Comparison between responses of reinforced and unreinforced embankments due to road widening

Abstract

The objective of this work is to compare the responses of geosynthetically-reinforced embankment and unreinforced embankment due to road widening by using the centrifuge model tests and a two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) model. The measured and calculated responses of the embankment and foundation exposed to road widening include the settlement, horizontal displacement, pore water pressure, and shear stresses. It is found that the road widening changed the transverse slope of the original pavement surface resulting from the nonuniform settlements. The maximum horizontal movement is found to be located at the shoulder of the original embankment. Although the difference is small, it is clearly seen that the geosynthetic reinforcement reduces the nonuniform settlements and horizontal movements due to road widening. Thus the reinforcement reduces the potential of pavement cracking and increases the stability of the embankment on soft ground in road widening.

Keywords

reinforcement / centrifuge model test / finite element model / embankment / road widening

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