments with equivalent pile volumes. The influences of the inherent variabilities in the material properties (mean and coefficient of variation values) on the reliability of the piled embankments, are also investigated. This study shows that large TDM piles, particularly those with a shape factor of greater than 3, can enhance the reliability of the embankment in terms of SLS requirements, and even avoid unacceptable reliability levels caused by variability in the material properties.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

T-shaped deep cement mixing piles / piled embankments / settlement / reliability analysis / soil uncertainties

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) through grant No. NRCT5-RSA63006 and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) under Fundamental Fund 2022 (Project: Advanced Construction Towards Thailand 4.0). The authors would also like to acknowledge the financial support provided by King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) and the National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) under Contract No. KMUTNB-FF-65-38. The first author also appreciates the financial support through Postdoctoral Fellowship from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT).

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